Atlanta School of Massage President Leticia Allen Interviewed on Atlanta Business Radio

Atlanta (PRWEB) February 28, 2010 — Leticia Allen, president, Atlanta School of Massage and Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, was a recent guest on Atlanta Business Radio. Each week, hosts Lee Kantor and Amy Otto interview Atlanta’s top business leaders. Amy and Lee asked Leticia to share her observations, inspirations and strategies that have contributed to 30 years of success in business.

“Thirty years ago, massage was not accessible in Atlanta, Allen said. “I committed fully to a vision of massage being as readily available as a haircut.”

Driven by her commitment, Allen launched Atlanta School of Massage in 1980 from her home in mid-town, Atlanta. Over time the massage therapy school grew and moved to Dunwoody where it is still located today.

Atlanta School of Massage provides training in a range of therapies including neuromuscular, deep tissue, Swedish and rehabilitative massage. “I like to refer to our approach as a providing students with a toolkit,” said Allen. “When the program is completed, our graduates will be equipped to interact professionally with clients, but also to connect with the client, to be service-minded and to tailor the massage to each individual.” Eight years ago, Allen established Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, the skincare division for the school.

Allen credits the school’s growth to its consistent focus on excellence in massage therapy education. “The school is my life’s work in a way that enables me to act as steward or guide for the students at Atlanta School of Massage,” Allen said.

Some of the changes Allen has observed over the years include a greater acceptance of massage in general. She has also seen more men and younger people seeking a massage therapy education. Additionally, more jobs are available due to the increasing number of massage franchises, spas and day spas. Previously, most massage students had to become entrepreneurs; now you don’t necessarily have to be self-employed to be a massage therapist.

Allen has also successfully steered her business through times of economic downturn. “Over the 30 years, Atlanta School of Massage has survived three recessions. In fact, we started the school during the recession of the eighties. When there is a recession people go back to school, so it is not necessarily a detriment to our business, but can be an opportunity.”

The Atlanta School of Massage Clinic, which offers massage and skincare services at half the typical professional rate, has seen growth during economically difficult times as well. “People who are watching their budgets while being attentive to their well-being come to our clinic,” Allen said. “The massage therapy school’s clinic helps students meet their practical experience requirements while serving around 1,000 clients per month seeking to relieve stress and rejuvenate their spirits.”