Today we’d like to introduce you to Mika Briggs.
Hi Mika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I remember reviewing my life and feeling inclined to figure out what I should do with my life, and what is the best way to live out my purpose. I always wanted to be some form of therapist and I even was a caregiver at some point. One day I was just moved to look into massage. I remember googling schools and literally feeling guided to the school that best fit me. I called the school and was told that if I go ahead and enroll I can be in the class starting the following week. So I enrolled, and I knew it was a life-changing decision, it just felt right, it felt purposeful. The school was challenging, given that covid hit right in the middle of my academic year and other life struggles. We faced many delays and it end up taking me two years to complete, versus the normal 1-year program. However finally, in May 2021 I completed and graduated from The Massage Institute of Memphis. I passed my test in June and was just waiting for my license to finally come in so I could start working. In the midst of that, I was getting everything I needed to start my massage practice. First, I figured out my business name and started buying all the equipment and products I needed to create my massage business and vibe. I also was thinking of ways I could enhance my business when I started, so I start looking up other modalities and things I could offer. That’s when I came across Body Contouring, I did my research on the service and felt like it was something great to add to my massage practice. So I signed up for a class in Dallas Texas to get certified since my brother lived there.
My class was scheduled for August 13, 2021. During that class for body sculpting, I remember receiving an email with my certificate to start the massage. So I became a licensed certified massage therapist and Body Sculptor all in the same day, it felt so surreal, again I knew I was on the right path. Outside of that, august was a very traumatic month for me, and I could have easily given up and not pursued my goals due to all I was facing. Luckily I know how to turn my pain into passion. I used that momentum to push me harder toward my goals and to take them very seriously, nothing could stop me. After a year of working part-time for my business, full-time at a warehouse overnight, and other massage jobs and gigs. I knew it was time to prepare to drop all burdens and take my business to the full-time and only job status. I first quit my full-time warehouse job of 7 years which was my main form of stability, which was very hard for me. I then, slowly start lessening my days at massage jobs and eventually was let go from my last massage job. I was let go due to them finding out I had my own business and they have a none compete for policy, as I could not work for them and have my own practice. So after that, I knew I couldn’t return to warehouses and I couldn’t work for massage businesses, due to the growing success of my own business. I knew I had to step out on faith and truly put all my energy into my business full-time, it was written it was the only way, at least to me. So as of 6 months, I’ve only been working for myself along with a contract to massage the University of Memphis football and basketball team, which was granted to me from the massage school I graduated from. The business has been great due to my taking marketing classes and self-mastering classes, to present myself and my business in the best most effective way possible. I have been able to successfully take on my business and all expenses, and take care of my personal needs, given I fully and only support myself. The best part about this journey is being able to do all needed to follow my healing path of taking care of others and my community. My clients love me and I love them, they know I am passionate about my work, and as long as it’s in my scope of practice I will do any and everything to get healing results. I started my business directly after getting my certifications and I was working out of my home I eventually worked hard enough to be able to afford my own suite which is where I am this day. Just Laze Massage and Body Works is not just a massage business, it’s the start of a path and purpose that I believe is bigger than me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I faced many struggles and delays in trying to get my business off the ground and on the road to success. One of the biggest things was the passing of my brother. I never would have known that when I went down there for that body sculpting class that would have been my last time seeing him. Literally 7 days after the class I received a phone call that he was in a fatal motorcycle accident. That tore me apart and broke my heart on levels I never thought would be bearable. It was so many unreal moments for me during that time, his funeral actually fell on the day before my birthday and his birthday. He was a year older than me but my birthday is August 29th and he is a day after August 30th. His funeral fell on August 28th and I was so heartbroken and confused as to why everything was falling the way it was. With strength from god and family, I was able to pick myself up and still pursue my goals. It wasn’t easy also trying to work my full-time warehouse, it took so much of my time overnight. I eventually had to opt out and go out on leave because things became too overwhelming to balance. I wasn’t getting paid so I had to work part-time massage jobs and push my business to be able to pay rent and bills and support my business. Another struggle I faced was massage jobs I had many jobs to take me for granted and abused my employment. I only had one massage job that I actually felt had my best interest at heart. It’s difficult when u are around people who are not as passionate as you are about your work. On top of most jobs treated me unfairly to make it hard for me because they knew I had a business that was upcoming and successful.
