Conversations with Tonya Floyd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Floyd.

Hi Tonya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
In 2008, I was struggling to support my two small children as a single mom. I was working for a physicians’ office at the time but knew I needed to make more to give myself and my kids a better life and working two jobs was very taxing on me.

One day, I was making my rounds around the office speaking and goofing off as I would do on a regular and from time to time massage the nurse’s and doctor’s hands and shoulders. Well, this day the doctor made a comment that I will never forget she said “TC have you ever thought about going to school for massage?

You’re so much better than the people I see at the Ritz Carlton”. And it was then that I really started to think and consider it. I researched schools and time to see if it was affordable or manageable with my full-time job and being a full-time single mom.

I found a school that I was able to afford with some loans and out-of-pocket expenses that were not going to put me in debt. And my family agreed to help with the kids so I could go to classes. Fast forwarded to my educational career, I honestly went in thinking this would be a way to earn some money on the side to help. My focus was not making a career out of it at all. But once I got there and more, I learned I completely fell in love with everything having to do with how massage affects the body. After graduating in 2009, I still had to take the state boards to even practice.

After passing the exam in 2011, I started Ladybug’s Mobile Massage in 2012. I would work full time at the physician’s office, be on-call for a 5-star spa, and do house calls when time allowed. I quickly got burnt out. Something had to change. I found a full-time job doing massage at a local franchise and continued doing house calls, but left the physicians’ office that I worked for, for 7+ years so it was bittersweet. But I felt that massage was my calling. After working for the massage franchise for a few years and doing house calls I knew I wanted to have my own practice where I could really focus on my niche of pain and stress management.

In 2017, I found a room for rent and started really focusing on building and branding my business. I went from Ladybug’s Mobile Massage to who I am today Ladybug’s Massage & Wellness. I have since gone from 1 treatment room to 3 treatment rooms within my current location. Within my business, I not only focus on the body but the mind as well.

As a certified Wellness Coach, and Herbalist I use all my talents to help my clients on and off the table to achieve the life that they desire through wellness. I am currently a solo provider but am looking to expand in the future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for me at all but it has been a rewarding one.

The biggest struggle honestly was the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. I was forced to close my office for five months. And working for yourself as a service provider is tough when you are forced not to provide. The reward came after I was able to take appointments again.

I had to really rework my business and make some changes so that unforeseen events like the pandemic don’t disrupt the flow of things. So it was a blessing in itself for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a licensed massage therapist (LMT) for 11 years. I specialize in pain and stress management.

I am certified in Deep Tissue, Cupping Therapy, Lymphatic Massage, Pre and Post Natal Massage, Aromatherapy, and so much more. I am also a Certified Yoni Practitioner. I provide women with herbal cleanses and womb health therapies.

As a Herbalist, I use different herbs to help clients in their quest for wholeness. As a Wellness Coach, I educate clients on different ways to achieve wholeness through meditation, exercises, diet, and other outlets.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’m relatable. I see myself in each one of my clients and my client love that. I can relate to their pains and stresses as I help guide them out of them.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@ladybugsmassageandwellness.com
• Website: www.ladybugsmassage.com
• Instagram: @ladybugsmassageandwellness
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/LadyTMC
• Youtube: Ladybug’s Massage & Wellness