Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68008
My practice is unique because sometimes the traditional relaxing music just isn't enough. I let my clients make custom CDs, and I put them in their charts and those CDs get played whenever they have a session. I also offer "relax with a touch of paradise." Everyone always wants to get away to somewhere warm and tropical, so I have decorated my room with pictures from Hawaii and the walls are a sand color. I also have a tropical smelling diffuser in my room to let clients feel like they are in paradise for the duration of their massage session. And to tie in the tropical getaway, I let my clients know they can become a frequent flyer and save with my massage packages to escape to that paradise more often. Kerri Lee Johnson Fargo, North Dakota Being true to yourself, following your passion, and trusting your work make your practice unique. Too often we make choices coming into the field of massage based on what will sell or make us most employable. We try to follow a predictable path, and end up doing work that does not come from the heart. We should hold to the spirit of exploration when studying bodywork by trying many modalities and letting our true passion emerge. This is the joy of the journey that will often bring unexpected discoveries about bodywork and ourselves in relation to our work. When we are doing the work that we are passionate about—that makes us happy—then our true self can come forward. This place of confidence, of trust in the work that we are doing, is what makes us unique. These are the qualities that will draw clients to us who are seeking the kind of bodywork we do. These are the qualities that will make a long-lasting and successful practice both fulfilling and unique. CARL JOHNS OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA Several years ago, I sold my spa and went back into independent practice. I also became a spa consultant. This has allowed me a lot of flexibility with my finances and scheduling and keeps my days interesting. I'm not ready to give up my massage clients yet, but doing both allows me to keep my client load at a level that I am happy with. In the last few months, I've added a couple of independent massage therapists at my office who have improved the business' cash flow and been able to see my clients when I am traveling or otherwise unavailable, which is fantastic. I also get to help these therapists succeed in their careers and provide a bit of hands-on consulting to them without being their boss. This is how my last spa started, but as I am older and wiser now, I was able to set it up right from the beginning. Who knows ... maybe it will turn into another spa. FELICIA BROWN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA I work with children at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. I provide massage for the children going through rehabilitation. The work has been rewarding over the past six years. I also provide weekly chair massage for the parents of the children and staff. This is a unique program that offers CAM work in a well-known medical facility. I hope to bring the work to many other hospitals. GREG ZOCHER ELLICOTT CITY, MARYLAND What makes my practice unique is the heartfelt connection I bring to each and every massage. To me, my practice is an art form attained through manual manipulation and many years of practical experience. BERNARD ZEMBLE LAS VEGAS, NEVADA visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 27