JackKendall's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
My decision to become a masseur was a very easy process in my mind. I have always been drawn to energy connections with people. As a masseur, my job is to use communication and intuitive energy to create the most beneficial and euphoric atmosphere for my client and alleviate mental and physical stress to hopefully improve their overall quality of life.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
Being in a position where I am able to watch as individuals are in a better state as a result of crossing my path is extremely addictive! I would not only miss that opportunity if I wasn't able to be a masseur, but I also can't imagine what I would be doing if not in that type of helping role. Trophy husband for a gazillionaire? JK :)
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
If my clients genuinely feel they are in a better place after our session, I have reached my goal and feel very successful, yes.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
This is something I commonly experience... It is most important for someone to know that our experience is NOT about me, my expectations, or needed outcomes. Every encounter is its own individual experience and every individual body will have its own reactions and responses to stimuli. There's no pressure or expectation for one person to physically respond like the last person. The goal is that they feel safe and secure. I have no expectations or judgments.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
It really depends on what the client is looking for. Some Masseurs pride themselves on the actual therapeutic approach to massage and attempt to create a sense of wellbeing through traditional repairing of physical muscle groups. I can accommodate that aspect and find it important to identify if there are therapeutic needs to be addressed before moving on. Where I spend the majority of my focus is on the connection between the physiological senses triggered during skin to skin contact and the mental processes that cause our feelings of safety and wellbeing. It's a bridge that takes intense focus and commitment and I love building that bridge.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I'm accustomed to traveling. I love the security of having a home base but I tend to need to explore my world and the people in it as much as possible. I'm quite the nerd when it comes to social norms, patterns of behavior, the human condition, and usually need to go see it for myself. How fortunate that being a masseur lends perfectly to my ability to do just that. Everywhere I go, there's always someone in need of my attention.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
You don't necessarily need extensive training to be a successful masseur, but I do feel the time spent learning the basics for therapeutic muscle massage can help you avoid causing harm when working with someone with special needs. There's not one type of masseur approach or one type of client needs that requires one skill set to say you either have this and can be successful or you don't. It's more about finding your personal skill set and focus. I would go as far as to guarantee there's someone you would be perfect for.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a photographer who specializes in alternative models. Although I'm retired from the music biz where I was a touring drummer, I still enjoy listening, playing, and creating music, going to club and arena concerts.
Why did you become a Masseur?
I'm a "people person." It combines what I love spending my day doing; Connecting with people, chatting, exchanging thoughts and ideas, making new friends, having a positive effect on others all day, every day!
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I started doing this about 5-6 years ago. I'll keep doing this as long as I continue to be beneficial to the person on my table... and/or as long as I stay in demand :)
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
In anything you do, you have to do what you love and love what you do or you'll burn out quick. If you're hearts not in it, your clients will know. Be about it and be your best at it. Always do 150% to invest in your future, be teachable, be open, and you'll make a name for yourself.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I would like them to be so enamored by their state of being after a full session that they're already thinking in their head about their next day off or free time when they can come back to do it again!
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
Like they are overwhelmingly compelled to immediately come back to RM and write a stellar review of our time because it was just too amazing not to tell others. :D