Two Footed Explorations, Inc.
Grounded in purpose, trained to thrive. We move differently--barefoot and bold.
We exist to uplift BIPOC youth as they step into wellness-centered careers—careers grounded in cultural wisdom, built with practical skills, and guided by purpose. Through accessible massage therapy education, hands-on mentorship, and immersive experiences, we’re cultivating a new generation of community healers who are trained to thrive.
WHO WE ARE
Two Footed Explorations, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering BIPOC communities through culturally rooted and relevant healing and education. We provide access to massage therapy training, community wellness programs, and intentional service opportunities for youth aged 17 to 24.Founded by Imanee Ford, a wife, mother, and licensed massage therapist since her teens, we recognize the power of bodywork as a gateway to personal and professional transformation. Our programs are designed to support students from enrollment to licensure and beyond.
WHAT WE DO
Two Footed Exploration, Inc. trains and supports the next generation of BIPOC massage therapists through a year-long, culturally-rooted certification and mentorship program. We pay for tuition, licensing, and continuing education. We offer immersive travel opportunities for domestic and international training. And we create employment pathways by launching community care centers in areas with predominantly BIPOC populations.Key Offerings:We cover massage school tuition, insurance, testing, and licensing fees.We provide continuing education in barefoot and hands-free massage modalities.We offer financial education and mentorship.We facilitate cultural immersion experiences and international service-learning trips.We create job placements for graduates at community care centers we plan to open in Georgia.We include holistic development opportunities like yoga teacher training and martial arts instruction.
OUR WHY
BIPOC communities have long held rich traditions of healing and care. Yet in the professional field of massage therapy, representation remains limited: only 7.8% of licensed massage therapists identify as Black or African American, 11% as Asian, and 12% as Hispanic, Latine, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous/Native*, compared to 68.4% who identify as White.
SourceWe believe that when BIPOC youth are equipped with the education, mentorship, and cultural grounding to thrive in wellness careers, the impact extends far beyond the individual.Covering the full cost of massage school, yoga teacher training, and immersive cultural experiences removes financial barriers that often prevent entry into these fields. But more importantly, it ensures our students are not just licensed—they’re confident, skilled, and deeply connected to healing traditions rooted in their cultural identity.By supporting our scholars through a comprehensive program that includes licensure, barefoot massage training, yoga certification, financial education, and travel-based mentorship, we are:Creating sustainable careers in a growing, wellness-centered field.Reducing burnout by teaching body-safe, hands-free modalities that extend career longevity.Diversifying the wellness industry with BIPOC practitioners who reflect and serve their communities.Establishing a ripple effect, where graduates bring healing home—whether through opening their own practices, teaching others, or working in community care centers.This is how we move differently. We’re not just funding education—we’re building a network of culturally grounded healers who will uplift their communities for generations.
OUR PROGRAM
Two Footed Exploration, Inc. delivers a year-long wellness career training pathway designed for BIPOC youth, combining formal massage education, mentorship, cultural immersion, and hands-on community care.Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1–7)
Students are enrolled full-time in an accredited massage therapy program. Tuition, books, insurance, testing, and state licensure fees are fully covered.Phase 2: Specialization (Months 8–11)
Students participate in curated weekend and short-term trainings across the U.S. with BIPOC instructors who specialize in barefoot and hands-free modalities such as Thai and Ashiatsu massage.Capstone (Month 12)
Students travel internationally for cultural immersion and advanced training in modalities such as RomiRomi and MiriMiri in New Zealand and Chavutti Thirumal in India. This marks the culmination of their training and serves as a bridge into professional practice.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Are you ready to step into a wellness career rooted in culture, purpose, and power?Two Footed Explorations, Inc. is calling in the next generation of BIPOC massage therapists who are ready to move differently — barefoot, bold, and grounded in ancestral wisdom.What You'll Receive
If selected, you’ll join a year-long immersive program that includes:Full tuition for an accredited massage therapy programMentorship from licensed BIPOC practitionersHands-on training in barefoot and hands-free massageFinancial education and business guidanceInternational cultural immersion tripsA pathway to employment at a community care center
Expectations
This program is rigorous and transformative. We ask that you:Invest in your future with a $6,000 membership feeCover your own travel costs (domestic & international)Complete one year of service at a TFE community care center after graduationShow up with dedication, integrity, and a heart for healingWho We're Looking For
Ages 17–24Identify as BIPOCHold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent (minimum 2.5 GPA)Have a demonstrated commitment to community and wellnessReady to grow, learn, and leadWhy This Matters
Massage therapy is more than a career — it’s a calling. And when rooted in cultural knowledge and sustainable practices, it can open doors to personal freedom, professional success, and communal healing.At TFE, you won’t just get licensed — you'll be trained to thrive.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Two Footed Explorations, Inc. is a nonprofit committed to increasing BIPOC representation in massage therapy and wellness careers. We fund full tuition, offer culturally rooted training, and build long-term pathways for economic mobility and healing.
WHY FUND OUR WORK?
Wellness is not one-size-fits-all. Yet the professional massage industry lacks the diversity, accessibility, and cultural depth our communities deserve. Your support directly fuels:Tuition and licensing for BIPOC studentsInternational immersion in barefoot, Thai, and indigenous massageFinancial literacy and entrepreneurship trainingEmployment pathways through our nonprofit-run community care centerBy investing in Two Footed Explorations, Inc., you’re helping to create a future where BIPOC youth thrive in careers guided by cultural wisdom, purpose, and skill.
DOWNLOAD OUR MEDIA KIT
Legal Matters
501(c)(3) Status
Two Footed Exploration, Inc. is a registered nonprofit organization incorporated in Georgia. We have submitted our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS and are currently awaiting approval.Once approved, our 501(c)(3) designation will apply retroactively to the date of incorporation, making eligible donations tax-deductible as allowed by law.We are committed to transparency and will update this page with our IRS determination letter and related documents as soon as they become available.
Contact
Of course we're excited to hear from you! Please share your information below, and we will respond to your message within 48 hours.