I came to Massage because of my mom. I didn’t know it at the time, and for years I would have said it was because I hated retail, or because I loved helping people. The anatomy is fascinating, and being able to help people feel less pain in their bodies is a kind of drug. But if I go deeper, it’s because of my mom. My mom was the youngest of four, the child of abusive alcoholics. She was sexually assaulted early in life. She had surgery for scoliosis in high school and didn’t

Understanding the Identity Crisis in Massage Therapy I’ve read a few think pieces about how massage needs saving. One was technically a Facebook rant, so I’m being generous calling it a think piece. The argument usually goes like this: Massage has an identity crisis. We don’t know where we belong. We’re not taken seriously. We need clearer placement inside the medical system. And it’s true, our profession spans a lot: oncology massage, post-surgical recovery, high-performance

Before we dive in, remember this: these are not signs that you’re “failing” or “not cut out for this.” They are the normal, predictable speed bumps that every service-based business owner encounters, especially in the first year. The goal is not to avoid them, but to learn to move through them with your nervous system intact. 1. Inconsistent Bookings The Experience: Some weeks your calendar feels full, others it’s crickets. This unpredictability can send your stress response

Let’s talk about stability. Not just the kind that shows up on your calendar or in your fully-booked schedule. I mean the kind of stability that starts inside. The kind that’s rooted in self-trust, clear boundaries, and a business that actually supports your life—not drains it. Let’s Talk About Selling (Without the Squirm) I know—“selling yourself” probably makes your stomach twist a little. Most of us massage therapists didn’t sign up to be salespeople. That phrase can stir