Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Jennifer Rosa

Today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Jennifer Rosa. Jennifer owns A Touch of Sole in Dallas, Texas.

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?

A: I've always loved helping others. I worked in the spa industry since I was 14 years old, starting off as a receptionist. When I turned 19, I became a nail tech for about 9 years. I loved the before and after feeling clients would have after they received a service. I became interested in massage around 2006. I would see how clients would come out of their massage services and they always looked so happy and relaxed. I wanted to be able to give my clients something more and decided to attend massage school.

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: I graduated in September of 2007 at Bancroft School of Massage in Worcester, Ma. I have been practicing for almost 10 years now.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: My favorite thing about being an MT is being able to help my clients. Whether its helping them de-stress from a hard week at work or providing them relief for their tight muscles. I love how grateful my clients are and hearing how my bodywork has helped them.

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

A: From my own personal experience and working with other MT's in the past, the most challenging issue would be building a strong clientele. Especially in the first couple of years starting out. It can be challenging when there are other MT's who have ten or more years experience than you.

I had a strong clientele in Boston after working as a massage therapist for five years. I moved to Dallas and opened my own private practice. I found it hard to build a clientele because of all the nearby massage businesses. I found clients were used to paying low prices at chain massage businesses and wanted those same prices from me.

Specializing in Ashiatsu has been extremely helpful for building a clientele in Dallas. I am able to provide my clients with a service that many have never experienced before.

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

A: My advice to other MT's to help them build their business would be to continue to take continuing education classes. I believe you have to constantly stay up to date with training in order to provide your clients with top notch services. Adding little touches to your services will help you stand out from other businesses in your area.  It can be simple things as a hot towel at the end of their service or adding an aroma to their lotion. Clients will remember these small little touches and it makes a huge difference. 

Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Erin Onyskow

Today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Erin Onyskow. Erin is a Certified Massage Therapist and owns Discover Massage Therapy in Granger, Indiana.

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?

A: What inspired me to be a massage therapist???  Hmmm… I really don’t have a cool or inspirational story for that. It just kind of fell into my lap. I signed up for massage therapy school after getting out of the vet field. I had no idea what to expect or what the hell I was doing. Due to my amazing teachers and the more I learned about massage, the more I feel in love with it. I learned that massage therapy just doesn’t affect the body but also the mind. From the elderly to infants to the chronically ill to “I just want to relax”, massage therapy has the unique versatility to inspire and heal. I was essentially hooked. I ended up graduating with honors.  

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: 7 years this month!

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: My favorite thing about being a massage therapist is that it never gets boring. From putting a smile back on someone’s face that hasn’t smiled for a while because of chronic pain or crying with someone because they just lost a loved one, massage is a multifaceted profession. Even though we “just give massages”, it affects people in many unparalleled ways, that we don’t often see.  

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

A: Then most challenging issue for an MT is that, essentially, to be taken seriously in our western society. Massage therapy has been the backbone of health and wellness for many other cultures, for thousands of years. America is just catching on to this fact, and even then, the public’s perception of our field can be a bit muddled. Not only do massage therapists have the exhausting task of “putting people back together” but we also should educate to alter people’s inaccurate, hardwired belief systems. Massage is so much more than relaxing music and soft lighting, it can often be, literally ripping soft tissue apart, in order for their bodies to correctly heal themselves. There is a ton of research out there, that does prove what we have already known to be true for a long time – that massage therapy does indeed work.

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

A: Advice for other MT to help build their business – don’t’ burn bridges, be patient and be your own curious, weird, bold and wonderful self. Build relationships with the other businesses around you. Prepare for problems and issues.  Develop an amazing skill for brainstorming. Have solutions ready for those problems before they come into fruition. Stay consistent and know that word spreads like wildfire.  Reputation is absolute KEY. You never know where that next new client is going to come from, so get involved – with community events, networking and hitting that pavement. Clients aren’t going to magically appear at your door. Go out and find them. Once you get the clients, your hard work is just starting. Now you have to maintain that relationship and give them a reason to keep coming back to you and spending their hard-earned money. It’s much easier to maintain clients, than to find new ones. I read a great article - while it was targeting financial planners -  the message is the same for massage therapists or anyone with a clientele based business. APPRECIATE YOUR CLIENTS. He states, “Here’s the truth: if you don’t appreciate your clients, someone else will.” Even as a solo massage therapist, with your own business, we can sometimes see ourselves as not having anyone to answer to. No bosses, no management. Wrong. Your clients are your boss. They pay your bills and keep your business open. Treat them as such. Take care of your clients and they’ll take care of you. I highly recommend that everyone read his article.  😊

11 Awesome Client Appreciation Events

Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Brian Jones

Today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Brian Jones of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Brian owns Zenergy Therapeutics LLC.

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist? 

