I am an 11-year member of ABMP and wanted to share something exciting that has happened in my career. I started out working for a local chiropractor in 2OO3, but struggled getting the clientele needed to make a living. Our small town wasn’t open to massage therapy at first. Slowly, I gained clients who became regulars, and 9½ years later, I found myself booked more times than not. I was happy with where I was and thankful for such dedicated clients.  

We built a wine cellar in our home—my husband’s 2O8-acre family land—Bella Vista Farm, in rural Pennsylvania. After seeing my wine cellar photos, my clients wanted to come to the farm for a massage.
My husband and I made the decision to create Bella Vista Massage and Spa and opened it in 2O12.  

Throughout this exciting new path, there were nervous moments, stress, excitement, and some worries.
These are things that are sometimes hard to hide. Clients can read us as well as we can read them.

It wasn’t until a vacation to Crestone, Colorado, where I received a massage, that I realized I had been disrupting my clients’ ability to relax for quite awhile now. As bodyworkers, we are taught to be grounded; throughout my excitement and worries, I believe I lost my roots.  

My massage in Colorado was from a woman named Cathy. She was amazing, and I can honestly say it was the best massage I have ever had. Following my appointment, I sent this email to my clients:

“Over the years, I have prided myself on helping people relax and rejuvenate. Sometimes, as life would have it, we lose the passion we once had. I’m thankful my passion stays strong, however, I didn’t realize how much my mind needed a refresher. I scheduled myself a massage, as I usually do when on vacation. I was hoping for a little rest and relaxation, but what I got was something much more. I have never experienced a massage quite like this; completely mentally, physically, and emotionally relaxed and rejuvenated. It was an emotional experience that brought me to tears. I couldn’t help but think of each one of you and what this kind of massage could do for you. You each have such a special place in my heart, and I can’t express how thankful I am for our relationships. I can honestly say I feel like a new person—rested, rejuvenated, and revived! I’m so excited to share this experience with you and give you an amazing massage that will hopefully give you the same sense
of tranquility as it has done for me!”          

Since I returned, my clients have noticed a difference in me. One even said, "I didn’t think you could get any better, but you did! Wow!" I’m overwhelmed with excitement. I finally found myself, and I’ll be a better therapist because of it!