TrevorBennett's Massage Interview
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I travel once every 8 weeks, and would stay on the road indefinitely if I could. I crave the change in scenery.
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
He was a kind and forgiving young man in east county San Diego, who knew what he wanted and also knew how to coax it out of a newbie masseur. To this day I continually learn by the clientele I am privileged to work with.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
Some of the highest praise I’ve received was “you made me forget my exterior”... meaning for a brief moment he had forgotten his aches, pains and daily soreness - I wish for my clients to feel not only renewed and invigorated, but respected and truly cared for.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love riding motorcycles, sailing, playing piano, making new friends and exploring southern California.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Anyone with their heart in this needs to release their ego and enjoy being of service to each and every client. Both masseur and client are best served when the needs of the client are the priority.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
I am. I am self-supporting, enjoy my work, and most importantly, I impact peoples lives in a positive way on a daily basis.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I’m about as clutzy and self—effacing as they come. I mean, i give a mean massage, but I’m more likely than not to trip over a gum wrapper or the yellow lines in the middle of the road on my way to your place.
But in all seriousness, I find myself to be very empathetic and compassionate … to a fault sometimes. I really do care deeply about how you feel and only want the very best for each client.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I’ve been at this for nearly five years, and don’t see any reason to stop. Touching people is fun.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
Id want anyone leaving my studio feeling that they were truly cared for, and not just another client. Our time together is a gift, and I genuinely wish that everyone exiting my studio feels a sense of renewal, relaxation, compassion, exuberance and optimism to carry on with their hectic urbanized lives.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
It’s certainly something I never tire of. Now, 10 massagers in one day? Yeah, I’ll be tired. I put a lot of energy - personal, physical, spiritual , emotional., mental - into each encounter so it can be draining. But when it’s all about the client, (intangibly) you get so much more in return.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
Tricky question. Many of us on this site have not gotten our piece of paper, and many are happy not doing so- yet we extensively train through massage exchange, discussions/apprenticeships with experienced colleagues, remaining humble and teachable and letting the clients body do much of the teaching. My clients teach me so much everyday, and I’m humbled to have their loyalty and repeat business.
Why did you become a Masseur?
I was doing the companionship thing for a year or two and realized that in massage I can truly help a whole person feel better. The clientele believe in the goodness and palliative nature of their pursuing massage, which is a role i fulfill readily and happily.
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 hyper sensitive and emotionally vulnerable empath - your feelings become an inextricable part of the tapestry we weave together on the table, and it is imperative to me that I do everything I can to make you feel good about what we’re doing in my studio, as well as how your body feels before, during and after our work together.
I also have a deep seated passion for hospice work - that we all should have a holy and dignified exodus from this life to the next. I served as a volunteer in NYC with VNSNY and am eager to continue, perhaps professionally, the work as I continue my life here on the West coast.