In a world often defined by unpredictability and change, the story of 32-year-old Avinash Deonarine stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and passion.
Deonarine, who hails from Charlestown, Georgetown, is the visionary behind AnTara Massage Studio, a haven of healing.
The visionary behind AnTara Massage Studio, Avinash Deonarine
But to understand the journey to AnTara Massage Studio, we will have to take you back to Charlestown, Georgetown.
The 32-year-old grew up in a close-knit family prioritising two key principles: a strong education and a deep-rooted faith.
Life growing up was simple. Gaining a good education was the goal, so my parents ensured my siblings and I were focused on school. We were also a family that served God, so being active in the church was our lifestyle. Everything we did, we put God first and still do to this day.
His educational journey took him through Ketley Primary and Leonora Secondary School.
At Leonora Secondary, he humbly admits to being an average student but said his dedication and hard work led to him being successful at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.
After high school, the goal was to work and provide for myself and my family, so I was not sure about which career path I was on. I have certificates in things I never thought I would do – one of those is a certificate in Massage Therapy (Swedish and Thai). I did it because I wanted to, not to make a career out of it, but here we are today.
THE BIRTH OF ANTARA MASSAGE STUDIO
AnTara Massage Studio was born out of love and necessity and is rooted in a family health crisis.
The interior of AnTara Massage Studio
In 2017, Deonarine’s mother, Tarmati Deonarine, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and they were advised that massage could complement her medication.
This was an unexpected twist that set Avinash on a path he had never envisioned.
Over the past ten years, while providing massage therapy, Avinash also took a four-year hiatus to pursue his passion for psychology and earn his degree.
The completion of his degree in 2022 served as a turning point. He realized it was time to follow his long-held dream of establishing a space to share his expertise and provide healing through massage therapy.
AnTara Massage Studio officially opened its doors in April 2023, set in the beautifully constructed CoLabs building on Garnett Street.
The name ‘AnTara’ holds profound significance as it is a combination of Deonarine’s parents’ names, honouring their legacy after the passing of his mother in 2017 and his father in 2019.
AnTara always has a Sanskrit meaning which is interior, what is within, heart, supreme soul.
AnTara Massage Studio offers a range of massage services, including Swedish, Thai, Sports, Reflexology, Lymphatic, and Deep Tissue. Additionally, they provide express massages tailored to specific areas like the back, legs, head, and face.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with people expressing interest in the services offered. However, the businessman acknowledges the challenge of getting individuals to commit to appointments and experience the healing that awaits.
A warm, calm, and relaxing atmosphere that is guaranteed to make you enjoy your session, which in turn will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Presently, Avinash faces two significant challenges in his line of work. The first is breaking the stereotype that massage therapists should only work on clients of the opposite gender. The second challenge involves dispelling misconceptions about the nature of massage therapy and ensuring that clients understand that the primary focus is on relaxation and healing.
The thinking that all massages should be completed with a happy ending is not true, and when working as a professional, my main focus is on helping you relax and nothing else.
What sets AnTara Massage Studio apart from the competition is the deep passion Avinash has for healing. He is genuinely committed to helping people get better through massage therapy.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, the 32-year-old businessman plans to continue his education in psychology to become a psychologist and counseling therapist.
Simultaneously, he will continue to expand his knowledge in the field of massage therapy to better serve his clients. For AnTara Massage Studio, the vision extends to establishing multiple locations across the country, with a commitment to healing one mind and body at a time.
In parting, Avinash leaves us with his favorite quote that reflects his journey and his approach to life: “Everything happens for a reason. Trust the process.”
Contact Information for AnTara Massage Studio
- Facebook: AnTara Massage Studio
- Instagram: AnTara Massage Studio
- Telephone #: +592- 657-8208
