This blog post is sponsored by Massage Envy.
Meet Basu S.
Basu graduated in 2005 from massage school and never looked back. Before becoming a massage therapist, he worked at a gas station and was looking for a change. After seeing people come in and out of his store with debilitating pain, he knew that helping people improve their lives through massage therapy would be extremely satisfying. He found his calling. Basu practices at a Massage Envy franchise location in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and even won the Therapist of the Year award for his region, but also owns his own independent practice where he helps his clients achieve a balance of mind, body, and spirit by applying sound and vibration healing.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
When did you decide to pursue a career in massage therapy?
In my last job, I would continually see people walking in and out of my store in pain, limping, walking uncomfortably, etc. One day, one of my regular customers came in and she told me that she had just finished massage therapy school and recently started working as a massage therapist. The thought of making people’s lives better was something I knew I needed to do. I enrolled in massage therapy school shortly thereafter while working at my other job. In 2005, I graduated, quit my job, and became a massage therapist full time.
What did you like most about massage school?
My school experience was different in that my class was very small—just three people—including myself. The class was very hands-on and detail-oriented about learning the anatomy of the human body. I found that the hands-on experience was the most effective way for me to learn. I voice recorded each class, and after class, while in the car on the way home, I would listen to the recording. That really helped my overall learning and understanding. My instructor had lots of experience and knowledge and did everything in her power to make us the best therapists we could be. She didn’t want us to just pass the exam; she wanted us to be successful in whatever specialty we chose. We are still friends to this day and talk often.
What are your favorite things about working at both a Massage Envy franchised location and an independent practice?
I enjoy working at a Massage Envy franchised location because I don’t have to worry about anything. They keep my schedule full and match me with clients based on my certifications, techniques, and pressure. It gives me peace of mind and I can always count on a paycheck. I enjoy my independent practice because I can use my additional training and skills in Kundalini Sound Healing and reiki to cater to each client’s specific needs and provide a unique experience. Whether at my Massage Envy franchised location or my private practice, I always look forward to helping clients break free from a life of pain and hopelessness. When they hug me out of pure joy and gratitude, that is the best reward.
When was the last time you felt especially proud of the work you do?
A client came in crying at my Massage Envy franchised location. I asked her if she would like to talk during her session. She started to tell me about all the things going wrong in her life, specifically regarding a brain scan she recently had that found something. She was very distraught. I was done with the session 30 minutes later and she seemed to be much more relaxed. She came in regularly, every two weeks, and after a few months she had another scan, and everything was clear. Her outlook completely changed, and she is now much happier. She called me her life saver. I just did what I was trained to do. I untangled and helped heal her.
What excites you about the next couple years of your career?
I’m always excited to learn new techniques for healing the body, mind, and spirit holistically. In 2008, I received classical Kundalini Sound Healing training from Kathmandu, Nepal. I am a reiki practitioner as well. As a certified singing bowl healer, I use Tibetan singing bowls to promote healing through a range of sounds that restore normal vibratory frequencies and bring body, mind, and soul together in harmony. It has been used traditionally to heal stress disorders, pain, and depression. The vibrations from the singing bowls reach every cell in the human body and initiate healing by putting the body into a deep meditation.
When are you happiest at work?
Always—because I get to help other people out. When I practice sound healing it helps me, too, and calms me down.
What's one good thing about living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that others might not know?
The best part about living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is that the place is enormous. During my break, I can go to the gym, which is very close. There are lots of restaurants near me if I forget to bring my lunch. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is very vibrant and culturally diverse as well. For my career, it’s a great area because there are always instructors available to help me continue my education, understand, and learn more.
What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love to cook, feed people, sing Bollywood songs, and spend time with friends and family. Cooking for others is my way to continue helping people. My favorite meal to cook is BBQ—people like my BBQ. :) I probably BBQ 2–3 times a month for people. Each time I start with a vegetable followed by BBQ chicken, fish, and shrimp. My BBQ sauce includes several Indian spices and is considered very healthy.
Explore Massage Envy franchised location careers at jobs.MassageEnvy.com and do more of what you love.
About Massage Envy:
Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare service. Massage Envy franchisees are, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians, with more than 35,000 dedicated wellness professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,150 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @MassageEnvy. Each individual franchised location, not ME SPE Franchising, LLC ("MEF") or any of its affiliates, is the sole employer for all positions posted by a franchised location, and each individual franchised location is not acting as an agent for MEF or any of its affiliates. Hiring criteria, benefits, and compensation are set by each individually owned and operated franchised location and may vary from location to location. © 2020 ME SPE Franchising, LLC.