Adriane Maxwell is the owner of One Healing Touch Reiki & Massage for Women in Charleston, South Carolina. Maxwell was featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine in “Faces of Bodywork.”
Below, learn more about Maxwell and her practice.
- Business: Owner, One Healing Touch Reiki & Massage for Women
- Training: Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Specialties: Reiki Healing, Access Consciousness Bars, and Integrative Massage
- Website: onehealingtouchsc.com
Massage & Bodywork: Looking at your business website, fostering community and healing among women seems to be one of the things you value most. Why does this hold such importance for you and your practice? What inspires the events you host?
Adriane Maxwell: I come from a family of women who have not always had the emotional and mental support that was needed. I believe that when women come together in a supportive and nurturing environment, incredible transformations can occur on both individual and collective levels. Women often face unique challenges and experiences that can impact their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. That’s why One Healing Touch is fully independent and focuses on women. I get to empower women in all arenas to regain balance and serenity in their lives through energetic healing and massage therapies. My treatments are designed to restore harmony in their mind, body, and spirit so they can continue working toward inner peace and heightened self-awareness. By creating a space where women can connect, share, and support one another, we not only amplify each other’s healing journey but also cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment.
The events I host are inspired by the diverse needs and interests of the women in my community. Whether it’s a workshop on mindfulness and meditation, a gathering to explore the healing power of crystals, or a women’s circle focused on self-care and empowerment, each event is designed to provide opportunities for growth, connection, and healing. I am passionate about creating inclusive and welcoming spaces where women from all walks of life can come together to learn, heal, and grow. Through these events, I hope to inspire and uplift women, fostering a sense of sisterhood and empowerment that extends far beyond the walls of my practice.
M&B: What is the best part of being a massage therapist for you?
AM: The best part of being a massage therapist and Reiki Master, for me, is the impact I can have on the wellness of my clients. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being able to provide a safe space for relaxation, healing, and empowerment. Every day, I have the privilege of helping women prioritize themselves, release tension, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and access deeper self-awareness, allowing them to feel more balanced, restored, and at peace. Witnessing the positive transformations in my clients, both physically and emotionally, brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Moreover, I cherish the opportunity to connect with each individual on a deeper level as they share different aspects of their lives, both good and not so good. Building trust and rapport with my clients allows me to tailor each session to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that they leave feeling nurtured, supported, and cared for. Being a massage therapist and Reiki Master allows me to combine my passion for healing with my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It’s a profession that brings me satisfaction and purpose, and I feel truly grateful to be able to serve others in this way.
M&B: Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are today? Why massage?
AM: My journey to where I am today has been deeply personal. It all started with my desire for freedom and to be an inspiration to my daughters. I always knew I wanted to be a business owner but had no idea what type of business. [I worked] as a call taker in an emergency call center for the county I was living in for about seven years, all the while wanting to do something else. I briefly worked at the local magistrate court and then relocated to North Carolina to start a position as a 911 dispatcher for a military installation.
During my time as a dispatcher at the military installation, I started to hear about the local technical school offering a therapeutic massage program. A family member suggested I look into it . . . but things didn’t line up for me to take the course until about two years later. [It was then that] I started my training in therapeutic massage at Fayetteville Technical College in a 10-month hybrid program.
During the program, I worked 12-hour overnight shifts as a dispatcher and attended classes Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. I still have no idea when I slept. By the time I was completing my program, my contract on the military installation was up for renewal, but I wasn’t interested in renewing. I finally had a way out. This was my chance to start the “business” I knew I wanted (but still had no idea how). In casual conversation with one of my instructors, I mentioned [a preference to not feel obligated to primarily provide deep-tissue massage], as I knew that would tear up my body. “Then you better own your own place,” she said. That started me on a mission to find out how to make it all happen—focusing on women [clients], being a new therapist, etc.
By the time I gathered all the information about going into business for myself, it was time to graduate from the program. I got my certification in North Carolina and my license in South Carolina after relocating. After settling into my new place in South Carolina, I decided that I would work at a local franchise spa and at the same time try my hand at renting a suite to attract my own clients. I knew the franchise would give me plenty of opportunities to work on different bodies and thereby build my skills. After nearly a year of working at the franchise, I left to work with a chiropractor and see my own clients—until the world changed for everyone. Now, One Healing Touch is fully independent and focuses on women. I get to empower women in all arenas to regain balance and serenity in their lives through energetic healing and massage therapies. My treatments are designed to restore harmony in their mind, body, and spirit so they can continue working toward inner peace and heightened self-awareness.
