Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Mary-Claire Fredette

Today's member spotlight is Mary-Claire Fredette of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mary-Claire owns Affinity Massage Studio. 





Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?

A: The 1st massage I ever got was way too deep, and it felt horrible. I only went back to the therapist because I had a gift certificate. She had a poster hanging on the wall about craniosacral, so I asked her about it and if she could do that on me instead. It was amazing—I felt so relaxed and calm afterwards. I had been looking to get my Master’s degree in something at the time, but I didn’t know what I wanted to go to school for—just that I wanted to help people.  She told me all about where she went to school and what was involved, so I went to the library and checked out some books about massage careers. (The internet wasn’t so helpful back then). I just thought that if I could make people feel so much better after an hour or so, how beneficial it would be for them physically as well as possibly emotionally.

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: I graduated from school in 1998 and got my LLC in early 1999. 

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a massage therapist?

A: I think my favorite thing about being an LMT is knowing how much I can make a difference in people’s lives—not just physically, but in creating ongoing relationships with them. Sometimes, our clients need someone to talk with, and that can help them as well too. Plus, I always feel better after I’ve given a massage.

Q: What do you feel is the most challenging issue for massage therapists?

A: Probably the most challenging issue that I see is how massage therapists can differentiate them from all the others with a specialty and to garner clients for that. 

Q: What advice would you give to other MT’s to help build their business?

A: Without a doubt, I tell them that if they’re looking to increase business, that having a website with online scheduling is a must. While word of mouth referrals are a great way to increase business, that can take a long time. Using the web, which almost everyone uses now daily, is the best way to educate the public about your business and what you specialize in. My clients love having the ability to use BWB online booking 27/4, and it saves me a ton of time.