swimwithhim's Personal Masseur Interview

Last Updated: Nov 13, 16:18

- I'm terrible at whistling, I can't blow a bubble with bubble gum, I cannot do a headstand or cartwheel, but I can play just about any sport (well) and was offered Division 1 college scholarships for three different sports coming out of high school. Now figure that one out..🤷🏻‍♂️🥰

- I've been doing various aspects of massage for several years. As a former high school coach of 3 different sports, and as a former athlete of four sports (two at the collegiate level), I'm not even sure how to add up the total amount of true massages I have provided for family members, friends, athletes, etc... But I know it's A LOT!

- Happy, healthy, satisfied, less stressed. I also hope that they leave with a sense of feeling like truly cared about their health and well-being, and that I saw them as someone so much more important than the donation I received from them. As great as donations are and as much as they help, people and their experiences will always come first.

- During the summer months, I am much more likely to travel than during the winter and spring months. Fall months can be hit or miss, depending on the year and what big events I all have on my calendar. That said, I LOVE to travel, so really if there is ever any good excuse to do so, I try to take advantage of it.

- As much as I love my family and friends, I am also a very independent person, and I am someone who totally needs my "me" time every so often. I can easily eat at a restaurant alone and not feel ashamed, I can travel internationally alone and find a lot of joy and excitement in doing so (in fact, I have traveled solo many, many times---twice internationally). I am a libra (October birthday), and am all about balance, and making healthy choices for oneself along the way that allow us all to achieve what feels like balance in our lives.

- I had already owned my own personal massage table from when I was pretty serious about marathoning. I also already had the majority of massage oils that are commonly used. Basically, the biggest/most difficult step to becoming a masseur was already done for me: gathering the materials to create a massage environment. Then, I would provide free quick massages to running friends, family members, etc. and people would always comment on how well they felt afterward, and how I seemed to know what I was doing with my hands to provide a great massage. Combine all of that with the fat that it's always been something I've been passionate about as it helps keep people feeling healthy and less stressed, it was pretty easy for me to want to do this as a side hustle.

- Like many things in life, success is defined in a variety of ways. However as the question is asked, I personally do feel successful. I know I put a lot of time and effort into scheduling clients, ensuring the environment I provide during appointments is relaxing and allows the clients together the most out of the appointment.

- No, it is not. However, I will say that you want to be confident in what you are doing, and in some way, shape, or form, have some experience with massage therapy so that when you are working with clients, you are in fact helping them in a beneficial way and not doing something that is uncomfortable. As a former collegiate athlete and a marathon runner post college, I have probably had over a thousand legitimate massages in my life. These experiences help tremendously, as I have taken a lot of the knowledge and personal experiences have learned and have applied it to my own practice.

- I would advise someone who wants to be a masseur to be confident in your quest to do so, and to remind yourself to the reasons you are wanting to do so. It is a job that can be viewed from a very judgmental angle by some, but in reality, there are so many perks to the job that you shouldn't let other people's opinions deter you. The reality is that massage is one of the best things a person can do to help take care of their body as they age, so if you are a masseur, not only are you helping people live a better quality of life, but your hours are flexible, you can set your own hours, you can work from home, and it's a great way to meet new people, I highly recommend it honestly!

- I love being active and being outdoors. I also take my health and physical fitness seriously. I want to be able to still move around and feel good as I age, so even when I am a retired senior citizen, I want to still be able to go for (easy) runs, hikes, bike rides, etc. I am also a BIG family guy, and while I only have a small group of friends, loyalty to key in my mind. They deserve the best out of me, and in turn, I will hopefully get the best out of them. Finally, I absolutely love to travel. I have been fortunate to be to quite a few places around this crazy world, and I wouldn't trade any of my trips for anything.

- I want clients leaving, feeling that the money they spent on me was worth it, and wondering in the back of their mind when they can schedule their next visit with me. If they are already having thoughts of wanting to come back, that means that as the masseur the experience you provided was a successful one.

- I think I would. I've always found massage to be extremely therapeutic, regardless of the type of massage. The relaxing soft music, the aroma of the essential oils & massage oil, the dim lighting that promotes relaxation--all the components combined just provide for a great time for both the client and the masseur to allow their brains to slow down, focus on some deep breathing, and get their minds and bodies to a state of relaxation that they otherwise wouldn't make time for. It's also a great way to meet people!

- I do! He happened to be a former collegiate athlete himself, and attended the same University I did! He had graduated before my time there (and played a different sport), but it was really fun discussing our experiences of college and reminiscing about a lot of the same restaurants, pubs, etc. since they have all been there for many years.