Onyxforu's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
Yes like it was yesterday. I was extremely nervous and shy. I actually waited three months to start after I got my table. My technique wasn’t refined yet, I asked the client for notes afterwards. He was very honest about it not being comfortable. It was a brutal review, but the best constructive criticism I could of gotten. I took mental notes of every thing he mentioned. Studied my techniques more, paid more attention to detail, and have never gotten a single bad experience from any clients since then. Now most of my clients are returning regulars.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
Yes I absolutely would. At first it started out as a side hustle for some extra cash, 2 years later it’s turned into a rewarding enjoyable hobby and at times very therapeutic for me. I also get to meet so many new people and develop relationships with my regulars.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
Yes I think so. At times I do find myself overwhelmed with the amount of bookings. Especially pre Covid.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
Most clients find out a lot about me through our sessions. The most common question is where I’m from and what’s my story? I was born in Michigan, at the age of 1 we started moving my step dad was in the Navy. We continued to move all growing up until I started attending high school in Pensacola fl. Then on to collage under a track scholarship in Tallahassee Fl. There I dulled enrolled my senior year at Taylor Technical University and also became an EMT. After graduating my bachelors in 2013 I moved to Atlanta for two years worked in ICU at Piedmont hospital, then later on to work in 911 with the biggest private ambulance company in the Country American Medical Response. Two years later I moved to Los Angeles. Here I retired from the medical field and started bartending at the international airport for the last 5 years. During Covid 7 months ago I began my new journey in becoming a circuit (BigRoom) DJay. (Traveling and living in Mexico for 5 months total, learning from some of the top underground Djs there.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I always ask how do they feel at the end. I always want them to feel relaxed and relieved. If I don’t get this answer then I would imagine I’d feel I didn’t do my job.
Why did you become a Masseur?
I was transitioning between the MT field to bartending. My best friend has been doing this for 5 years and recommend I start at least temporary. At first it was for supplemental income until things balanced out at work. Over the years it’s become a part time job for me.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
My main goal is customer service. My goal is to see you again and your session memorable with me. My massages are completely focused on the massage, I’m not just rubbing you. I think what sets me apart from other masseurs is my experience with the anatomy of the body, comfortability, and my genuine kindness to each client.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I actually haven’t traveled much for work due to my previous full time employment the last 6 years. Instead have been working on building a base of clients in LA . Now that I’ve parted ways with that job and have more freedom I’m working on branching out, by traveling to other states and cities extending my services.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to do a lot especially anything active outdoors, but also I enjoy cooking, writing my anime script, working out, hiking, playing my PlayStation, acting, bartending/mixology, spending time with friends, traveling, and traveling for circuit festivals overseas, going to the beach and Djaying.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I started back in June 2018, it’s now September 2021 so it’s been 3 years, working on 4. As of now I have no end date in mind, although I know at some point once my career takes off it would be impossible to take on clients anymore, but until then I’ll continue to enjoy helping and bringing comfort, to others.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
My main focus is to give a memorable experience, relief and satisfaction to every client. My secondary focus is to have you return, and become a returning regular. So my aim is to have you thinking wow this was an amazing session, I really enjoyed this I am definitely coming back to see you soon.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Be sure to study your technique as much as you can. You are working with peoples bodies you need to know body mechanics. Pay attention to what each client likes and follow that energy, not everyone likes the same thing. Treat every client with respect and the professionalism they deserve. Learn to enjoy each experience it can be very therapeutic for you as well.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
I would say yes and no. You definitely need to study on techniques to implement in your session. Also having some knowledge on body mechanics can really help. As an EMT I took anatomy and physiology 1 and 2 while in studying in my undergrad so I have an extensive knowledge on the body and how to move about it. Going to school for massaging is a great idea and can only help you but it’s definitely not required if you have the initiative to teach yourself the basics, have a seasoned massuer show you the mechanics and study up a bit on techniques that fit you best. Also practicing on following energy that’s a major component to giving a successful massage