GotYourBack's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
I had gotten hired at Philadelphia’s Premiere Day Spa at the time before I had even graduated from school. My reputation had already gotten out.
Being a Virgo, I can’t do anything half-Ass. And usually always do too much. I brought my first client in to the 8 X 8 room, so nervous I would screw something up. I advise her that we would be starting by laying face down on our stomach. Once I had secured her head nestled in the headrest-I then brought out notes/guidelines of the complete process and posted the sheets up on all four walls. So no matter which way I was facing, I knew the proceeding steps. And then before I brought her over supine, I brought down the notes and thought to myself - ‘how slick am I’
Haha. Dork
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
Yes, of course. However, I take my Masseur days much differently then how I feel this question was intended.
You see, I’m not this 20-something kid who thinks ‘oh I’m cute so I’ll do massage’ so that I can buy these $300 shoes and be ‘so super fierce’ in Weho.
Or someone who excessively loves himself and his body that he feels it’s God’s desire that I share this body for means of making my life easier...
You see. My knowledge, my experience, my trade and my character are all wrapped into one. And it’s a good thing. A very, good, beautiful thing.
I’m sure you will agree.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
Yes! Without a doubt.
I’ve done nearly 15,000 massages. I’ve worked for 2 professional hockey teams as their in-house sports massage therapist. GO FLYERS!!!
Voted Best of Philly’ 2 years in a row.
And, well I’ve witnessed too many happy faces who keep coming back, because I get them and they get me.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I am overly sentimental. Too much some say.
I watch videos on YouTube of the ‘unlikely’ contestants who shock everyone and kick *** on shows like America’s Got Talent & The Voice.
Alongside of new readings, each year I read the same 3 books - year after year after year
1. The Book Thief
2. Our Town ( a play actually )
3. A prayer for Owen Meany
One more thing. My mom and I share a movie together that we have watched - I’m confident to say - over 100 times together.
Somewhere In Time
Richard!!
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I read! I love to read.
I’m a Virgo so my hobbies tend to be self-involved.
I like to go to the beach. Without my phone and without the world.
I’m comfortable in silence
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I am a complete homebody. However, when the venture is set out before me-I take full advantage of the experience.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I’ve been a Massage Therapist for 20 years now. It’s a part of me. It’s aligns with my character. It’s something that I believe I will always share with others because it seems awfully selfish not to
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
My training, my experience and my empathy. My determination to and bring on a beautiful experience where one can revisit and witness the beauty of awareness to oneself, their body, and their thoughts.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
I wouldn’t say that is necessary. It’s like anything in this world. You have it or you don’t.
Being intuitive and thoughtful and caring are you most useful tools in massage
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Think about why it is you want to be a masseur. If your motives are genuine - u will have a beautiful, forever changing existence of growth as you facilitate others constantly into healing.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
They are happy they came to see me. Relaxed, cared for, and that are pleased enough to want to come back and see me again.
Why did you become a Masseur?
I’m a natural care-giver. After diving deep into the yoga world, I saw that there was a way that I could
Physically help people with my hands, and with my energy.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
That they feel they got a real massage from a genuine man. And that they leave saying, ‘that I will be seeing them again!’