Meet Shamika Niski | Massage Therapist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shamika, why did you pursue a creative career?
Massage Therapy called to me. Call it fate or whatever you want but it was just a nagging feeling in the back of my heart for me. I kept coming back to it wiithin the health and wellness industry. I have had a deep interest in helping others become the best version of themselves since I was a child. I’ve always had a nurturing spirit and upon finding out I was pregnant with my first child I just knew I had to take a leap of faith to set the example for my babies that you should follow your dreams regardless of the naysayers. I did not want them or myself to look back and think what if? I kept the firm words, “why not me and why not now?” in my mind as I prepared to take that jump into what I now call a dream come true and purpose for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I believe sets me apart from others, is that I want to not only help others achieve their wellness goals but also their mental health goals. I’m most proud of the steps I’ve taken to build my business. It’s scary to put yourself out there and pushing past those fears takes a huge shift in mindset.

Now it has definitely not been an easy road to get where I am today. I spent late nights studying while in school, working part-time and all the while being a young first time mother. I missed alot during those days but I persevered and came out stronger for it. After graduation, my family and I moved to Colorado and it was probably the most difficult thing for me to do as a freshly licensed massage therapist as I didn’t know anyone here. It took me awhile to open up and put myself out there due to my own mental health struggles but once I did I found myself meeting some truly wonderful people.

I have to wear many hats in my life but the things I do don’t equate to my self worth. Slowly, this is a lesson I am still learning. Massage and Body work has helped me so much about being able to truly relax, quiet my mind and focus on my clients. It brings me so much clarity and I love being able to give a client that same peace of mind. Mental health is so vitally important and shouldn’t be put to the wayside. Reach out, put those fears and outdated stigmas behind and thrive in life because it’s the only one you have.

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?
I would take them to all my favorite plant nurseries. I am an avid gardener and planty person. I would also go hike the incline in Manitou and soak in the hot springs at Sunwater. We would chow down at some amazing food trucks and restaurants like Roc & ro sushi and Mama pearl’s.

In my opinion, the most fun and interesting place to check out is Play at the Summit. I really like the place for bowling and family night though we haven’t made it to the Whirlyball yet. That’s next on my list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out my family. They are my true motivation to get up in the morning and continue pushing forward. I also would like to shoutout a podcaster that continues to inspire me to keep moving forward as well: Mimi the motivator on the “Get high on Motivation” podcast. I came across her podcast about 2 years ago. She’s a fantastic motivational speaker.

Website: Ochremassage.square.site

Instagram: @ochremassage

Facebook: @OchreMassageShamika