Community Highlights: Meet Nicole Flora of Blackbird Massage and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Flora

Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a teenager, I was always playing sports and somehow always ended up in the Athletic Training room with one injury or another. This time led to my desire to be in the sports medicine field. After attending Western Carolina University’s Athletic Training program, that dream slowly dissipated. I was still in love with the rehab, just not the injuries. After a few years of “finding myself”, I attended Wake Technical Community College. There, my passion for helping people was rekindled. Wake Tech’s Therapeutic Massage program was difficult, yet rewarding in so many ways. I was able to help in ways I didn’t realize was possible.

After graduating, I went straight into the field, working at different spas in the area. There, I gained much needed experience but it still wasn’t the type of work I wanted to be doing. I felt like I was stuck in a routine, doing the same massage for every person. Working at spas for several years, made me realize that I needed more, for both myself and my clients. That’s when the dream first began: to open my own business. In November 2016, I opened “New You- Therapeutic Massage”. The name “New You” reflects how you should feel after every massage.

For eight years, I worked solo, building my clientele and helping people from all walks of life: athletes, weekend warriors, office professionals, and stay-at-home parents. I’ve always believed that every body is unique and deserves personalized care. As my practice grew, so did the demand for quality massage therapy. I realized that to serve more people on their wellness journey, I needed to expand.

In 2024, I rebranded my business and welcomed my first like-minded therapist to the team. With this expansion, “Blackbird Massage and Wellness” was born—allowing us to reach more clients, provide even greater care, and give back to the community in new and meaningful ways.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my own business was anything but a smooth road. I had no formal business training, no family history of entrepreneurship, and no roadmap to follow—just a strong desire to do things my way. I wasn’t naturally business-minded, and in the beginning, I had no idea what I was getting into.

Thankfully, I built strong connections along the way. My incredible clients weren’t just supporters; they became invaluable mentors—offering guidance as CPAs, bankers, realtors, and fellow business owners. Their generosity and expertise helped me navigate the challenges of running a business.

Even now, as *Blackbird Massage and Wellness* continues to grow, there are still bumps in the road. But with every challenge comes a lesson, and I embrace each one as part of the journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At *Blackbird Massage and Wellness*, our team of three highly skilled and diverse massage therapists brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every session. We are trained in a variety of modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, manual lymph drainage, and sports massage. To enhance your experience, we incorporate complimentary add-ons such as, aromatherapy, hot stones, and cupping—because we believe in providing the best care without extra fees.

What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly blend these techniques, creating a fully customized massage tailored to each individual’s needs.

Our practice is built on four core values that guide everything we do: Client-Focused Care, Education, Quality Treatment, and Community Engagement. These principles ensure that every client receives thoughtful, effective, and compassionate care while we continue to grow, learn, and give back.

Our mission at Blackbird Massage and Wellness is to provide exceptional care that honors the uniqueness of every client. Through personalized massage, we are dedicated to helping you feel balanced, and achieve wellness, after every session.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth comes from embracing discomfort. Starting and expanding my business pushed me far beyond my comfort zone—whether it was learning the ins and outs of running a business, asking for help, or trusting others to uphold my standards of care. Every challenge, every misstep, and every moment of doubt taught me something valuable.

I’ve learned that success isn’t about having all the answers from the start—it’s about staying adaptable, building strong relationships, and continuously learning. The more I lean into growth, the more I’m able to show up fully for my clients, my team, and my community.

Pricing:

• Prices start $90/hour
• Infrared Sauna $1.50/minute
• Event chair/table massage $150/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackbirdmassage.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.massage
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackbirdmassageandwellness
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackbirdmassage