Why I Became A Massage Therapist
I always wanted to do something in the health care field. After college graduation, I almost chose nursing school. Instead, I worked jobs in a hospital and hotel management.
Hotels and hospitals are open 24/7. I was tired of managing people. I was sick of the excuses why staff could not show up for work. I then decided to go to massage therapy school. I wanted to work the hours I wanted and take off with my family when I chose to.
Immediately after graduating massage school, I started my own massage therapy clinic. I also worked for a friend at her clinic 20 miles away to help pay bills.
My Life As A Massage Therapist
My massage clinic grew into a day spa two years into the start of my practice. I slowly grew as I saw the need. As my clients requested more services, I added to the day spa. I have just celebrated 10 years in business.
When you work for someone else - you get a paycheck! When you own your own spa or practice, most of the money stays invested into the business.
I wake up every day excited to go to work. It's not a job -- it is my life. I am very passionate about my massage career. I see myself doing this well into my 80's. I do not have a set retirement date in mind.
The worst part about my work is seeing massage therapists telling me when they will and will not work. In this recession, my spa is doing great. I have some days I turn clients away because I do not have any massage therapists that want to work. They should be fortunate they have clients wanting to pay to get massages.
Lessons Learned
- I tell everyone before considering massage therapy as a career to keep their full-time job. Start working as a massage therapist on Saturdays and late evenings first. Then when you feel you can handle the physical work load, and the hours (including Saturdays, holidays, etc.), then quit your full-time job and do massage therapy as a full-time career.
- Even people that do not know whether to attend college or massage school first -- I tell them to go to massage school 1st. Then you can get paid top dollar working part-time in massage therapy (instead of minimum wage) while you attend college.
How Long I've Been A Massage Therapist
10 years
Where I Went To School & What I Thought Of It
Blue Cliff School of Therapeutic Massage in Metairie, Louisiana
I loved my massage school! We had incredible massage instructors who cared about our learning. They taught us to succeed in school and got us ready for the work force. Blue Cliff is the foundation of my successful 10 years in business
What I've Learned on My Journey
Massage Therapy has been a very rewarding career for me. I love the power to heal my clients. I massage entire families from infants, teenagers, mothers & fathers, to grandparents. I am glad I can be a part of pain and stress reduction for these families.
What I Wish I'd Known Before I Started
I wish I would have entered my massage therapy career earlier. My parents told me I was crazy to do massage. I am glad I proudly proved them wrong! This career also allows me the time to take off when I need to with my family. It is flexible and very accommodating.
