Meet Tiana Mandrigues | Massage Therapist & Business Owner

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

Hi Tiana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
What role has taking risks played in my life and career?

Taking risks has been a defining theme throughout my life—starting all the way back when I was a teenager graduating from high school. I left my hometown in San Jose, California to pursue a calling as an Evangelist and enrolled at Oral Roberts University, moving to a state where I knew no one. At age 18, I had a profound experience with God that made me want to pursue a spiritual path. That leap of faith set the tone for how I would navigate life: by choosing purpose over comfort.

After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I studied screenwriting at USC because I wanted to share my personal story—the impact of growing up without a father and the emotional void it left behind. Soon after arriving, I landed a position as a celebrity assistant to Marlon Wayans, which opened the door to opportunities directing music videos and producing creative projects. I spent over a decade in entertainment, but another shift was calling.

In 2016, I took a bold step and enrolled in massage school at Burke Williams Academy in Los Angeles, CA. It was during that time that I unknowingly stepped into a personal healing journey. I experienced a deep “dark night of the soul,” confronting and working through childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic health issues that sent me to the ER almost twice a month. I learned about the power of healing the inner child, and the importance of nervous system regulation and emotional well-being. That was the beginning of my healing journey and when I started to develop a passion and interest in the wellness industry.

In 2021, I made another major life change by moving to Colorado to be closer to family. I fell in love with the peace of nature and the small-town charm. After years of healing and self-discovery, I found the clarity and strength to take my biggest leap yet: opening my own business at the age of 50.

I had always worked for others, so investing in myself and launching Miori Luxury Spa was both exhilarating and terrifying. It required tremendous faith, time, and financial risk—but the vision was clear. I wanted to create a sanctuary for healing: a space rooted in intention, love, and the belief that mind, body, and spirit can be restored.

Miori Luxury Spa wouldn’t exist without my belief in myself—and the unwavering support of my mother, who believed in my vision just as much as I did. When I look back, I see how every health challenge and inner child breakthrough became the fuel that pushed me to create this sacred space. I wanted to pay it forward—to show others that healing is possible, that you can reclaim your life, and that no matter your age or background, it’s never too late to start something new. You can always start over again and again.

To anyone listening: take the risk. Invest in your healing. Trust your vision. Stay consistent. And know that with faith and focus, you can absolutely create the life—and the business—you dream of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in healing and most importantly, LOVE. It’s not just about technique—it’s about presence, intention, and love. At Miori Luxury Spa, every touch, every detail, and every experience is carefully crafted to help regulate the nervous system and bring the body, mind, and spirit back into balance. What sets me apart is the way I hold space: with deep compassion, reverence for each person’s healing journey, and an understanding that true restoration requires more than just a service—it requires soul.

I’m most proud of the space I’ve created. It’s more than a spa; it’s a sanctuary. Clients often tell me that it feels like a mini retreat, a place where they can exhale and be fully supported. I have always loved creating soothing and peaceful atmospheres that makes people relax because they feel safe. What excites me most is witnessing transformation—when someone walks in burdened and walks out lighter, more connected to themselves.

Getting to where I am today has been far from easy. My path has taken many turns—from working in the entertainment industry as a producer, music director and celebrity assistant to stepping into the healing arts after going through my own dark night of the soul. I dealt with severe anxiety, depression, and physical illness that left me in the ER twice a month. That season broke me open—and also awakened me. I started learning about inner child healing, emotional trauma, and how powerful the body’s wisdom truly is when given a safe environment.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way? One: Your pain can become your purpose. Two: There is no “right time”—you must choose yourself, even if you’re scared. And three: Consistency, faith, and integrity will always take you further than talent alone.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that Miori Luxury Spa was born from lived experience. I didn’t just study healing—I lived it. And now, I offer it with my whole heart. My mission is to inspire people from all walks of life—no matter your background, age, or story—that healing is possible, and that it’s never too late to begin again. When you come to Miori Luxury Spa you’re stepping into a space built on love, intention, and the belief that you deserve to feel whole again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, the first thing I’d do is take them to my sacred river in Lyons, Colorado. There’s a special spot where I love to sit right in the middle of the water—it’s my place of peace. Being in nature fills me up in ways I never expected. I would’ve never imagined the city girl in me would fall so deeply in love with the mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes—but here I am, completely transformed by them.

After grounding in nature, we’d head to Denver to catch a show. I’m a jazz enthusiast and a true lover of Hip Hop. Whether it’s a performance by The Pharcyde, Illa J, or one of my favorite DJs, music would absolutely be part of the experience. Music has always played a powerful role in my life—it’s healing, expressive, and connects us to something greater.

I also have a deep love for art, flowers, and the stars—so we’d likely visit a museum, stroll through a botanical garden, or find a quiet place to stargaze. For me, the perfect day is a blend of nature, rhythm, creativity, and soul—all the things that bring me back to myself.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my former boss, Marlon Wayans —who I now consider not just a mentor, but family and a lifelong friend. Working for the Wayans Brothers had a profound impact on my life and work ethic. Being part of that world taught me a truth I carry with me daily: there are no shortcuts to greatness. To truly excel, you have to do the work—and show up with excellence in everything you do, because you are your brand.

I worked 14 – to 16-hour days on movie sets, and while it was demanding, it shaped me. It instilled endurance, discipline, and a level of professionalism that prepared me for entrepreneurship. Today, as the owner of Miori Luxury Spa, I still operate with the same dedication to excellence I learned working alongside legends.

Thank you, Marlon and Wayans family for believing in me and for setting the bar high. The lessons I learned changed my life—and continue to shape everything I do.

Website: https://mioriluxuryspa.glossgenius.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mioriluxuryspa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Miori-Luxury-Spa