I never talked about my problems and always kept my game face on, and I could understand and see that some people just didn’t truly understand the depths of my passion and where it is rooted from. My passion came from pain and purpose and I transmuted that energy into building the best version of myself. There were many other trials that came around my brother’s passing, starting a massage career that can pull all the wrong attention and day-to-day life struggles of being single and self-reliant. It’s also been a challenge trying to provide everything needed for my business, it’s not easy when u first start out to get the grant you need or business financial support. Through everything, prayer, and god given strength I was able to push through and build my dream business and brand. I know struggles and trials always come, and I know from the strength I’ve gained through this time I can take on anything and still come out strong and successful. That’s the beauty of following your purpose and using your gifts.
As you know, we’re big fans of Just Laze Massage and Body Works. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in massage therapy, body contouring, and post-op care. What sets me apart? My space is a very relaxing, eccentric, and soulful vibe. Everyone absolutely loves my massage room and tells me they have never been in any room like it. I have a relaxing healing spirit, I and my clients all have our own close bond, they feel very relaxed and comfortable with me, and they trust me. I’m very passionate about my work, I put my all into all my work, and I consider myself a healer. I’ve been called gifted and magic hands. I’ve had clients stop taking meds and just get massages and come out with successful results. I specialize in body sculpting. lymphatic massage, sports massage, post-op care, healing work, and energy work. I’m most proud of my techniques and what I have to offer, and how far I’ve come in so little time. I’ve learned that if you put your all into your path then anything is possible, there is no time frame for becoming successful. My brand name is JUST LAZE.
Laze means to be lazy or to do nothing, to relax. So my business name basically means to just relax and I will do all the work for you. Also, Body contouring includes laser lipo, so my business Just Laze can also mean the body sculpting part of it with the laser. so I love the double meaning of my name. I want my readers to know that, when it comes to massage needs, I will always do my best to create the most relaxing and soulful experience, I will also do anything I can to get your body back to the most balanced and pain-free version of itself that I can. When it comes to body sculpting, I will do anything I can to create the most relaxing and effective body sculpting session, your session will give you the most effective noninvasive results for weight loss and management. In my business, I will do whatever I can even if that means switching and trying new techniques or learning a new modality to get successful results from my client. As a healer, I will do anything to heal my client’s body, mind, and spirit. Along with massage and body sculpting, I also offer hot stones, foot, and hand scrubs, hot towels, aromatherapy, ambiance therapy, sauna blanket, wood therapy, massage tools, healing cream, heated massage table, cupping, vacuum therapy, body wraps, face lifts, butt lifts, and much more.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Hello lovely, I am Miss Mika, owner of Just Laze Massage and Body Work.
It is a soulful healing vibe here at Just Laze, my goal is to give you the most relaxing healing experience you have ever had. Taking all your worries away, where nothing matters when you are in my care. Massaging with love and intuitive touch, I rebalance your body and give it exactly what it needs for healing and overall physical vitality.
Whether you are here for pain management, weight management, or just to relax, it won’t just be a massage but it will be an Experience. Feed your soul and get Lazed by Mika. Don’t miss out on this healing.
I am located in east Memphis between Kirby and Ridgeway off Mt. Moriah in a salon suite.
My hours are Wednesday – Sunday 10 am to 9 pm. I’m closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Pricing:
- Just Laze Signature massage (1 hour) $90
- Body Abyss- Deep Tissue massage (1 hour) $100
- Melted Soul – Hot stone massage (1 hour) $95
- Languid Flow – Lymphatic massage (1 hour) $90
- Snatch and Relax – Body sculpting (1 hour) $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.massagebook.com/biz/JustLaze
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlaze_bymika/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misses.briggs/
Image Credits
Aquaterrestrial Photography
