Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Ruggs
Bianca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into the massage industry began with a deep-rooted passion for healing—both physically and mentally. I graduated from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, a field that focuses on improving one’s mental and physical well-being . After college, I worked for Sheppard Pratt Mental Hospital. It was an eye-opening experience—one that deepened my understanding of mental health and taught me the power of human connection. I built real relationships with the people I served and saw firsthand that we are all human, carrying stories that go beyond what meets the eye.
In 2017, life threw me a curveball—I lost that job. It was tough, but looking back, I see it as the moment that set everything into motion. That downtime gave me space to really think about my next move. I knew I wanted to continue helping people heal, but in a way that felt more aligned with my purpose.
That realization led me to massage therapy. I graduated from massage school in 2018, and from the moment I stepped into the field, I knew that I wanted to one day run my own practice. But before going solo, I knew I had to gain industry experience, so I started off working at local spas. My first job was at a well-known spa in Baltimore City, where I met amazing people and built a solid clientele. Unfortunately, like many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll, leading to closures and, ultimately, the spa shutting down for good.
Rather than letting that setback define me, I saw it as an opportunity. I took everything I had learned and bet on myself. With the industry shifting and people craving personalized, wellness-focused care. I’ve had the privilege of serving over 3,000 clients throughout Baltimore and the DMV area.
Massage therapy has become more than just a career for me. My education, combined with years of hands-on experience, has shaped me into the professional I am today- A true HEALER. I love being able to create that safe space for my clients. Every session is life-changing. There’s still so much more to build, more lives to impact, and more awareness to spread within my community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, especially when it comes to navigating the slow days in business.
When I transitioned from working in spas to running my own practice, I quickly realized that consistency wasn’t guaranteed. Unlike a spa where clients are booked for you, I had to build my clientele from scratch and keep them coming back. Some weeks were fully booked, while others were painfully slow, and that unpredictability was tough to manage.
But instead of letting those slow periods discourage me, I learned to go back to the drawing board. I constantly ask myself, How can I create an experience that clients will never forget? Because at the end of the day, a great massage isn’t just about technique—it’s about how people feel when they leave my table. Do they feel seen? Heard? Genuinely cared for? Those are the things that make them come back and refer others.
I started refining my approach, whether it was adjusting my techniques, enhancing the ambiance of my space, or finding new ways to connect with my clients beyond the massage itself. I also had to get creative with marketing, client retention strategies, and building relationships within my community to keep a steady flow of bookings.
The slow days are never easy, but they’ve taught me the importance of adaptability and persistence. They push me to be better, to refine my craft, and to ensure that every person who books with me has an experience worth coming back for. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about filling a schedule—it’s about building a business that people trust and value.
We’ve been impressed with A Touch of B LLC , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is more than just massage—it’s an experience, a safe space, and a commitment to true healing.
Over the years, I’ve enhanced my skills and expanded my offerings to provide a well-rounded, results-driven approach to bodywork. I now specialize in Post-Operative Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Body Sculpting, Reflexology, and Stretch Therapy. I believe the more skilled you are, the more upgrades you bring to the client experience—and that’s exactly what I strive for with every session.
A Touch of B goes far beyond relaxation. My approach blends intuition, skill, and deep knowledge of the body and mind to provide each client with exactly what they need—whether it’s pain relief, stress reduction, post-surgical care, or body contouring.
Every session is tailored to the individual, and I make it a priority to educate my clients about their bodies, tension patterns, and self-care techniques. My goal isn’t just to provide a great service in the moment—it’s to help people feel better in their daily lives.
Currently, I offer mobile massage services throughout Baltimore and the DMV, with plans to expand to other states. I want my clients to feel that luxurious, spa-like experience wherever they are—whether it’s in the comfort of their home, a hotel, or a special event. I’m literally the final “Touch” to any celebration, upgrading birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and any event where relaxation and wellness are key. I wear many hats, bringing not just skill, but an energy that enhances every moment.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise? The reputation I’ve built within my community. I’ve created a business that people trust—one that they come back to not just for the massage, but for RESULTS. Whether it’s a first-time session or a longtime client, every person who books with me is treated with the highest level of care, and that’s something I take great pride in.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating my own opportunities.
When the pandemic hit, the spa I was working at—like many other businesses—was forced to shut down. In an instant, everything I had worked for seemed uncertain. I had built a solid clientele, but with no physical space to work from, I had to rethink my entire approach to massage therapy.
Instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity. I used that time to go back to the drawing board, sharpen my skills, and build a business that could withstand uncertainty. That’s when I launched my home-based massage business, creating a safe, welcoming space where clients could continue receiving the care they needed. Healing didn’t have to stop just because the world did.
As my home-based business grew, I realized that there was a real demand for accessible, high-quality massage services outside of traditional spas. That inspired me to take things a step further and expand into mobile massage, bringing spa-like experiences directly to my clients wherever they were.
Another major lesson? The power of connection. People were experiencing so much stress, grief, and isolation during that time, and I saw firsthand how human touch and therapeutic care became more important than ever. I wasn’t just providing massages; I was helping people cope, find relief, and feel a sense of normalcy again.
COVID-19 pushed me to step out on faith, trust my craft, and build something of my own—and that’s exactly what I did. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It forced me to grow, and now, my business is stronger than ever.
Pricing:
- Mobile Massage- $225
- Cupping Massage-$115
- Post Op Massage- $150
- Body Sculpting Session- $125
- Stretch Session-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atouchofbtherapy.as.me/schedule/22c55b0f
- Instagram: ATouchofb_therapy
