How to run a small massage-service business
In the beginning of my massage-service-business people laughed and ridiculed my idea. Being for most of my workling life in a corporate 9-5-computer job didn’t quite align with this hands-on-physical work and creating a sustainable existence out of it. With no business experience, it was a step-by-step learning and growth-process.
Good trainings in a number of bodywork modalities certainly are important as well as continuous education and studies to bring the theoretical knowledge to the experience of the hands. Most of my Hawaiian bodywork training, I was fortunate to be part of the courses at Mette’s Institute on the Sunshine Coast. Mette is a pioneer in combining personal development and massage technique courses in Australia. Kahuna Bodywork, Lomi Lomi Heartworks and Leadership Trainings are offered in an amazing retreat style facilities.
Another good training is any recognised Remedial Massage Therapy Training that is offered in an trainingorganistations, like TAFE in Australia. Quite often they also offer some form of financial assistance. This training will give you the anatomical knowledge, business ethics and practice conduct as well as comprehensive techniques that are universally applicable. It is also the best strategy if one seeks work in a licensed massage therapy practice.
It is also imprtant to have personal liability insurance and some for of membership in an allied or complementary health industry body. Just the minimum, but it shows that you are a professional and committed to a safe practice.
Finding a suitable space to work in is important. When I first started offering remedial massage, Kahuna bodywork, Lomi Lomi heartworks, I worked from my apartment which was great, yet sometimes blurs the concept of being professional. Later, I moved into a multi-disciplinary clinic where I rented a clinic room a few days per week. They didn’t have a shower. As Kahuna bodywork and Lomi Lomi heartworks use nourishing coconut oil, it is imprtant for some clients to shower after the sessions to go back to their day. Now, I have my own massage and bodywork therapy studio in Balmain, which is just wonderful as it not only has a full bathroom but also supreme privacy, a little courtyard to rest before and after the session and easy parking. Mobile massage can be fun and exciting as we meet interesting people and always go to different places. Here it is important to think about your fee structure and about safety. Sometimes, I offer Kahuna bodywork and lomi lomi heartworks as a mobile service, yet decided to limit that to CBD-hotels and screen clients before I commit.
Marketing makes your clients aware that you are this amazing therapist and they can find you. This might be a case of personal preference as you want to serve your clients and not sit and waste hourson trying how to create an instagram reel or how to optimes your SEO. I started with a simple ad on gumtree and a google business presence. Then, I gave some of my friends and family members a massage and asked them to write me reviews for google. A few years later, I created a website with an integrated booking system, a logo and a social media presence. It doesn’t have to be an 80-hour work week. A good professional website feeds the algorithm of the google-business presence. So, enlisting professional help is sensible advise. I found good people on the platform upwork that help with all of that. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and a simple website with a few pages is all that is required. Most of my new clients come through google as they might search “massage near me” or “Lomi Lomi massage Sydney” or “Kahuna Bodywork”. Never underestimate word of mouth as you build your practice. Always carry an old-fashioned business card as people ask you what you do and you hand them a professional business card. I’m still not very keen on posting in social media. It is important to not go into this hustle mode. Clients come to us to relax and heal and not being treated by a frazzled therapist caught up in the influencer culture.
When I as a therapist prepare myself for my day and come into my feminine power, then I show up as an authentic therapist, connected to my skills, my intution, my energy and to my massage client. Clients usually feel that straight away. There is no use in sacrificing my true self for my business. Working hard yes, but also having healthy boundaries and looking after myself. My teacher always said: Don’t bring yor own sh#t to the massage table. Boundaries can mean setting your business hours, having clear communication about no shows and cancellations as well as blocking time out in my calendar if I feel getting depleted.
Connecting to other therapists in the same area or in the same modality is very useful. I love going to our Kahuna Bodywork Catch up days. We chat and exchange Lomi Lomi massages and Kahuna bodywork, discuss techniques and business details and plans. I always come out feeling elated and recharged. We supprt each other in a facebook group and recommend therapists another geographical area if the client is just on a visit, When I worked in a clinic space with other complementary health therapists, I always enjoyed the short exchange and support from them.
I trust these words gave you a good idea what workes for me in running my little massage and bodywork therapies business. Learning all of that is a real adventure and joy.
Would you have thought that so much detail goes into your nourishing and healing Kahuna bodywork or Lomi lomi massage appointment?
Blysse Massage
Balmain, NSW 2041 Australia
