StilesMassage's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
I honestly can 't remember my first client (that well over 20 years), however, I do remember my first internship as a massage therapist. I went to school in Boulder Colorado at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and my internship was at the University of Colorado (Boulder Campus). I had the great fortune of working with the indoor track team (many of the outdoor track athletes participated with the indoor team during the winter months). I was working with this athlete who was told to get a really deep massage on his calves and ankles after receiving ultra-sound. Of course, I let him have it to his great grimacing appreciation. As it turned out he had a fracture (mis-diagnosed by the team trainers). Thank God he recovered and would go on to be become and Olympic Athlete at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
After about 5 years as a massage therapist I quickly identified myself first and foremost as a massage therapist. I derived my value to society as a whole from my craft. Now after 20 years I would say I could never give it up completely. I would have to have some sort of small clientele to fulfill my need to give back to society.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
I defiantly feel that I have and continue to have a successful career as a massage therapist. I've had the good fortune to tour the world with an amazing entertainment company working with olympic athletes. I've worked with several major ballet companies including the Boston Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. Massage has been my only source of income for 20 years and counting.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I demand respect and honesty. Never disrespect me and do not lie to me. I have zero tolerance for the lack of either.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I want them to feel that they received everything that asked of me as a therapist. I want them to feel respected. I want them to feel rejuvenated. I want them to feel relaxed. I want them to feel honored.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I and and always have been a fitness fanatic. I love the gym. It's in my blood. I however, love being an athlete. I have become a cyclist and each year I ride the AIDS/LifeCycle (545 miles in 7 Days) San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Why did you become a Masseur?
Because I wanted to spread love, energy and light to the world.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Be prepared. Have a fitness routine and stick with it. Your body will love you. Get massage and on a consistent basis.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
Nothing can replace experience. I have 20 years of experience working with a wide range of populations. No book or class can replace hands on work experience.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I have been a therapist now for 20 years. I think 10 more years for a nice 30.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I travelled for 7 street years while touring the world. I'm on a homebody kick right now. I purposely chose NYC because everyday feels like I'm traveling to some foreign exciting country.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
In order to be a successful massage therapist you must have a mentor.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I want them to feel like I did my very best work with them while they were on my table. I want them to have new found love of my craft, massage.