Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Oetting.
Hi Samantha, 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?
I opened my massage therapy practice in December 2020—right as vaccines were beginning to roll out and the world was still deeply uncertain about gathering in person. It was a bold, almost reckless leap of faith: I signed the lease for my very first suite at 304 ½ S. State Street, right above Ben & Jerry’s in downtown Ann Arbor, steps from the University of Michigan campus.
I started alone, with barely two pennies to rub together. My youngest brother spotted me the money for the lease, and from there, I worked. I’m not ashamed of my work ethic—in fact, I wear it proudly, even if hustle is out of fashion these days. Before opening my practice, I worked a 9-to-5 job while completing massage school and a 300-hour yoga teacher training program. I have been relentless in my pursuit of the healing arts—not just for my own growth, but because I know, unequivocally, that this is my path.
Coming from a background in law—having worked as a paralegal and law office manager—I brought with me a meticulous attention to detail, a strong grasp of business law, and a no-nonsense approach to systems and operations. I decided early on that if I wanted my practice to thrive long-term, I had to be both exceptional at my craft and razor-sharp in how I ran the business.
I treated every extra dollar and every spare hour like I was in grad school for massage therapy. I poured everything I had into training, continuing education, and strategic growth. In 2021—my first full year in business—I crossed six figures in revenue, and invested heavily back into my education. That same year, I also cemented my presence in the community as the only aerial yoga teacher between Ann Arbor and Detroit, teaching a niche format that gave me visibility and credibility.
In 2023, I traveled to Thailand to complete advanced Thai massage training. I was fortunate to study privately with my master teachers at SVG during the off-season—two individuals I now lovingly refer to as my Thai parents. That experience deepened my commitment not just to my own practice, but to bringing high-quality, lineage-rooted bodywork to Michigan.
Today, after 4.5 years of relentless dedication, my practice has grown from a single suite to three, with four treatment rooms and a break room for the incredible LMTs who work alongside me. I’m building something bigger than just a client list—I’m cultivating a boutique studio where skilled therapists can thrive in a profession that often underpays and undervalues them.
People in this industry often say they want what I’ve built, but they overlook the years of sacrifice, strategy, and sweat equity it took to get here. This isn’t luck. It’s mindset, discipline, and the decision to go all in.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. Being a solo Licensed Massage Therapist is hard enough—juggling the demands of building a client base, making rent, creating content, marketing that content, and somehow still finding time (and money) for rest and self-care. In the early days, I wore every hat. And once the business started growing, I had to put on an entirely new one: managing people.
Despite my background as a paralegal and law office manager—where I handled caseloads, trial prep, logistics, and accounting—I had never managed people before. That was a new skill I had to develop in real time. And I decided early on that if I wanted to build a strong team, I needed to pay people fairly—above industry standard. While many entry-level positions at franchises or spas offer $26/hour, I start new LMTs at $40/hour, because I believe in paying people what they’re worth.
But finding the right people hasn’t always been easy. Not everyone is cut out for the long game—especially in a boutique practice like mine, where we’re not churning clients through a corporate system. We’re building something deeper and more sustainable. I’ve had to learn, through trial and error, what kind of practitioners align with our values—and I’m proud to say that over the last two years, I’ve cultivated a team of unique, talented, hard-working LMTs who get it. They understand this isn’t a cakewalk, but they’re in it for the long haul, just like me.
On top of that, I’ve had to learn how to scale, manage my own books, and make tough decisions—all while navigating personal grief and burnout. I even opened a second location inside another business, only to shut it down five months later because it didn’t fit our brand. It was a hard call, but the right one.
This journey hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been mine. And I chose this level of hard. I wouldn’t trade it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bodhi Work Massage Therapy Studio ?
Bodhi Work isn’t just a massage studio—it’s a sanctuary curated to elevate holistic wellness in downtown Ann Arbor. Our boutique studio blends high-level therapeutic care with a refined, intentional atmosphere.
What we offer – and what you won’t find elsewhere:
🌀Advanced Thai Massage & Table‑Thai Fusion: Deep, floor‑based stretching and compression work rooted in lineage education—performed only by highly trained LMTs
🌀Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Vodder‑trained care, ideal for post‑operative recovery, immune support, and detoxification
🌀Prenatal, Deep/Sports & Relaxation work: Each session is personalized, combining modalities such as myofascial release, hot rocks, bamboo, TMJ, scalp, oncology, and more
🌀Lomi-Lomi: A newer offering brought in through skilled practitioners for clients seeking a soulful, flowing treatment.
What makes Bodhi Work stand apart? Elite training behind every table/mat. Samantha is board-certified (BCTMB), holds over 900 hours in advanced training (Thai Massage, MLD, oncology, prenatal, etc.), and trains other LMTs in-house All therapists are selected for both skill and a shared ethos. Investing back into the LMTs who are in the practice.
Boutique, not corporate We focus on connection, consistency, and personalized care—a quality that shows in glowing five-star reviews and repeat clients
A mission-driven model that supports therapists. From day one, Samantha pays new LMTs $40/hour—well above the industry average—to build a practice where skilled professionals can thrive long-term. Our mission is twofold: serve clients and create a just, sustainable environment for healing providers.
Brand pride point: We’re incredibly proud to be recognized as Ann Arbor’s premier destination for results-driven bodywork—a go-to for anyone seeking quality relaxation, recovery, or therapeutic maintenance
What we want readers to know
You’ll leave Bodhi Work feeling recalibrated—body, mind, and spirit. Our services range from:
🌀 a focused 30-minute TMJ reset to
🌀indulgent 180-minute luxury combos.
Every session is backed by intention, expertise, and a team committed to your long-term wellness.
Downtown Ann Arbor convenience: 2‑hour validated parking, just steps off State Street near U of M
In short: Bodhi Work stands apart by blending advanced technique, heartfelt service, boutique atmosphere, and a mission to uplift both clients and therapists. Whether you’re new to bodywork or a seasoned wellness seeker, our studio offers a transformative, trustworthy, and luxurious experience.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support Bodhi Work is to experience it—come visit us for a session and see what makes our studio truly different. We welcome clients who are looking for thoughtful, skilled, and results-driven bodywork.
If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist, stay tuned for upcoming Thai Massage trainings and Manual Lymphatic Drainage courses—we’re building high-quality education programs right here in Ann Arbor, with an emphasis on advanced technique and sustainable career development.
Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about new offerings, workshops, and community events. Whether you’re a client, practitioner, or wellness enthusiast, there’s space for you at Bodhi Work.
We’re also open to thoughtful collaboration—especially with wellness professionals, spas, or educators who share our mission of high-integrity care.
Pricing:
- 60 Min – $100-$110
- 75 Min – $124-$140
- 90 Min – $150-$170
- 105 Min – $200
- 120 Min – $230
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bodhi-work.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodhiwork_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodhi.work.annarbor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snoetting/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bodhiwork
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bodhi-work-massage-therapy-ann-arbor-ann-arbor
