Massage & Bodywork

September | October 2014

Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/365665

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 62 of 140

60 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 4 suits your office esthetic. Don't forget an umbrella stand if you live in a rainy climate! Purchasing used furniture can save you a bundle and clients will never know the difference. Terrific deals can be found on Craigslist, eBay, and at garage sales. Just make sure the items are in near-new or very good condition, and view them in person if possible before purchasing. Sounds silly, but give them a good smell test before buying. Lighting: Your room should be bright enough for clients to see easily and move around safely, but dim enough so their eyes and mind can begin to relax. During the session, the lighting should be low enough that when you turn the client faceup, she isn't shocked by excessive brightness. This is also true after the treatment ends; allow your blissed-out client to come around slowly and not adjust to daylight until she is ready. Dimmer switches are nice alternatives to standard lamps or overhead light bulbs. Rechargeable, flameless candles are a nice touch, too; they give the ambience of a warm, flickering candle without the fire hazard. Temperature Control: Keeping your clients at an ideal temperature is vital to their overall enjoyment and ability to fully relax. On average, men and perimenopausal women tend to run warm, while other women get chilled more easily, especially when faceup on the massage table. home office space Setting up a massage therapy space in your home is the most cost-effective way to work. Not only do you save on rent, you will also save a bundle on gas, parking, tolls, and other commuting expenses. Don't underestimate the value of saving time: more time in your day allows you to spend more time on marketing your business and seeing clients. When contemplating a home office, you need to be realistic and honest about your lifestyle. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself: Are you willing and able to maintain a high degree of cleanliness and lack of clutter, not just in your massage room, but throughout your house (inside and out)? One of the foundations of a stellar massage space is a clean, clear, and spacious setting. Some of us are neater than others, and it's far easier to maintain an impeccably clean office space than it is an entire house. How noisy is your household? Your clients deserve a serene, consistent ambience. If you have busy pets, active children, noisy neighbors, or street noise, ask yourself how you can shield your clients from these elements. Do you have pets? Many people have allergies to our four-legged friends. Even if you keep your pet outside your massage room, chances are good that dander or fur will make their way onto your linens and towels. Other clients may fear animals. If you work at home and have pets, let new clients know before they book, so they can let you know if they object.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Massage & Bodywork - September | October 2014