massage and bodywork professionals
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What Did You Do Before Massage?
I know, I'm nosey. I was a travel writer.
For six years, I got to travel to Bed & Breakfasts and get massages, all for free, and write about it. So my roots are in traveling, meeting people and hearing their stories. Now I travel around and do The World Massage Festival & Massage Therapy Hall of Fame.
I found the adjustment to a single location massage establishment, inside a strip mall, very confining. So I started a way to stay "in the massage world and travel!" But that is another story!
What's your story? What did you do before massage? Tell us of your travels and what massage is like where you are, especially if you massage outside the U.S. We really like pictures, if possible.
If you get bored come see me at my page http://www.massageprofessionals.com/profile/MikeHinkle
Thanks and welcome to Massage Professionals!
Views: 585
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joana Maria de Meneses Silva on -
I was a Sports Teacher and worked with disabled children...then massage came into my world and i just loved it. Travelling came along the way (when i was absolutely sure that i wanted to do a massage therapist) and i decided to travel the world doing massage, in cruiseships.
Have been all around the world but loved US and the profesional way you see our profession (here in Portugal we are getting there but it's not seen that way).
Doing two things i love, allows me to be a very good therapist and enjoy my work and also my free time:)
Joana
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on -
Well Joana,
We are glad to have you with us and if you ever stay awhile in the US, look us up and we'll show you some sights! You are in the best profession there is as far as I'm concerned. Would love to hear more about your ventures working on cruiselines and send pictures too! Hope to meet you some day. Keep the Faith!
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Permalink Reply by Jane Porter on -
programmer analyst. felt i needed a change so i went to massage school. worked as a therapist for 2.5 years (jumped into it with no real planning)...finances took a nose dive...lost almost everything...got a 'stand in' job as a csr rep 'until i get something better. that something better was another I.T. job... well...to say that the 'customer service' job is not fulfilling is an understatement. i pulled out an old dvd yesterday (<--- for some odd reason saying 'old' and 'dvd' together is funny to me...but i digress)..the first forarm dance dvd...and now i want to go back to the work of helping people heal, helping people feel better, and get healthier...
so now my plan is to renew my liability insurance, get my license active in Texas (have an active one in Tennessee) and move to Dallas..i'm Oklahoma right now (long story)...not digging it..
that's the short version of my story...
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Well Jane, you are finding your way... just like the rest of us:)! If there is any thing I can do to help you, please let me know!
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Permalink Reply by Helen Moss on -
I worked for the United States Postal Service for 15 yrs, tore both rotor cuffs had surgery fixed them, took early out and went to school for a yr. I have 1250 hrs into a profession that has given me more gradification in 2 yrs than 15 yrs there. I thank God for the courage, wisdom and faith to make the change!
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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You are wise! You are keeping your feet on the ground but keep the dream alive! You will be so happy when you realize the dream. Good luck and holler, if we can help!
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Hi Helen and we are glad you made the change also!
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Permalink Reply by Ian Newbury on -
Hello Mike,
For the past 15 years I've been working as a watercolorist and freelance illustrator. I was also blessed to have spent this time raising our daughter. Throughout these years I regularly practiced meditation and yoga. Having done all the glamorous work that goes with being a stay-at-home dad: cooking, cleaning, dropping-off and picking-up, etc., I was eager to work outside the home. I considered teaching yoga, but ultimately decided I would prefer the one-on-one connection that Massage provides. I've just completed my licensure in RI and I have joined a small group of independent wellness practitioners.
Nice topic, it's a nice way to get to know a little bit more about others here.
If you are interested you can see view of my watercolor work at: http://www.newburystudio.com
Be Well,
Ian Newbury
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Permalink Reply by Renee Robb-Cohen on -
Great art work, Ian! Welcome to the world of massage!
Renee Robb-Cohen
Ian Newbury said:Hello Mike,
For the past 15 years I've been working as a watercolorist and freelance illustrator. I was also blessed to have spent this time raising our daughter. Throughout these years I regularly practiced meditation and yoga. Having done all the glamorous work that goes with being a stay-at-home dad: cooking, cleaning, dropping-off and picking-up, etc., I was eager to work outside the home. I considered teaching yoga, but ultimately decided I would prefer the one-on-one connection that Massage provides. I've just completed my licensure in RI and I have joined a small group of independent wellness practitioners.
Nice topic, it's a nice way to get to know a little bit more about others here.
If you are interested you can see view of my watercolor work at: http://www.newburystudio.com
Be Well,
Ian Newbury
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Permalink Reply by Ian Newbury on
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Thanks Renee!
Renee Robb-Cohen said:
Great art work, Ian! Welcome to the world of massage!
Renee Robb-Cohen
Ian Newbury said:Hello Mike,
For the past 15 years I've been working as a watercolorist and freelance illustrator. I was also blessed to have spent this time raising our daughter. Throughout these years I regularly practiced meditation and yoga. Having done all the glamorous work that goes with being a stay-at-home dad: cooking, cleaning, dropping-off and picking-up, etc., I was eager to work outside the home. I considered teaching yoga, but ultimately decided I would prefer the one-on-one connection that Massage provides. I've just completed my licensure in RI and I have joined a small group of independent wellness practitioners.
Nice topic, it's a nice way to get to know a little bit more about others here.
If you are interested you can see view of my watercolor work at: http://www.newburystudio.com
Be Well,
Ian Newbury
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Hi Julia,
I hope you make it to Festival and will use that voice during the Jam session with Laura Allen and Friends on Friday night! I will share your music with friends! Thanks!
Julia Fragias said:Hi Mike,
I was an editorial and artists model before embracing massage. I also am an electronic musician, but my royalties never came close to covering the cost of living. My music is streamable at http://www.janesilence.com and available on iTunes among other e-stores.
My goal was to heal people with my hands and with my voice.
Thanks for posting this discussion. There are a lot of interesting responses.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Hi Ian,
I agree with Renee! Fantastic work! Always looking for talented folks! Glad you are here!
Ian Newbury said:Hello Mike,
For the past 15 years I've been working as a watercolorist and freelance illustrator. I was also blessed to have spent this time raising our daughter. Throughout these years I regularly practiced meditation and yoga. Having done all the glamorous work that goes with being a stay-at-home dad: cooking, cleaning, dropping-off and picking-up, etc., I was eager to work outside the home. I considered teaching yoga, but ultimately decided I would prefer the one-on-one connection that Massage provides. I've just completed my licensure in RI and I have joined a small group of independent wellness practitioners.
Nice topic, it's a nice way to get to know a little bit more about others here.
If you are interested you can see view of my watercolor work at: http://www.newburystudio.com
Be Well,
Ian Newbury
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