Massage in Sarasota by Ivana Ann St. Clair
Thank you for visiting my website! I'm a massage therapist in Sarasota, Florida ready to help you relax and feel fantastic! I graduated from Sarasota School of Massage Therapy in January 2023 and am a licensed MA#101885. I love working for myself and managing all the relationships with my clients directly. I'm very grateful for visiting my website and would like to help you really get to know me because then you will have a better experience working with me!
My StoryI grew up in Detroit, Michigan, as one of seven children—the second youngest, with four sisters and two brothers. From an early age, I learned resilience, independence, and the value of caring for others. At 19, I made the difficult but empowering decision to step away from the path my father had envisioned for me and begin creating my own. That choice led me on a winding journey filled with challenges, adventures, and a deeper understanding of who I am.
A Journey of GrowthAfter leaving Michigan, I moved to North Carolina to live with my brother and sister-in-law. My dream at the time was to pursue massage therapy, but life had other plans. While things didn’t fall into place right away, those years gave me the chance to travel, experience different parts of the country, and develop a sense of character and resilience that would later serve me in my work as a therapist.During my time in North Carolina, I met two wonderful people—Bob and Ida—who became like family to me. They welcomed me into their lives and supported me during some of my most difficult times. Our friendship has spanned years and many life changes, and I’m forever grateful for their guidance and encouragement.
Finding My Way to FloridaBy 2020, I was living in Hawaii, pursuing a nursing degree and preparing to enter the clinical portion of my program. But the pandemic brought everything to a halt and forced me to reevaluate my path. In the midst of personal upheaval, including a divorce, I leaned on Bob and Ida for support. They encouraged me to visit them in Florida, and that decision became a turning point.I moved from Hawaii to Sarasota to rebuild my life. Starting over wasn’t easy—there was uncertainty at every step—but with their encouragement and my own determination, I began laying the foundation for a new chapter. That transition ultimately brought me back to my original calling: massage therapy.
Overcoming SetbacksJust a few weeks before my graduation, life threw me another challenge. While working at Costco as a morning stocker, I suffered a serious cut on my thumb. That injury made it impossible to use my hands—and for nearly four to five months, I couldn’t practice massage at all. It was devastating to be so close to completing my training and suddenly unable to do what I loved most.Once again, Bob and Ida were there to encourage and support me. Their constant reassurance helped me push through one of the hardest moments of my career journey. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without their steady belief in me.
Returning to MassageAfter completing therapy and healing from the injury, I was able to step back into bodywork. The Sarasota School of Massage Therapy (SSMT), where I trained, offered me an opportunity to return as an independent contractor. I provided Swedish massages for prospective students visiting the school, giving them a chance to experience the work firsthand. While the pay was just enough to keep me going, the experience was invaluable—it allowed me to rebuild my confidence and reconnect with the healing power of touch.
Building Skills Through ServiceOne of the highlights during this time was performing chair massages in the community. In one memorable event, I supervised a class of massage students visiting a local school to treat teachers and staff during their breaks. Even in just five to ten minutes, you could see the difference—a short massage offered them relaxation, stress relief, and the ability to return to their day with renewed energy.These experiences, both in and out of the classroom, taught me far more than technique. They showed me the importance of listening—not just to a client’s words, but to their body. Every tissue tells a story, whether it’s receptive to release or holding on with resistance. Proper body mechanics, sensitivity, and respect are at the core of how I practice massage today. It’s about creating a safe, supportive space where healing can naturally unfold.
