ManusFortus's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
We were a little nervous and probably over-eager to please because it was the first time we massaged together as a team, even though we were trained and rehearsed for months. The 4-hand approach requires precise timing and coordination. Our first client's name was Todd.
When we finished, we asked Todd what he thought of our massage. He began by telling us that he was from The Bahamas, where he owned his own wellness spa. At mention of this, we both thought, "Oh, boy, here it comes--this guy really knows what's up in the professional massage business," and prepared for some major critiquing. He began by saying, "Well, let me tell you both something. I'm from the Bahamas, and my partner and I own a wellness spa there. I have 10 masseurs working for me right now, and they're all very, very good. We hand-picked each one ourselves. But let me tell you guys something: that was the best massage I've ever had!" We were elated and stunned simultaneously.
He then asked us if we'd consider coming to The Bahamas to work for him in his spa. Needless to say, we were flattered. That was 19 years ago, and the rest is history. We really love what we do!
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
We try to never have expectations on how a client is going to feel. Here's why. Some clients arrive in pain or really uptight, and leave feeling relaxed or invigorated. We work really deeply if the client can handle it. And sometimes, if the client is especially toxic inside, we dislodge a lot of those toxins, and it can make our client breakdown and become emotional, or even lead to their falling deeply into a badly-needed sleep--which we allow them to do. We never overbook our schedule to the point where we can't allow someone to snooze for 20-30 minutes or so after we've finished. Many of them, upon awakening, tell us that that was the deepest sleep they've experienced in months. So you see, it all depends on chemistry. Everybody is different. We love it when a client feels secure enough to allow him/herself to let go like that. You can't imagine how good that makes US feel!
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
Obviously, it would be the 4-handed approach. Here's our philosophy behind why. Most of our clients live here in New York City--or they're here in the city on business. Now, if you've ever spent any time in this incredible metropolis, you realize just how unbelievably fast, chaotic and stressful life can be. It can literally run away with you, and time is of the essence like never before. Time here truly is money. And many people are short on time throughout their day because of work and all the other myriad responsibilities. So, how does one get the most out of time, and how does one give the most in a limited amount of time? You consolidate. We have found an incredible way to combine Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, accu-pressure and reiki into one, comprehensive 4-handed session. It's one-stop shopping, if you will, because few people have the time for separate appointments to receive all those different methods of body work. It's win/win for all parties involved. And our clients never feel rushed because we always work a full 60-minute session on every client. We're sticklers about this point.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
The most important thing we'd like anyone who is seriously considering our services to know about us is that we are trained, legitimate masseurs. We don't want anyone to arrive here and be disappointed. We aren't judging anyone. Work is work, and we feel that it is our responsibility to deliver the goods--and we do--as masseurs. It's your time and your money. Help us use them wisely. It's that simple.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
Absolutely! We've learned a lot from our clients. It's always been a privilege to serve our community. We can't think of anything we'd rather be doing. In a world that is changing quickly, taking good care of yourself has not changed. That's where we come in.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
If having wonderful, satisfied clients that have allowed Manus Fortus to flourish for the past 19--almost 20 years--is any indication, then yes. We're doing something right. And we're very grateful to our loyal clients all over the world. Thank you!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Please learn your craft from an experienced teacher and learn your basics from the bones outward. Then you can branch out from there and provide a meaningful experience for your client. Our clients have informed us of their experiences with people claiming to be masseurs, but who knew nothing about it. Please don't do that.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
We expect them to leave on a cloud of air, not caring about the problems they had when they arrived. If we can do that, we've done our job--with pleasure.
Why did you become a Masseur?
We became masseurs because we knew we could not work for someone else. It's that simple. We've always been physically active and interested in health and wellness. It was the next logical step. And we LOVE doing it! That makes a huge difference.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
Manus Fortus has been doing massage since 2000. And we hope to be doing it for another 20 great years! Thank you, everybody!
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
We think training is everything. Of course, one can be intuitive and simply possess a gift. But training still brings many aspects of service to the table that a young masseur may never have considered. It's all about giving the client the most one can in the time allotted.