How to name your massage practice
You don't have to overcomplicate this!
Firstly, you'll need an official name that is registered with your state. You'll probably have an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or be listed as a Sole Proprietor.
This is the name you'll use when you open up your official massage or wellness studio bank account.
Keep it simple. Mine is simply Mary-Claire Fredette, LMT, LLC.
Since I've been a massage therapist for over 25 years, there have been a few iterations of my DBA ("doing business as"). We'll go over that in a sec.
When I first started out, I simply used what's above when I got my checks as an independent contractor at a day spa. I wasn't trying to advertise anything, so my business name didn't matter.
They sent me a 1099 in January each year showing how much money I made. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Again, while I was self-employed, I was an IC, so it didn't matter what I was called.
What to not name your massage studio...
Most people don't know what LMT, CMT, RMT etc. are, so I wouldn't bother putting that in your name on your studio door or website. (Unless you're in a state or province where it's required.)
Here are some things to potentially avoid when naming your bodywork or wellness practice (because there are always exceptions to the rule!):
✔️ Using a number instead of a word (like "Back 2 Health"). It's confusing.
✔️Anything that has a sensual connotation: "Spa Soirée", for example.
✔️Punny-like. Be mindful of names like "Knot Your Average Massage". Will people remember how to spell it? Ask some friends what they think!
✔️ Unusual names or spellings. Is your name hard to pronounce or spell? Words that are cool in other languages but hard for your target audience to say, like "chalaróste".
✔️ Your first name only with the service added: "Nancy's Neuromuscular". Using your whole name will make your business appear more professional. Plus, they can verify your license.
My LLC is my name: Mary-Claire Fredette, LMT, LLC. But nobody sees that, other than the bank and the tax man.
Remember that your business name isn't necessarily locked in stone. While my LLC has always remained the same, I originally didn't need a "forward facing" massage studio name as I was an independent contractor with a day spa.
My massage studio name mistake
When I first started teaching barefoot massage and had my own training studio, my DBA (Doing Business As) name was Studio Ashiatsu.
Honestly, that wasn't brilliant as most people couldn't say "ashiatsu". Nor spell it. But I didn't have a guru to tell me otherwise!
When I moved into my current location (2007), I changed it and rebranded to Affinity Massage Studio.
My final recommendation-run your potential name past some friends and family members WITHOUT giving them any explanation other than "what do you think of this as a business name?"
Because it you need to explain, it's a name not worth having.
Let me know what you come up with!
