Meet Anna Marie Wood, IPSB alum and owner of TEMPLEWORK LA. From corporate business to massage and energy work, Anna Marie highlights the importance of listening to the signs that may lead you to your calling. Her journey is an inspiring guide for those navigating bodywork and entrepreneurship.
Can you share a bit about yourself and your background before coming to IPSB?
I have a corporate business background from Marin County, CA, and oddly enough I was in the 'biz' here in Los Angeles. On-camera work. During 2008, when the crash happened, everything shifted. I actually had a lovely aluminum massage table already, but hadn't taken formal training. I had an opportunity to purchase one years earlier and did. Seemed like a reasonable investment. Was it a sign? (I think so). Then I enrolled in IPSB in 2008 and the comfort and calling just clicked. My aluminum table got some great use.
Tell us about the work you currently do.
My sessions are a blend of massage and energy work. I would technically say "firm Swedish with Craniosacral and or Polarity and Reiki". I use crystals as well. My sessions are always based on 'listening'. Listening to what the client is saying and listening to what the body is saying.
Describe your journey to pursuing an education in bodywork. Also, why did you choose IPSB?
Clearly it was time to make a shift. To feed my soul and make some changes. When I attended the Open House at IPSB, I was immediately at ease. I liked the holistic part of their program as well as how I 'felt'.
What inspired you to start TEMPLEWORK LA? Can you share the story behind its creation?
As I said, I have a business background. Then I took the full massage program from IPSB as well as Craniosacral and Polarity from Life Energy Institute. I wanted to open a kind of space that was different, had unique services and heavy in energy work. I'm a bit of a 'go getter', so things manifest easily. I always wanted my own space.
Were there any specific values or principles from your time at IPSB that influenced the foundation of TEMPLEWORK LA?
The principles from IPSB that carried forward to my space were skill and technique. IPSB doesn't provide a 'cookie cutter' program. There are the basics and structure, but room to blossom. I really loved that.
Can you discuss some of the challenges you faced in establishing/running your own bodywork studio?
I don't mind challenges. Where there is a challenge, there is growth. Running your own business isn't for the faint of heart, but for me it was essential. Be structured. Be grounded. Be creative. Be patient.
On the flip side, what have been the most rewarding aspects of owning and operating TEMPLEWORK LA?
I knew what I wanted from the beginning, and as I said I manifest easily. I am also extremely creative and having my own business has given me the opportunity to branch out. I have extended my practice into providing gorgeous custom made products.
What advice would you give someone pursuing bodywork or considering school at IPSB? (If you have any advice for people aspiring to run their own studio/business, even better!)
There is something so rewarding about 'supporting others and healing'. So rewarding. Do a dream board. Live in the present and everything you want to create, speak of it as if it is in the present. There is value there.
You can learn more about Anna Marie and TEMPLEWORK LA at www.templeworkla.com, and on Instagram @templeworkla.
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