Embrace's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
I remember it vividly! My husband and I had just been out for a hike and he was "feeling it" and so, I sat him in front of me and began working on him. He said, "You should do this professionally". Another dear friend said to me that he experienced me as a "healer". I didn't know what that meant at the time, but I do know now. I'm not a "healer", by any stretch, but I do create a space where my clients relax, let go, and find whatever experience they need that day.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
Cared for.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a "tender", that is, I like to tend to things, animals and plants. I love to spend time in the garden, there's just something magical about that. I love to cook, and to eat. I was raised by country women and feeding people was their biggest joy, so I try to honor them in that way.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I love to travel. My husband loves to travel and we go every chance we get. We love to find quirky AirBnB places, treehouses and places like that. Our next big, "Bucket List" trip will be to see the northern lights in a glass cabin in Iceland.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I don't know about addictive, massage therapy is my passion. Can it be tiring? Sure. I've had days that drained me, but on those days, I've always found something that sustains me. I can't imagine doing any thing else.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I believe that massage is a gift and that gifts should be shared. I'm so passionate about my work as a massage therapist and am both grateful and humbled to share that with each client I meet.
More than massage, I am kind and compassionate - I like to take a little time to get to know something about each client and then work toward making a very personal connection with them. My clients should feel cared for as a whole and I believe I'm consistently making that happen.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
My frequent return- and regular clients and the myriad positive reviews and feedback I receive all point the fact that I am successful. I also feel an obligation to learn new modalities, techniques, and methods to improve my work as a therapist.
Why did you become a Masseur?
Frankly, it goes back to childhood for me. When I was very young, my sweet Mom was diagnosed with scoliosis (a curving of the spine), which can be very painful. I went to chiropractic appointments with her and he gave me some tips to help - I'd frequently "rubbed my Mom's back" and so she was my guinea pig. Later, I began to do massage exchanges with my partner and other friends.
Massage is just a part of me that I can easily share with those around me.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
Understanding that my style isn't for everyone and being at peace with that. I'd like to build a good working relationship with other therapists so that we can support each other and refer clients when necessary.
I love what I do and I do everything I can to make each client feel special; when they're in my studio (or in their own space for out-calls), I want them to feel special, like they're the only person existing!
My goal is not to change the world, but to bring change, positive change, to whatever space I'm in and with whomever I'm working. Kindness, warmth, compassion and openness are the tools I bring to my work, along with the training and skills of massage.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
Above all, I want each client to feel listened to, respected, cared-for, calm, relieved and rejuvenated. A fellow student in massage school remarked that my massages always felt like "full body hugs from {my} hands". Embraced. That's the key to my practice.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
Good education and training is the basis for any career. On-going education is essential as well. Finding the right instructors and different aspects of massage therapy are also key.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Being a massage therapist is more than just the technical elements of the work. Those are important, but not enough. It takes passion. It takes a lot of self-care, solid boundaries, flexibility and laundry. Get ready for lots and lots of laundry and in these days of COVID: CLEANING AND SANITIZING!
Finding your own style and niche is paramount; I think it's ever evolving.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I've been licensed for three years now. I've been doing the work for much longer than that, just not on a professional basis. It's energizing, rewarding work and I can't imagine it not being a part of my life's work.