Meet Joshua Smith | BSED, LMT, PTA, MLD-C

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It all began when I was six years old. My mother was a single parent at the time, and she would come home stressed from work so I would massage her. She would tell me that her body felt “great” afterwards and that “this was a God Given Gift and use it to heal others”. After she told me that, I started massaging my grandmother who was immobile sometimes. She stated that “I needed to massage her everyday”. Soon I was massaging other family members such as one of my uncles and stepfather every so often. They would also praise me about my gifted hands.

After graduating from high school, I decided to attend Miami-Dade College and focused my career on Physical Therapy in which I received an AA degree in Pre-Physical Therapy. Subsequently, I transferred to the University of Miami (UM) and received a B.S.Ed. degree in Sports Administration. After graduation from the UM, I was interested in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the UM and took additional classes to meet the requirement of the program. I applied twice to the DPT program and the first time was denied entry; however, the second time, I received an interview with the DPT staff at the UM. I was elated receiving this interview and performed well during the interview, however I was not chosen for the program. After the interview, Dr. Michele Raya, of the DPT program, informed me of the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Miami-Dade Medical Center. She advised me to apply to this program, which was open for enrollment, during this time. Once I was accepted, the program lasted for a year and a half. Additionally, I was also working at Jackson Memorial Hospital as a Mental Health Technical Specialist. I graduated with an AS degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant and received my license with the State of Florida. Afterwards, I began working with a home healthcare agency providing physical therapy services to the elderly population.

In 2019, I applied and received my LLC to start my business which is named “Mind Over Matter Allied Health”. In the same year, I received an opportunity for an internship to work at Brett Fischer Institute: NFL Veteran and NFL Combine Sports Performance in Phoenix, AZ. While interning, I learned a depth of information on how to strengthen and condition NFL and collegiate athletes. After I returned to Miami, I enrolled in the Massage Therapy program at Miami-Dade Medical Center. Once I was accepted, the program lasted for a year. Lastly, I received my certification from Miami-Dade as a Massage Therapist and license with the State of Florida.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It has been a difficult path getting to where I am today. The struggles began after completing Physical Therapy Assistant school. I registered to take my license exam for PTA and failed by five points which left me devastated but I did not let the failure keep me down. I learned about the mistakes and made on the first test and eventually took the exam again and passed.
While in my second semester of Massage Therapy school, COVID-19 appeared and we, the students, had to attend school through Zoom. This was hard for me because I loved being in class, learning, participating, and studying with other students. Also, in the second semester of Massage Therapy school, we were supposed to have clinicals which entails practicing our massage techniques on clients that are assigned to the students. We did not acquire this experience because of COVID-19. Once I received my license and started working as a Massage Therapist, it was a struggle finding clients and trying to market to people. I did not know the business aspect of massage therapy, so I struggled for a while. After thinking about how I could perform better in this area, I decided to get business cards created and began reaching out to people via phone, text, and email. With the business cards on hand, I started networking with people at networking events and non-profit events. Additionally, I contacted doctors, chiropractors, big corporations, and athletes through texts, phone, and emails, to obtain business. My cards were given at grocery stores, airports, coffee shops, and gyms. I began posting content on Instagram and Facebook regarding my business and inquiries came through in various forms of communication such as phone calls, texts, emails, and bookings were made on my website. My hard work helped propelled me to increase a high level in my business and God is the biggest reason why I am doing so well but Faith without works is dead, so you must continue to work hard daily.

Manifestation is also another factor why I excelled in my business. I kept believing, talking with God, and working towards improvements in my business. I have big dreams and plans for my business, and they will come to fruition in the Lord’s name.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Miami, I would take them to Wynwood, South Beach, Las Olgas, Dania Pointe, and Downtown Miami. We would go jet skiing and to a Brunch restaurant on the weekend. Also, we would go out to the clubs and go to any events that is going on in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everyone who has availed into my business deserves credit. Starting with my mother, who has helped me countless times passing out my business cards, referring her friends to my business, and even explaining how receiving a massage once a week is beneficial for the body. Recognition is being given to my brother who recorded many of my massage sessions. One of my mentors, Ms. Youseline Poteau, from YPPMC, is being acknowledged and given a big “thank you” for helping me name and attain my business, helping me file for my EIN, registering my business, and filling out all the required documentation needed for my LLC.

I would also like to thank my friends who booked me, referred me to their friends, and distributed my business cards. Kerri-Ann Samuels, Annabelle, and Robert Arscott, are friends who have assisted me in couples’ massages, and I would like to say “thank you” for blessing my clients with your service. Also, I would like to thank Kevaughn Anderson for training me on how to perform lymphatic drainage massages on my surgery clients. Additionally, I would like to thank Miami VIP Recovery Suites for opening her doors to allow me to watch and perform lymphatic drainage massages. I want to thank Miami-Dade Medical Massage staff and Krystal and Roxanne from Miami-Dade Medical administration. I would like to give a thank you to Issa Rae, Issa Rae Presents, Mack, Lawrence, and DD Casting, for casting me in Issa Rae’s new series on HBO Max. A special “thank you” to all my clients who trust and allow me with massaging their bodies. As a Massage Therapist, there is a trust relationship with clients which includes strong ethical boundaries, keeping them safe while improving their body, mind, and spirit. A big shot out to my massage mentor, Jermaine Gordon, who has been in business for 20+ years. He was there when I needed advice with my career, business, and personal life. Jermaine loves teaching massage techniques and has an abundant amount of experience. I always listen and pay close attention when he teaches or demonstrates a massage or stretch. I would like to thank Ms. Erika Smith and VoyageMIA for choosing my business and making this platform so businesses can share their stories.

Finally, I want to thank God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, for leading every step I take. I pray to God, when I succeed in my business, that I will tell everyone that it was Him who guided me in accomplishing my success.

Website: www.momalliedhealth.com

Instagram: @momalliedhealth

Linkedin: Joshua S. Smith LMT, MLD-C, B.S.Ed., PTA

Facebook: Mind Over Matter Allied Health

Other: Email: info@momalliedhealth.com Business Cell: (954) 368-9220 Instagram: @yehoshua_37