TippityTop's Massage Interview
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
After over 18 years of experience I have a number of regular and returning clients. I enjoy giving men peak experiences that they remember. I have always striven for quality over quantity, so I can impart greater value to each session and make a real connection with my clients. I also have a master's degree in the healthcare field. I am able to work safely with clients with injuries, medical conditions, and to help give pointers and the benefit of my experience to improve overall health goals.
My approach with clients is to assist healing on all levels, and learn how best to satisfy my clients' needs. I build self esteem and give acceptance, affection and care to every client.
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 a gym enthusiast (not quite a "gym bunny" but more like a "gym daddy" ;)
I have training and licensing in the medical field (MS degree), and an MA and doctoral work in piano with a long performing career. I'm also a ceramics artist. So everything I love to do involves my hands, my body, my heart, my creativity and my ability to solve problems analytically. Probably my greatest gift is my empathy and capacity for love and giving pleasure to others.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I like each session, even if it is a roller coaster of passion, to end in a place of transcendent relaxation. This is where the deepest healing occurs, so i regularly perform energy work and chakra tuning at this stage, ending with a hot wet towel and a shower if desired.
I always have plenty of clean towels and linens, and I disinfect or sterize everything. I want my clients to leave feeling happy and better about themselves.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I give individualized sessions, so never a cookie cutter approach. I spend extra off the clock time with clients whenever schedules allow, I'm not in a rush. Quality over quantity.
I also have more diverse training than many masseurs, and I'm a talented and giving man.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
Certainly it helps, but talent accounts for much, and the ability to intuit and learn what will work for each client- to help them relax, turn on, tune out, and heal.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I'm both - I love my home in Palm Springs with my Steinway and my regular routines, but i also love spending summers in NYC where I can get my culture fix, catch up with old friends and make new ones. I love travel, and have studied, worked and lived in Florence, Italy, Rio de Janeiro, Provincetown, MA., SF, NYC, PS, and VA.
I speak some Portuguese and Italian, although both are rusty, but when I have the opportunity to travel, I brush up on the language.
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
I have done massage informally since i was a teenager. I was certified in SF in 2004. One of my first clients from SF is still a dear friend and client in PS.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I love doing massage, however it's not an addiction. I have a lot of other interests as well; performing music, gym, currently taking a microbiology class to transfer my medical licensing.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Gym, practice piano, play with other musicians and singers, I'm a sometimes potter/ceramics artist. I read a lot- currently reading SPQR, a history of Rome from 800BCE to 400AD
Why did you become a Masseur?
I had a BF who was a masseur, so he encouraged me to get certified. The rest, including the BF, is history! Actually, we are still friends;)
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
I have taught several massage students. My current 4 hand buddy in PS is a very talented stud I originally trained and have worked with since 2015.
Honestly, there are a lot of talents that bear on whether someone is a good masseur. In my experience, the best are people who have coordination, are in touch with their own bodies, have empathy for others, a willingness to always keep learning. People who are dancers, musicians, athletes have a conscious and unconscious connection to their bodies - but they have to be able to project that onto someone else. It certainly helps a lot to be passionate and a giving person rather than a narcissist who is just there for the money. Lots of guys pose as masseurs and charge twice as much without delivering. When getting a massage, I always want the best massage skills and someone hot who is not neurotic about erotic work.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
Over 18 years- and until I no longer have a sense of touch!
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I want them to leave feeling better about themselves, calmer, satisfied and a little more healed and loved than they were before.