I graduated and passed my licensing exam in 2010 and started working on anybody and everybody I could. From friends, to family, I was always talking about the different muscles and where they were connected. Anytime somebody had a pain, I would excitedly declare, “I can fix it!”
I think at the time; my external desire was to just be successful. Considering all the stories of dropped out friends and relatives who had to start working minimum wage jobs right away. I wanted more than a job. I wanted a business where I could over-deliver in value and never be limited in what I could do as a therapist.
Although I wouldn’t be quick to share it with anyone at that time, I was shy around people in general and wanted to learn through my craft, how to be comfortable around strangers. I called it “comfort ability”.
The wall or problem that I hit along the way had a lot to do with being a man. Entering a female dominant industry, I had to expect this kind of push-back.
I realized that just because people preferred female where I was living, didn’t mean that everywhere else would be the same. And that along with that note, I didn’t hold it against any male or female to prefer another female therapist. I completely understand, being comfortable is the priority, otherwise, relaxation becomes an unattainable goal.
In order to be successful, I knew the key was to get in front of more people, keep doing excellent work and obtain experience. This has proven to be reliable when it comes to retaining new clients and achieving my desire to be successful.
Getting in front of the right people was a conflict I experienced along the way but taught me a lot about marketing myself. When it comes down to massage, I always take the practical approach considering that most of my clientele are new to massage and don’t really understand all the technical babble, at first. Which allows me to bring a lot of value to my customers as I educate them via my Instagram page. (@hiatus_massage)
In the end, focusing on my client’s true needs and goals for each session is what really brings me out on top over any of the obstacles that have come my way, and I intend to keep it that way. Communication is always key.