Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1174218
Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 89 and how they present themselves on the day we work together, I'm able to share quick routines that make a huge difference in a short amount of time." Body rolling does not replace massage therapy, according to McLaughlin, but provides the same therapeutic benefits as deep-tissue bodywork so her clients can make progress on their own between sessions. McLaughlin says she also uses YBR on herself. "I am able to elongate and stretch my muscles to keep the impact out of my bones and joints from long days of being a massage ninja!" BALANCING FAMILY LIFE AND THE ROAD Running a mobile business is relatively easy for McLaughlin, but learning to maneuver being on the road and raising a family is a challenge. "I'm learning as I go," she says. "Being a single mom of 4-year-old twins, I rely on Grandma and my family a lot (which they love!), but most of my gigs are between 6 and 8 hours, and right within Portland, so I'm home at night. "My goal with the Peace Pod is to align with family-friendly tours—to work with them during their Oregon show dates—allowing me to travel with my children in my home state. Micro-tours, I call them. This hasn't happened just yet, but I'm putting it out there into the world. In the meantime, I love traveling around my hometown." Since this is a new business endeavor, McLaughlin feels her challenge is getting the word out about the advantages of this mobile style of bodywork. She says she also has other considerations, such as space for her Jeep and trailer and available electricity, that she didn't have to think about before. Her biggest consideration, though, is whether her clients feel comfortable stepping into her world versus the other way around. To this, she answers, "We shall see. I have a big marketing and education project ahead of me!" Resources "Mobile Massage Trailer by Ultimate Airstreams" Airstream Conversion on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZ84L-blEVU "More Good Day! Interview" with Jenni Jo: https://youtu. be/ZCoxPx0ZGEs MOBILITY + VARIETY = PEACE Even though the Peace Pod made its debut in June 2019, McLaughlin already loves the variety that comes with her mobile work. "I love the new places and new faces," she says, "and, if I'm working with musicians, [the] new music! It's everything I hoped it would be and much more." She also enjoys the ideas and possibilities her new business creates, with people asking her what services she could offer at different events and celebrations. "Life is too short to not go after your dreams," McLaughlin says. "Get a fantastic business plan in place, as well as your power team (attorney/CPA), and take steps every single day to get there. There is room for everyone's dreams to come true." Lisa Bakewell is a full-time freelance writer, editor, perpetual learner, and lover of life in Chicagoland. Her areas of writing expertise span a multitude of topics that include health and wellness, travel, parenting, personal/company profiles, a plethora of "how-to" articles (her favorite!), and technology. She can be reached at lbakewell@att.net. A peek inside the Peace Pod.