We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tara Manack. Check out our conversation below.
Tara, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have an almost one-year-old baby boy, and while becoming a new mom has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, it’s also brought me more joy than I ever imagined. As cliché as it sounds, it’s all true—I love my little boy more than words can express. Before he arrived, our business felt like our baby. We built it from the ground up, poured our energy into nurturing it, and watched it grow—it was our everything. Now, we have a real child, and learning to balance both has been a demanding but incredibly rewarding journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Tara, and together with my husband, Joshua, we own Mountain Shadows Massage & Bodywork in Colorado Springs. We opened our doors in 2019 and provide massage therapy in a quiet, comfortable setting nestled along the foothills of the Front Range. In 2024, we moved to our current space in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood.
Our journey began in Wisconsin, where we both attended massage school and studied a medically focused curriculum. After graduation, we worked at a five-star spa and received extensive training in customer service. This background shaped our massage style—a blend of muscle-specific therapeutic work and deeply relaxing techniques. We believe that the more relaxed you are, the more effective our work can be.
We place a high value on personalization and aim to create a space where each client feels safe, comfortable, and fully at ease. Every session can include essential oils, heat packs, hot towels, and more—all at no extra charge. We tailor pressure to your preference, from very light to deep pressure. Our goal is for you to leave feeling renewed and confident that you received exactly what you needed.
We’re excited about the potential to grow and welcome new team members in the near future!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many incredible teachers. Early on, I worked with a large team of massage therapists—many of whom generously shared their knowledge and experience. But over time, I’ve found that some of the most valuable lessons come from the people you serve. Listening closely to clients, understanding their needs, and adjusting your approach accordingly can guide you toward meaningful growth and mastery in your work.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Missing out—on a job, a promotion, an apartment, or simply not getting my way—has taught me more than any success ever could. In hindsight, many of those disappointments were turning points. I’ve learned to go with the flow and trust that when something doesn’t work out, it’s often making room for something better. I can trace every good thing in my life back to one major letdown: the job I was promised when I first moved to Wisconsin. It fell through, leaving me alone for the first time with no income and no plan. I was devastated. But then I found another opportunity—one that led me to my career, my passion, and eventually, my partner. If I had gotten that original job, I might never have discovered massage therapy. If I had given up and gone home, I don’t know where I’d be today. Instead, I moved forward, and that experience taught me to trust the process. Now, when things don’t go as planned, I remind myself: sometimes the detour is the path.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my friends would say that honesty and punctuality really matter to me. My friendships are among the most important parts of my life—they keep me grounded and sane. I deeply rely on my close friends, and I strive to be just as present and dependable for them. Being able to share openly and honestly is vital to my well-being. I believe that the more honest we are with each other, the more we can grow, learn, and feel secure in ourselves. I’m also someone who values being on time—I really hate being late. Though I’ll admit, that’s become a lot harder to manage since having a baby!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I’m meant to do. Before attending massage school, I worked as an administrator at the same school. At the time, I didn’t know anything about massage, but I took the role seriously and was passionate about supporting students through their journey. Over time, I realized I wasn’t meant to stay behind the desk—I was meant to be in the treatment room. I had finally found a path that let me work with my hands, move my body, and genuinely help people. After opening our business, it became clear that every job I’ve had prepared me for this one, giving me the skills and perspective I now use every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mountainshadowsmassage.com
- Instagram: @mountainshadowsmassage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MassageColoSprings
