Community Highlights: Meet Toby Atkins of Heartfelt Hands Massage Clinic and Mobile Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Toby Atkins.

Hi Toby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
At 13, I knew I would be a business owner. It was not until 2004, after my aunt injured herself, that I finally felt my passion spark for the career path I would enter. After she injured her knee, I asked if I could rub it. She said, “sure.” I did as she consented. A few hours later, she called me on the phone to tell me she could still feel my hands rubbing on her knee. She suggested that massage is a potential career field that I might want to pursue. In 2009, I got the opportunity to enroll in massage school at a branch of Delta College. I clearly remember our instructor, Ms. Robin Shows, on the first day of class. She told us, “Take a good look around the classroom. There are 30 of you here. By the end of graduation, over half of you will be gone. For some of you, this will be the last job you ever work for the rest of your life.” This was my story. I graduated in 2011 with an associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies, and this has been what I consider to be the best choice I have ever made. I love being able to help people heal not just spiritually but physically as well. This field of work has granted me the opportunity to meet many people from all walks of life while allowing me the autonomy within the field to create and curate a space for essential care.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I tried various things to get a feel as to what would truly spark my interest. I tried everything from the industrial work settings to co-owning a Mortgage company. I loved the mortgage field and thought that would be it, but the recession came shortly afterwards and wiped out many of the small businesses at that time. Nevertheless, I did not let that deter me from my pursuit. It may have taken a few years later with a whole lot of disappointments and shut doors, but it was indeed worth it. The lesson I learned was regardless of what your dream is, do not give up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Holistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. As a holistic medicine practitioners, We integrate conventional and alternative therapies to prevent and treat disease. Most importantly, we do this to promote optimal health. We serve the greater Nashville, Bellevue, Greenhills, Donelson, Antioch, Goodlettsville, Smyrna, Madison, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I invite you to join me on this wonderful journey of healing.

Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It is increasingly offered along with standard treatment for various medical conditions and situations. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension. These studies have found massage may also be helpful for:
-Anxiety
-Digestive disorders
-Fibromyalgia
-Headaches
-Insomnia related to stress
-Myofascial pain syndrome
-Soft tissue strains or injuries
-Sports injuries
-Temporomandibular joint pain

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, you will enjoy massage because it produces feelings of caring, comfort, and connection. Despite its benefits, massage is not meant to replace regular medical care. Let your doctor know that you are trying massage, and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans that your doctor prescribes.

If we knew you were growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was pretty shy and kept to myself. I spent most of my time practicing music at home, church, or school. I come from a very small town where everyone knew everybody. I had great parents that constantly pushed me to be my best. Although we did not have the finest of things, my mom and dad intentionally supported my every idea of doing something that would propel me to my future purpose. I love helping and guiding people to reach their greatest potential. I have dedicated my spare time and efforts to helping restore individuals in transition to re-acclimate into mainstream society. I also volunteer in the community as an advocate for the homeless communities across the city of Nashville.

Pricing:

• 30 Minute Swedish Massage – $45.00 |30 Minute Deep-Tissue Massage – $60.00
• 60 Minute Swedish Massage – $75.00 | 60 Deep-Tissue Massage – $90.00
• 90 Minute Swedish Massage – $95.00 | 90 Minute Deep-Tissue Massage – $115.00
• 1 Hour Mobile Massage – $115.00 | 90 Minute Mobile Massage – $135.00
• All other Massage types refer to the official website www.nashvillemassagetherapist.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nashvillemassagetherapist.com
• Instagram: heartfelthandsmc
• Facebook: heartfelt spa