Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

BWS: Nancy, to help everyone get to know you better, could you share some of your favorite hobbies and how you like to relax?
Nancy: Well, I’ve played the piano since I was 7. It’s always been my main hobby and stress reliever, and it helped strengthen my fingers for massage!

BWS: So, what initially attracted you to massage therapy?
Nancy: I’ve always enjoyed helping people in any way I can. When I was finishing high school, I worked as a receptionist for a chiropractor in my hometown. She, along with other friends of mine, pointed me in the direction of massage therapy.

BWS: Tell us how you heard about Body Wisdom Massage School?
Nancy: The massage therapists I talked to from my area had gone to Body Wisdom and highly recommended the school. I decided to go with Body Wisdom to continue working in my hometown as I made the hour-and-a-half commute for my evening and weekend classes.

BWS: Wow, an hour and a half commute? Now that’s dedication, Nancy! We were thrilled to have you at Body Wisdom. Not many students can say they have a 100% attendance record—especially with such a long commute. That’s truly impressive!

BWS: Were there factors that influenced your decision to enroll at Body Wisdom over other massage schools?
Nancy: I enjoyed the uniqueness of the classes and the opportunity to choose them based on the skills I wanted to take home to set up my practice.

BWS: Can you share some of your favorite classes or techniques you learned at Body Wisdom?
Nancy: Some of my favorite classes and techniques I learned were deep tissue, myofascial release, prenatal, and orthopedic/clinical sports. I chose these classes because I knew the clientele I wanted to work with once I started my practice.

BWS: What was the most challenging aspect of the program, and how did you overcome it?
Nancy: One of the challenges I faced in the program was learning to alter my massage for my clients. I’m more apt to apply deeper pressure and do a more focused massage, and learning to lighten up for clients looking more for a relaxation, full-body massage was difficult at first. However, I feel I’ve come a long way with the clinic hours I did in school and the hours I’ve put in since starting my business.

BWS: What motivated you to set up your practice in Leon, a town of only 1800?
Nancy: Before I started school, I knew I wanted to set up practice back in my hometown. I was born and raised in the Leon area and have always enjoyed the small-town environment.

BWS: How do you think the small-town environment will influence your practice?
Nancy: Most of my clientele are through word of mouth, which is a tremendous asset when working in a small town.

BWS: What are your short-term and long-term goals for your practice?
Nancy: My short-term and long-term vision is the same: to use my business to help the people of this community as much as possible. I hope to raise awareness of self-care in this community and show people that massage isn’t just a “feel good” day at the spa for the wife type thing, but it’s beneficial and sometimes necessary for anyone and everyone. Massage is so good for you, not only for your body to be healthy but also for your mindset and emotions. I know a lot of people overlook some of these benefits.

BWS: How are you marketing your practice to attract clients in Leon?
Nancy: As for marketing, I have a Facebook and Instagram page, along with getting an ad in the local newspaper and handing out many business cards, but the most effective form of marketing I find here is word of mouth. I’ve also worked with local businesses and donated massage certificates for local fundraisers. 

BWS: What advice would you give to other recent graduates looking to market their massage practices effectively?
Nancy: My advice for marketing is to not be afraid to lose a little in the beginning, donate certificates, offer half-off deals, or do whatever works in your area. When I first started, I partnered with a local esthetician, and we put together a Mother’s Day special, which helped a lot in getting my name out there, so be sure to take any and every opportunity you can!

BWS: Thanks so much for sharing your massage journey. Of course, everyone at Body Wisdom wishes you success in your massage business. 
Nancy: Wishing all my fellow Body Wisdom Grads and Students the best.