Teaching and Sharing KnowledgeAnother meaningful step in my journey came when the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy invited me to teach Practice Management—a course designed to prepare students for life after graduation. The class covers the essentials: how to decide whether to work for yourself or someone else, understanding responsibilities like taxes, and getting a clear picture of the steps needed to build a sustainable massage career.When I first accepted the role, I was surprised at how natural it felt. Speaking in front of groups had never been my strength—I dreaded public speaking in college—but this was different. Teaching about massage, business, and professional practice didn’t bring stage fright; it felt like an extension of my own experience. Bob once told me it was because I wasn’t just memorizing information to recite, but sharing knowledge I lived every day. He was right. Guiding students through what I had already experienced gave me confidence and made the classroom feel like a collaborative space.Even when a student asks a question I don’t know the answer to, I never shy away. I’m honest, I promise to research, and I always circle back. Teaching has reminded me that learning is a lifelong process, and it’s something I bring into my massage practice as well—I listen, stay curious, and adapt to what each client needs.
A Touch of HumorNot every moment in the classroom is serious. One of my favorite “coworkers” is Mr. Bones, the skeleton model used in our training rooms. I love how he helps students visualize not just the skeletal system but also how muscles and tissues connect throughout the body. Plus, he brings a little humor and lightness into the classroom—a reminder that even when we’re learning the serious science of anatomy, we can still enjoy the process.
Finding BalanceWhile I am dedicated to my work, I’ve learned that balance is essential. Growing up as one of seven children in a modest, faith-centered household taught me the value of discipline and gratitude. I’ve always been a hard worker, sometimes to a fault, and I need reminders to pause and take care of myself, too.For me, that often means something simple—like treating myself to ice cream. It’s a small ritual that reminds me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and celebrate life’s sweetness, even during the busiest weeks. I believe that kind of balance is vital for everyone, and it’s something I try to carry into my massage practice: the idea that even small moments of care can bring real joy and restoration.
Embracing AdventureNot all of my self-care is quiet and simple. A friend once convinced me to go on a tandem skydiving jump—something I never thought I’d do. It had never been on my bucket list, but I decided to say yes, and it turned out to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.The freefall was intense, dramatic, and completely unlike anything else. I screamed from the top of my lungs all the way down, and the instructors said they could hear me the moment I jumped. Terrifying as it was, it also reminded me how important it is to step outside our comfort zones. Skydiving showed me that sometimes the things we resist most can end up being the most rewarding.
Mindful MovementYoga has been part of my life since my early twenties. I didn’t grow up with access to sports or organized activities, but yoga was something I could explore on my own. At first, I followed books and videos, learning the basics of stretching and mindful breathing. Later, while living in Hawaii, I joined a yoga studio that deepened my practice and showed me just how transformative yoga could be.Yoga continues to remind me of the importance of balance—pushing when it’s time to grow, resting when it’s time to let go, and always listening to what the body is saying. That same awareness is something I bring into my massage work: every session is about noticing, adjusting, and supporting the body in its own healing process.
Respect and ConnectionI’ve always had a deep love for animals of every kind. Whether it’s a pig at a petting zoo, a cat or dog at home, or even a small chipmunk outdoors, I approach each creature with respect. I never force my presence, but instead let the animal decide if it wants to connect. That respect for boundaries and mutual trust is at the core of how I approach both animals and people. Massage, to me, is about that same sensitivity—meeting each client where they are, listening, and never forcing, only inviting.
Always Seeking GrowthOne of my favorite photos is from a hike in Hawaii, with storm clouds over the ocean and mountains in the distance. To me, it represents who I am at my core: someone who seeks out challenges, no matter the weather, and who finds fulfillment in both company and solitude. Whether through hiking, skydiving, yoga, or simply showing up for life’s daily work, I strive to keep growing, learning, and living fully.