A: I grew up in a family of helpers. I always knew that I wanted to help others in life, but wasn't sure where I fit. My Mom and Grandma were incredible nurses. They were these powerhouse women that really made a difference in the world. My Grandpa, one of my Aunts, and one of my Uncles, are/were teachers. I marveled at how they inspired people, and passed important knowledge to others. Still, neither of those seemed a fit for me. Growing up I had always given my grandma foot rubs. I loved helping her feel her best. When I sat down and thought what brought me the most joy in life, those memories of helping her came flooding back, and it clicked. It's the perfect blend of the attributes I admired of everyone I care about, and I get to be a helper. It's my calling!

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: Not counting all those foot rubs, I've been a trained therapist since 2012.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: The people. Being able to help my clients and create positive change in their lives, usually in an hour. Knowing that I make a difference. I get to help so many people from all walks of life, feel their best. Being a part of that, seeing every revitalized face after a treatment, there's nothing better than that. I can't think of a more rewarding career for me.

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

A: I can't speak for all of us because we're all so different, but for me personally, it's what to learn! There are so many different modalities, theories, and ways to be a therapist, it's almost impossible for me to decide what to learn first!

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

A: Get out there! Don't be afraid to do events, to network, use what you know about your community to connect with the people. Do chair massage at a farmer's market or nearby salon. Go to sporting events or cross market with someone. Don't pass up opportunities to get your name to the many people waiting for you to fix them. 

Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Melanie Hampton

Being an animal lover, I'm thrilled to announce today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Melanie Hampton in Raleigh, North Carolina. Melanie owns Serenity Pet Massage.

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?

A: I am a Certified Canine and Equine Massage Therapist. I’ve known since I was 12 years old that I wanted to work with animals. I went to college upon graduation from high school and got my degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and spent 30+ years as a Registered Veterinary Technician. It was my battle with cancer and the benefits I received from massage therapy sessions throughout my treatment that got me looking into certification as an animal massage therapist so I could bring those same benefits to our 4 legged companions.

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: I’ve been a Canine Massage Therapist for 3 years and an Equine Massage Therapist for 1 year.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: Giving pet parent’s options for managing pain. I’ve also had great success using massage for unwanted behavior issues.

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

A: My biggest challenge has been convincing people that massage therapy is not just a luxury and it can help make a difference for their animals. It has so many emotional and physical benefits.

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

A: If you’re considering becoming an animal therapist, look into the laws established by your Veterinary Medical Board specific for your state. Some states require you to be a Veterinarian to perform massage on an animal! I attend as many “pet-friendly” events that I can so I can actually meet people and speak with them personally. It’s been the most successful thing I’ve done to build my business.

Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Angela Schiavi

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Today's member spotlight is Angela Schiavi. Angela owns Nurtured Soul Ashiatsu and Massage in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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  Q: What inspired you to become a massage therapist? A: I have wanted to become a massage therapist since I was 7. My aunt always wanted me to rub her feet and I enjoyed how much it helped her and how much she enjoyed it. 
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• Q: How long have you been doing massage? A: I have been doing massage since 2003, but only practicing in my own business since 2014.

• Q: What is your favorite thing about being a massage therapist?
• A: My favorite thing about being a massage therapist is helping people feel better, and having found Ashiatsu, I am able to assist my clients better.

• Q: What is the most challenging issue for massage therapists? 
• A: For me, I feel the most challenging part as a massage therapist is breaking the stigma that massage is "just a luxury " instead of "preventative wellness. I love to educate my clients on how massage is so important for them.

Hold on to your worth and your clients will see that you're worth it.

• Q: What advice would you give to other MT’s to help build their business?
• A: I am still working on building my business. I would say it's really important to hold integrity for yourself and your business, don't give away so much just trying to get clients. Hold on to your worth and your clients will see that you're worth it.
  
  
  
  

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.

Member Spotlight: Jenny Methot

Today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Jenny Methot from Amherst, New Hampshire.

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?

A: A friend of mine went to massage school after she got her Associates Degree in Nursing. She paid for my first massage and I enjoyed it. Years later, after completing a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management and working in the field for two years and hating it, I decided I needed to do something different. Funny enough, something in the movie, 'Sweet Home Alabama', spoke to me about finding my passion. A friend and I went into a bookstore after seeing the movie and I bought a book on Reiki. Around that same time, another friend mentioned that a local college was starting a massage therapy program. I went to an information session and decided to enroll. I really wanted to have a career where I was still working with the public and felt like I was truly helping people.

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: I graduated from school in December 2003 and started actively practicing in October of 2005. I've been practicing for over 10 years.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: I think my favorite thing about being an LMT is the 'love' for my clients. I feel very blessed to have a thriving practice. I consider my clients to be an extended family. Many of my clients have been with me for several years (at least three of them since I came back to New Hampshire in 2007). We've celebrated weddings and births & mourned deaths and illnesses and so much more. And I love feeling like I am making even a small difference in their lives with their health and wellness.

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

A: As far as challenges, I personally struggle with the balance of setting boundaries, as far as hours go and wanting to help those in pain. I know what my body can handle and am working on keeping set days and need to respect that so that my clients respect that, too. I hate knowing that I may be able to help someone but cannot be at their beck and call.

