Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Gunter.
Hi Dana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After trying to establish myself in Atlanta, Decatur, and Fort Worth, TX, I moved to Savannah, GA, in September 2020. The pandemic benefited me by allowing the opportunity to join different spa teams and support myself during the transition to full time resident. Since then, I’ve been able to grow professionally as a Massage Therapist and Bodyworker, but also thrive as a Continuing Education provider to other LMTs as well.
Savannah has a huge and interesting spa culture in town and in the surrounding areas. With each provider being a state licensed technician, each provider has hands-on hours to fulfill every two years. In 2022, I decided to use my professional massage experience and instructional background to become a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork CE Provider. I discovered, that year, that I was the only CE Provider in a 30 mile radius offering hands-on classes that the state will recognize! It was a big responsibility to ensure my colleagues were getting their hours in AND they enjoyed the material presented to them. So, yeah, I wear two hats!
I love that I help my professional friends and colleagues stay on track with their career, I enjoy always having a reason to get people together and talk about our passions of the job. I find that great classes can reignite interest and passion on the job, and give everyone a sense of community in an often isolating job. If I can introduce someone to a new technique, their next coworker, or an exciting product line–I have made a big impact on a small scale. So many of my colleagues have little spare time and don’t enjoy the rigors of the classroom setting, therefore, my other job is making sure is entertained and focused. I enjoy the pleasure of making the material relatable, and easy to assimilate–I definitely know my audience because I am one of them!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth journey trying to find the perfect space for me to settle down and thrive!
The top struggle is valuing my talents and putting myself out there without fear. I’m at the level now where I don’t even doubt what I’m doing on my clients because I’ve been applying it to practice for almost 23 years. I also doing have to do any selling of myself just to convince them to return: one session produces results that the client can feel and expect the next time.
My brand has always been natural therapies and hands-on massage. I practice bodywork from Thailand, India, and Hawaii that isn’t for everyone, but it has its audience that appreciates… something different. Sticking to my guns and doing further training in those techniques turned out to be a blessing because I can adjust American spa therapies to mimic aspects of lomi lomi massage or Ayurveda or herbal compress massage.
Teaching massage always keeps me in touch with where the industry is at and where our education as LMTs can improve. My goal is to empower other LMTs to be better at their own business and support spas that need staff training.
As you know, we’re big fans of Phoenix Rising Bodyworks LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Phoenix Rising Bodyworks LLC is a massage therapy and bodywork private practice located within Suite Life Spa. Dana Gunter LMT is the owner and primary provider of services at Phoenix Rising Bodyworks.
Dana has been a practicing LMT since May 2003, but Phoenix Rising Bodyworks has been established since 2015. In 2021, Phoenix Rising Bodyworks esblished itself part time at Suite Life Spa. SInce June of 2025, Phoenix Rising is full time at Suite Life Spa.
What could you expect from Dana’s services that set her apart from other providers? An immensely intuitive touch that can work deep without feel painful. Firm pressure that doesn’t leave you sore. Bodywork that leaves you feeling, relaxed, balanced, and your skin nourished. Results are measure in how you feel after the massage and improved mobility in the body.
If you are looking for a quiet LMT that can work medium to deep in an effective, intuitive way that respects where the client’s body is currently at, that’s Phoenix Rising Bodyworks.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have a website PhoenixRisingBodyworks.com that you can contact me at for collaborations or questions about my services.
Potential clients can check out my services on the Vagaro website or App listed under Suite Life Spa. My services are priced affordably for a professional with over 22 years of experience.
Pricing:
- 60-minute massage $115.00
- 90-minute massage $155.00
- Japanese Head Spa + Massage $295.00
- CBD Luminous Massage $135.00
- 75-minute hot stone massage $130.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phoenixrisingbodyworks.com
- Instagram: @phoenixrisingbodyworks
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/tjgw6cu/book-now