My PhilosophyMassage therapy is not just my career—it’s my calling. Every step of my journey, from Detroit to North Carolina, Hawaii to Sarasota, has shaped the therapist I am today. I believe in the healing power of touch, in the importance of balance, and in creating a space where every client feels safe, supported, and renewed.How I Found Massage TherapyMy interest in massage therapy began when I was very young. I remember my dad asking me to rub his head, feet, or hands after a long day. As a child, I didn’t think much of it—but I could clearly see how much comfort and relief those simple moments of touch brought him. Even today, when my nieces or nephews rub my back with innocent kindness, I’m reminded of how healing intentional touch can be. Those experiences planted the first seeds of curiosity about the body and its response to care.By my late teens, I was fascinated with human anatomy and the science behind why touch felt good. While still living in Michigan, I met a massage therapist who introduced me to Swedish massage techniques. That glimpse into the profession only deepened my interest. For years, life took me in different directions, including marriage and a push toward nursing school, but massage was always in the back of my mind.In 2020, after relocating to Florida, I found myself working at Costco while going through major personal changes. It wasn’t long before I realized I couldn’t ignore my true passion any longer. I contacted the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy, enrolled in the night program, and began an intense twelve-month journey. Balancing coursework with long shifts at Costco was grueling, but I kept a non-negotiable mindset: no matter how exhausted I was, I refused to give up. That persistence carried me through graduation.Building My PracticeIronically, just after finishing school, I suffered a hand injury that forced me to pause massage for several months. At first, I was devastated. But looking back, I see it as the universe’s way of slowing me down after a year of nonstop work. When I finally returned to massage, I started by practicing on friends to rebuild my confidence. Word spread quickly—one friend told another, and soon I had a growing list of clients.I hadn’t planned on starting my own business so soon, but the opportunity unfolded naturally. With the help of friends, I set up my LLC and began learning how to manage the business side of massage therapy. While numbers and bookkeeping aren’t my passion, I believe in resourcing out to people who are experts in their fields—so I can stay focused on what I do best: providing compassionate, skilled bodywork to my clients.Massage therapy has been my calling since I was 19 years old. Every step of my journey—every detour, setback, and breakthrough—has only strengthened my commitment to this work. Today, I feel deeply grateful to share that passion with the Sarasota community.Why I Work for MyselfDuring my rehabilitation after my hand injury, I had time to reflect on where I wanted my career to go. I considered working at a large establishment—or even on a cruise line—but ultimately, I realized that independence suited me best.For me, massage therapy isn’t about squeezing in as many clients as possible or rushing from one session to the next. Some clients simply want to come in, get their massage, and leave quickly—and that’s perfectly fine. Others, though, appreciate a few minutes before and after the session to connect, to share their needs, or to hear feedback on what I noticed in their body. Working for myself allows me to provide both: efficiency when it’s needed, and extra care and space when it’s desired.I never want to reduce massage therapy to numbers or quotas. Some days I may see two clients, others five or six, but I always give myself and my clients the time needed to ensure the work is meaningful. This freedom allows me to remain fully present for every person I work with—without feeling depleted or rushed.I also value honesty and collaboration. If I sense a client could benefit from a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or another type of practitioner, I’m happy to make that referral. I don’t see massage as a one-size-fits-all solution, and I never hesitate to connect people with the right kind of help. For me, it’s not about making money from every session; it’s about genuinely supporting each client’s well-being.A Commitment to GrowthAnother reason I prefer working independently is the freedom to choose how I grow professionally. Massage therapy offers countless modalities beyond the basics of Swedish and deep tissue, and continuing education is required to maintain a license. Rather than following someone else’s agenda, I decide which courses truly inspire me—whether that means refining my Swedish practice or exploring new techniques at my own pace. This independence keeps me engaged and passionate about my work.How I Care for MyselfEarly on, I fell into the trap of giving so much to my clients that I neglected my own self-care. In my first year of practice, I only received two massages. Over time, I realized I couldn’t pour from an empty cup. Today, I prioritize balance by committing to bodywork for myself. At minimum, I see a chiropractor twice a month and receive a massage twice a month—sometimes more if I arrange exchanges with fellow therapists.Beyond that, I stay grounded through yoga, the gym, journaling, and mindful breaks throughout the week. This balance ensures that when I show up for my clients, I’m not just present—I’m at my best.Schedule a Massage with Me TodayIf you are looking for an independent massage therapist in Sarasota who brings compassion, professionalism, and authenticity to every session, I would love to work with you. Together, we can create the balance your body and mind deserve.