Also, I think at first, we all want to practice all the modalities that we can and help EVERYONE. Reality is, I personally think, we should find a few that we really love to practice and learn as much as we can about those. And then have other MTs in your circle who you can refer to for other modalities. Better to be a jack of all trades than a master of none. AND be ok with not knowing everything/asking questions. Better to be honest.

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

A: The best advice that I can give is to learn and practice as much as you can and to get out there as soon as possible. I had some circumstances (and mental blocks) that kept me from practicing for almost two years. I'm thankful to have a thriving business now, but I can only imagine where I would be if I had the confidence to start sooner. Also, get out there and market yourself. When I worked as an office manager at a chiropractic office while building my business, I would tell all of the other practitioners that the BEST way they could build their business was to meet the patients. People like to match names with faces. They want to feel your energy. That is how I built my business. Many of my current regular clients, I met as patients. And know that not every client will be a good match. Some will come and go. Let them go to open yourself up to the ones who really need you.

Member Spotlight: Justin Wellman

Today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Justin Wellman of Hadley, Massachusetts. 

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?

A:While putting myself through college, I had taken a job a local boot factory. I was working in the order fulfillment center. One day during a shift, a forklift operator backed into a six-tier stocking shelf, tipping it over onto me and pinning me down against a conveyor belt. The injury caused a four vertebrae bulge in my thoracic spine—and without the care of a massage therapist and chiropractor I might still be suffering from the injury. Their care set me on the path to receiving regular massage care and ultimately opening my interest into the field.

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: I am recent graduate of Massage School and have been practicing for about 9 months.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: I work with quite a number of athletes in my private practice. I am a CrossFit athlete myself, and treat a number of other CrossFit athletes. When I see one of my clients pushing through their last Personal Record (PR) to set a new one it always makes me smile knowing that I've had a role in their continued improvement. I especially enjoy the delight on their faces when we have a breakthrough in their treatments that improve range of motion, or decrease tension and tightness, or maybe just give them that moment of total relaxation. It makes the difficult work of treating heavily muscled athletes worth every bit of effort. Helping them improve their game is such a rewarding feeling to me.

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

A: The stigma that still lingers once in a while in peoples impression of the industry. As a male massage therapist, the most challenging part is lingering societal "norms". Its unfortunate that we live in a culture where women fear for their safety and where men feel uncomfortable being worked on by a male therapist. This is something that those in this profession must be hyper-aware of and vigilant to change the paradigm. I always find it interesting when its assumed that because a therapist is a male they must give deep/painful pressure, or that a female is the only one to give a gentle relaxation massage. Some of the deepest pressure I've ever received was from female MT's and my personal MT (male) gives wonderfully relaxing massages. In my private practice I embrace a body positive, queer supportive, safe, and professional environment for all my clients.

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

A: It takes time. You will not grow your entire business overnight, or in the first week/month/year. Be patient. 80% of your first year will be spent on marketing yourself. You are the brand, and you have to treat yourself like a brand. Representation is vital. Word of mouth will always be the most effective means to grow your business. A recommendation from one of your clients is more lasting and impacting than an add, or coupon. Treat your clients well and they will tell their family and friends. Be willing to try everything. Be willing to take CE classes even if you don't need CE credits. The more you know the better you are able to serve your clients. Never lose your hunger to improve yourself and your practice. Be professional, and perfect your draping!

Member Spotlight: Rosibel Kersjes

Today's Bodywork Buddy member spotlight is Rosibel Kersjes of Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist? 

A: A friend of mine offered me the opportunity to become an Esthetician and work at her spa. I soon realized that my favorite thing about  doing a facial was giving clients a shoulders, neck and face massage. However, I personally  never had a massage before, so I scheduled my first massage. I could not believe how great I felt afterwords!! By then I was convinced that I was going to become a MT.

Q: How long have you been doing massage?

A: 5 years

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?

A: It is helping people find physical, mental and even emotional relief. It amazes me how somebody can come in my office looking tired, drained, sad or worn out and leave looking refreshed and happy. I also enjoy learning about the human body, we are all similar and unique at the same time, which makes my work always interesting. We are definitely "wonderfully made."

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

A: If you run your own practice like myself, I would say that the most challenging issue is to find the balance between being an exceptional therapist and  a good business person. You have to take CE classes, read literature, do research and study  in order to become skillful at your craft while doing marketing, accounting, secretarial work and so on. 

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

A: Be passionate about what you do. Human touch is very powerful, your clients will be able to feel through your touch if you love what you do. Your hands will tell them, without words, how much you want to help them...whether if you care or not. 

I find that the best way to remain passionate for what we do is to get bodywork ourselves. It is amazing how getting a good massage can make you fall in love with your profession again.  I also recommend taking CE classes to become a better therapist.  If you combine compassion with great bodywork techniques, the results will be happy clients who not only will continuously book appointments but refer more clients to you. 

Finally, take the time to listen to your clients and make sure that you address their needs. Remember to be flexible and adaptable. Be humble and willing to accept honest feedback and constructive criticism.