M&B: What drew you to reiki and wanting to become a Reiki Master?
AM: My journey to becoming a Reiki Master started in an unexpected way. As massage therapists, we have to have a certain number of CEUs. At the time, reiki was an easy, inexpensive way to get the CEUs I needed as a new therapist. But reiki resonated with me because of its ability to tap into universal life-force energy. I learned that it would help me gain more balance and harmony within my body, mind, and spirit, and that was attractive to me and what I was trying to accomplish.
Fast forward about six years—becoming a Reiki Master felt like a natural next step. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of reiki principles, enhance my intuitive abilities, and develop the skills needed to facilitate healing in others. Now, as a Reiki Master teacher, I am honored to guide others on their paths to wellness and empowerment, sharing the life-shifting benefits of reiki with those seeking healing and inner peace.
M&B: What is Access Consciousness Bars Healing?
AM: Access Consciousness Bars Healing is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that works by lightly touching 32 specific points on your head. Each of these points connects to different aspects of your life, like happiness, finances, and creativity. The idea is that by touching these points, we can release the built-up energy that locks in negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that aren’t serving us well. This release helps clear up mental clutter, eases stress, and makes room for more joy and positivity in your life. It’s like pressing the reset button for your mind, allowing you to let go of what’s holding you back and embrace a clearer, more joyful path forward. Anyone can benefit from this therapy, no matter their age or background, making it a universally welcoming approach to wellness.
M&B: Do you have any words of advice for anyone just entering the profession or starting their own business for the first time?
AM: These pieces of advice aren’t law, but hopefully there is something that will help someone just entering the profession or starting a business:
- Embrace continuous learning. The field of massage therapy is constantly evolving, with new techniques, modalities, and research emerging regularly. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, taking advanced courses, and staying informed about industry trends. This will not only enhance your skills but also keep you competitive in the market and help you learn what services and modalities you enjoy.
- Build a strong foundation. When starting your business, take the time to lay a solid foundation. This includes developing a clear business plan, defining your target audience, and establishing your brand identity early.
- Prioritize your self-care. As a massage therapist and business owner, it’s essential to prioritize your wellness. I didn’t do this until I was in the field for five or six years. This was such a mistake. Not to mention, I was on a path to fast burnout. So, make self-care practices a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule regular breaks, incorporate relaxation techniques into your day, and seek support from mentors or peers when needed.
- Cultivate genuine connections. Building relationships with clients, colleagues, and fellow professionals is key to success in the massage therapy industry. I have some clients who have followed me from one office to the next. Foster trust and authenticity in your interactions, listen actively to your clients’ needs, and go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can be powerful tools for growing your business.
- Stay adaptable and resilient. Entrepreneurship can be unpredictable and setbacks are inevitable. Approach challenges with a growth mindset, viewing them as opportunities for learning and growth. Stay adaptable to changes in the market, be willing to pivot your business strategy when necessary, and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
Success in the field of massage therapy and business ownership requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for what you do. Stay true to your values, prioritize the well-being of your clients and yourself, and trust in your ability to create a thriving practice.
M&B: Can you tell us something about what feeds you on a personal level? Things you do for fun or activities/practices that fuel your spirit?
AM: I have a mix of interests and moments that fill my cup. I absolutely adore exploring my surroundings, whether I’m doing it solo or with some wonderful company. There’s something so invigorating about discovering new places and soaking in the beauty all around me.
Now, cruising, that’s my kind of bliss. There’s nothing quite like feeling the wind in your hair and the ocean stretching out before you. I don’t have to worry about driving, gas, or stopping to rest. Cruising is my preferred way to relax and vacation.
Of course, spending quality time with my daughters and grandson is an absolute must for me. There’s a special kind of magic that comes with family bonds, and those moments together are truly priceless. Not to mention, my grandson is so fun and keeps me amazed.
And then there are those times when I just want to do nothing at all. It’s like giving myself permission to hit pause on the chaos of life and simply be. It’s a beautiful practice of self-care and mindfulness that leaves me feeling recharged and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
These activities and practices are like fuel for my spirit, nourishing me in the best possible way. They remind me to prioritize joy, relaxation, and connection in my life, and I couldn't be more grateful for them.
* Photo by Marly Viviana Photography