Joe Imel/Daily NewsLicensed massage therapist Amy Minyard is the owner of Bowling Green Massage at 728 Chestnut St.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of business: Bowling Green Massage

Location: 728 Chestnut St.

Type of business: Professional therapeutic massage therapy.

When did it open? May 2005

Owner: Amy Minyard

Number of employees: One

Specialties: Therapeutic deep-tissue, prenatal, sports and relaxation massages. Other areas of treatment are sciatica, fibromyalgia, chronic neck and back pain, headaches and corporate chair massage.

How did the business get started? I have always worked in the customer service field and love helping people. In 2001, my son was diagnosed with diabetes and his doctor at Vanderbilt said that massage therapy would help with muscle cramps and helps lower blood sugar on a short-term basis.

After taking my son to several massage therapists, I thought I could do massage for my son on my own, so I started taking classes at Natural Health Institute and realized I loved it! After starting school I learned that massage therapy was one of the top 10 careers in America. After completing school, I started my own business.

What is your background? I graduated from Edmonson County High School in 1994, graduated from Bowling Green Technical College in 1995 for medical administration and graduated from Natural Health Institute for massage therapy in March of 2005 as a licensed massage therapist.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? The misconception of massage therapy, being an independent business owner and having to meet the necessary goals of the business such as marketing, sales and daily operations.

What’s your business philosophy? To always meet the needs and goals of my clients and to deliver the best service every time.

What issues are affecting your industry? Definitely the economy, but I think people need to understand that massage therapy is no longer an indulgence; it is an alternative to medication, sometimes even surgery.

Massage helps with various issues such as sciatica, fibromyalgia, chronic neck and back pain and even headaches, just to name a few.

What are the factors that make your business successful? Experience, the ability to recognize the needs of my clients and availability of my services 24 hours online.

How do you handle competition? Competition is a good thing, it keeps me learning new techniques and always furthering my education.

I don’t think of my colleagues as competition. I know everyone is different and, as your clients are different, I want individuals to find the massage therapist that is best for them.

I believe my experience and level of service speaks for itself as we continue to grow and meet the needs of our current and future clients.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Keep an open mind. Remember the most important people are your customers. Continue to get more training and be creative.

Sometimes simple can be the best way to go. Always remember to thank your customers and you have to market, market, market.