TouchOfBliss's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
My first client... that was a long time ago. I don't remember him specifically. What I do remember is getting a follow up email a few days later expressing their gratitude for their treatment and how they were still feeling the wonderful effect and feeling of their massage.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I can easily say yes. And, yes, I did miss my masseur days and that's why I'm back at it. For me, to give a massage is a moment of meditation.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
That's not for me to declare. But, I do enjoy a steady schedule and a very high rate of repeat clients. I'm only as good as my last massage. I work very hard to keep the standard at its highest.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
My objective with every client is to invite them into a moment with themselves to where they can be unconditionally free and accepting in their skin. That at the end of the session they achieve a level of complete relaxation, inner calm, a silent mind.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a perpetual student of life. I seek new experiences, destinations, flavours, languages.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
A good masseur is always training. Formal certification is important as it's a guarantee to the client that the masseur knows and understands the physiology of the body and how it works and how to work the musculature to avoid causing injury. Beyond that, it's important to continuously study and explore different forms of treatment and approach to find one's niche and style and evolve.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
that they have just done something important and necessary for themselves, self-care.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I’m a creative person. I work professionally in the Arts. That side of my life is intense and loud. My massage practice is the quiet side that keeps me centered.
Why did you become a Masseur?
I've always been very tactile and liked massage both giving and receiving. But, when I retired from a dance career I took it more seriously and got training and certification in Swedish and sports massage techniques. What better way to spend quality time with another person and put good into this world. My life and business as a masseur has always been part of a larger vocation and has never been motivated by the money.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Be an example of "care" to your clientele, get training in the fundamentals and techniques and cultivate a safe and calm space to exist and work with your clients.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I believe we all come to massage for our own unique reasons and bring that to the table. I bring to my clients the ***ulation of 25 years of practice, continued study and experience of various modalities and world philosophies.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I did my initial training 30 years ago and have ebbed and flowed through my masseur career. My massage practice has become my yoga and meditation which balances very well with the other side of my life that is very intense. I'll continue offering massage as long as people seek me out.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I travel often for work and spend weeks/months at a time in different countries, cities and cultures. I love it. That said, I like be at home too. It's always a question of balance.