Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynnel Gilbert- Marshall.
Hi Lynnel , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey started with a simple passion for helping people feel better in their bodies. Growing up in Grenada, wellness and caring for others always came naturally to me, I was always the one taking care of the people around me and over 17 years ago I decided to pursue massage therapy professionally. What began as a skill and what I say is a God given gift, quickly became my purpose. I studied massage therapy in Trinidad and Tobago and committed myself to continuously learning and improving my craft ever since.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients from everyday hardworking individuals looking for relief from stress and pain, to corporate professionals, entertainers, West Indies Cricketers and even Olympic athletes such as Justin Gatlin, LaShawn Merritt and Anderson Peters, whom I’ve worked with since 2016. Those experiences showed me the true impact massage therapy can have, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well and can connect me with people from all walks.
Today, I’m the founder of Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Body Clinic in Grenada, where I focus on therapeutic, sports, and holistic bodywork. My approach has always been “hands with heart” combining skill, compassion, and intentional care to create meaningful experiences for my clients. Beyond the treatment room, I’m also passionate about education and industry development. I serve as President of the Caribbean Association of Massage and BodyWork Practitioners (Grenada Chapter) and a Board member of The Grenada Beauty and Wellness Association. I’m a certified massage therapy trainer and assessor, and I’ve been actively involved in advocating for standards, training, and growth opportunities within the beauty and wellness industry throughout Grenada and the Caribbean.
One of the most defining moments in my career was attending the World Massage Festival in North Carolina. Being surrounded by some of the best therapists and learning from the best educators in the world reminded me that this profession is so much bigger than massage alone it’s about healing, connection, community, and transformation. That experience renewed my passion and inspired me to continue raising the standard for wellness and bodywork services in my country.
Personally, I’m also a wife, entrepreneur, mentor, and creative. I wear many hats, but at the center of everything I do is a genuine love for people and a desire to make others feel seen, valued, and cared for. My story is still being written, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come from simply wanting to help people feel good, to becoming someone who is helping shape the future of wellness and massage therapy in Grenada and beyond. I still have many things i want to accomplish in this industry so I look forward to what’s next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha ha…It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, especially in small island developing states like Grenada, there were moments where I had to build while learning, sacrifice comfort, and push through seasons of uncertainty like the covid 19 period. When I started in massage therapy over 17 years ago, the profession wasn’t always viewed with the level of professionalism and respect that it is beginning to receive today. There were misconceptions about the industry, limited opportunities for advanced training locally, and very little structure or support for wellness practitioners.
I also faced the challenges that come with entrepreneurship balancing finances that was one of the major ones for me, growing a client base, managing burnout, and wearing multiple hats at once. There were times I invested heavily into training, travel, and professional development because I believed in raising my standards, even when the return wasn’t immediate. I’ve had moments where I questioned myself, moments of exhaustion, and moments where I had to keep showing up even when things were difficult behind the scenes.
Another challenge that has really changed over the years is marketing and visibility, especially with social media. Back in the day, having a simple Facebook profile, posting a few photos, and relying heavily on word of mouth was enough to build a solid client base and honestly, I miss the days when WOM carried so much weight because the quality of your work spoke for itself. It does still work for me but I do understand the importance of brand visibility.
Now, social media is an entirely different world. Visibility is heavily tied to algorithms, content creation, consistency, reels, trends, and posting almost every day just to stay relevant and be seen. As someone who genuinely loves the hands-on work and client interaction side of my business, I’ll admit that constantly having to create content can feel overwhelming and challenging at times. It’s almost like you have to be a therapist, marketer, videographer, editor, and social media strategist and content creator all at once.
I understand that adapting is necessary although I am way behind. The digital space has created amazing opportunities for brands to grow and connect with people globally, so I’m learning to embrace it while still staying authentic to who I am and the heart behind my brand.
Personally, balancing business, leadership responsibilities, marriage, and everyday life has also required discipline and sacrifice. But every challenge taught me resilience, strengthened my faith, and reminded me why I started in the first place.
Looking back now, I can honestly say the struggles helped shape me into the therapist, leader, and woman I am today. They taught me that success is not just about talent it’s about consistency , adaptability, and being willing to keep growing even when the journey gets hard.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Body Clinic was created from a genuine passion for helping people heal, relax, and reconnect with themselves through therapeutic touch. What started as a small vision has grown into one of Grenada’s recognized wellness brands, offering a wide range of therapeutic and holistic services tailored to each client’s individual needs.
At Bliss, we specialize in therapeutic massage, sports massage, deep tissue therapy, relaxation treatments, and holistic bodywork. Over the years, I’ve also expanded into advanced techniques and modalities including cupping therapy, stretch therapy, Table Thai massage, ayurvedic treatments and wellness-focused recovery sessions. One of the things we are most known for is our personalized approach, no two bodies are the same, so no two treatments should feel exactly alike. Every session is designed with intention, care, and attention to the client’s specific concerns and goals.
What truly sets Bliss apart is the experience and heart behind the work. I often say my approach is “hands with heart” because clients are not treated like appointments on a schedule thats timed to the minute, they are treated as people. I believe healing happens not only through technique, but through connection, professionalism, empathy, and creating a safe environment where clients feel genuinely cared for and in a space where their nervous system can start relax . That level of intentional service has helped us build strong client relationships and a loyal customer base over the years.
I am actively involved in training and mentoring upcoming therapists, advocating for higher standards within the Beauty and Wellness Industry, and helping shape conversations around wellness in Grenada . I’m proud that Bliss has become a brand associated not just with massage, but with excellence when it comes to massage and client care. Years ago in an interview with another magazine I was asked a similar question and my response then was to have people think about and mention Bliss whenever the topic about massage came up, I am thankful today that Bliss is continued to be mentioned even in rooms where I am not and clients are confident in referring our services to others.
What I want readers to know most is that Bliss is more than a massage clinic it’s a wellness experience rooted in care, healing, and purpose. Whether someone comes to us for pain relief, stress management, recovery, or simple self-care, our goal is always the same: to help people feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally when they leave than when they arrived.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I honestly would not describe myself as a natural risk-taker. I’ve always been someone who believes in preparation, planning, and making thoughtful decisions rather than jumping into things impulsively. At the same time, I’ve learned that growth often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone, and many of the opportunities that shaped my career came from moments where I chose to trust myself and take a chance anyway.
For example, investing in my education and professional development over the years was a major risk for me. Traveling for training, attending international conferences, and continuously upgrading my skills required financial sacrifice and faith, especially in an industry that was still developing in Grenada. There was never a guarantee that those investments would immediately pay off, but I believed in the bigger vision for myself and my profession.
Leadership has also been a form of risk. Taking on roles within the beauty and wellness industry and advocating for change sometimes means stepping into uncomfortable spaces, having difficult conversations, and carrying responsibilities that go beyond your personal business. But I’ve always believed that if you want to see progress, someone has to be willing to step forward and do the work.
Right now, I’m entering a season where I know I’ll need to embrace risk even more. I have larger business and development goals ahead of me, including projects that will require bigger investments, bold decision-making, and trusting myself on an entirely new level. While that can feel intimidating, I think risk becomes easier when it’s connected to purpose and vision.
So while I may not naturally see myself as a risk-taker, I do believe in calculated risks the kind that challenge you to grow, evolve, and move closer to the life and impact you envision for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: blissmassage_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlissMassageGrenada
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lynnel-gilbert-660856360
