massagebypaul'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 was in a student clinic, but I think the most memorable was my first paying client outside of school. It was at Easton Mountain in New York, at a retreat center for gay men. He was very friendly, and gave great feedback. There was room for improvement, but that was 15 years ago and I am proud to say that I even though I always welcome feedback, I always do my very best and love doing this. I love working one on one, and making people relaxed and smile.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I would absolutely miss it. There is nothing else like it.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I would like people to just be open to me. I feel that everyone is unique in some way, and I am proud to embrace the light and dark inside. If you don't like it or me, just move on. That's what I do.
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
Yes absolutely. I have been doing this full time for 9 years, and consistently get positive feedback.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I always want people to feel both relaxed and even euphoric/blissful. The bliss/euphoria isn't always there, but I strive to bring it to others, and I always get an affirmative response to "do you feel more relaxed?".
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I pracice yoga daily, enjoy reading, writing, hiking, meditation, energy work, swimming, shopping, and travel.
Why did you become a Masseur?
To do something to make a real difference in others lives. It doesn't always have to be a dramatic difference, although that can happen and be awesome, but even just making people a little more relaxed can completely change their day and even week. It certainly did mine being on the receiving end of massage!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Exchange with as many people as you can, both professional and non. Find a good school too its worth it.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I believe every masseur has something to offer, that every style has some point that is unique. My own personal unique style is in the way I combine all the different techniques, and some tell me that my way of using my knees is unique.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
16 years all together and I hope to continue for the rest of this life.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I am more of a homeboy, but I do like to travel in the warmer months.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
Not necessarily. Some individuals have a unique inborn gift that is obvious right from the start. Still, I would encourage even those individuals to trade as often as possible and go to school, because there is so much out there and they may get even more amazing. Personally I never had that right from the beginning--it was several years before people started to tell me that I was really good, and then many more before some people started saying I gave the best massage they had ever had. But even now I realize that no one is perfect, and there is almost always room for improvement in some area.