Deborah Black

BEAUFORT MASSAGE & BODYWORK

story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER                                     photos by PAUL NURNBERG

Beaufort Massage & Bodywork is owned and operated by Deborah Black, board-certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Deborah is a Marine Corps veteran; wife to Daniel, a Marine Corps retiree; and mother to two boys. She has been a licensed Massage Therapist for 19 years since graduating from Career Networks Institute in 2003 and received a bachelor’s degree in Massage Therapy from Siena Heights University in 2016. Originally from California, Deborah moved to the Lowcountry in 2011 to join her husband, who was stationed at MCAS Beaufort. Due to the lack of opportunities in Beaufort, she gained employment at different spas on Hilton Head Island for seven years.

In 2017, Deborah came across a Facebook site called The Art of Building a Successful Massage Practice. She met Rebecca de Azevedo, a business coach and success mentor from massage therapists in private practice. Deborah credits de Azevedo for helping to elevate the industry and make business success easier for massage therapists. Deborah’s dream has been to build her own practice since school, but she did not have the tools or knowledge to do so. She took an 8-week course while beginning to take her next steps. After being offered a room to rent from a chiropractor in Downtown Beaufort, she left her job in Hilton Head to pursue her dream. Deborah obtained space in the building for her practice when the chiropractor moved.

Eager to develop her business, Deborah joined the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, placed business cards all over downtown, and attended Coffee with Colleagues and Business After Hours to promote herself. After a year, she found that she could utilize a different approach in connecting with chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists to network. Her business blossomed through word of mouth, referrals, and internet searches. “One thing led to another, and I became booked out two weeks, then one month, and now I’m booked out three months in advance,” Deborah commented.

Clients receive specialized care at Beaufort Massage & Bodywork, focusing on neck and shoulder pain relief. Whether you suffer from stiffness or injury, she is dedicated to helping people ease their pain. Deborah is passionate about neck and shoulder pain relief therapy because, in 2001, she was involved in a rollover car accident. The therapy that she received was incredibly beneficial to her recovery and rehabilitation. Years later, she tore a rotator cuff muscle and had arthroscopic surgery. These experiences allow her to better connect with her clients who are also suffering from similar types of pain. Her ability to work with her clients is elevated through this personal connection. “I love it when my clients walk out with some sort of relief, and that I’ve made a difference in their lives.” Massage therapy is not a magic fix that can heal a client in one session. Many clients come in biweekly or monthly to invest in their well-being.

Beaufort Massage & Bodywork offers neck and shoulder therapy, deep-tissue massage, Swedish massage, cupping therapy, and Ashiatsu Deep Feet Bar Therapy. Neck and shoulder therapy is perfect for those seeking relief from migraines, pain reduction, or an increase in range of motion by softening muscles that spasm. Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. This type of massage helps elongate the muscles, flush out toxins, and unwind bundled nerves. Parallel bars are used above the massage table for balance, support, and client safety.

When asked about her future goals for the business, Deborah mentioned that her focus is on providing quality service to current and prospective clients while maintaining a healthy home and work balance.

Deborah has been in business for five years now. As a successful woman in business, she is deeply grateful for all of her clients who support her and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Beaufort Massage & Bodywork is open Monday and
Wednesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can contact Deborah by calling (843) 868-1166,
emailing her at bftmassage@gmail.com,
or viewing the website at beaufortmassagetherapy.com