Name of your business. Journeys Within Massage Therapy
Your name and position. Pamela Smith, Owner and Licensed Massage Therapist
What inspired you to start your business? How did your business get started? After college, in Boston, I took night classes in Shiatsu massage just for fun. I found it fascinating to learn another way to think about the body besides the Western framework, and I was told that I had very good hands. Five years later, I made the decision to become a professional massage therapist and went to the Stillpoint Center School of Massage in Hatfield, MA. It was a perfect fit for me! In 1991, I began the Northampton Center for Healing Therapies collective with a business partner and the alternative healing professionals who rented space from us. Later, I opened Blue Heron Healing and Massage with two other bodyworkers. When I moved to live in downtown Northampton in 2001, I decided I wanted to walk to work, and started my own private practice at 39 Main Street. I’ve been happily there ever since.
Tell us a little bit about your business.
I own a private massage therapy office in a beautiful office downtown on Main Street, near Zen Restaurant. I have been in business since 1991. My work blends classic Swedish massage with other specialties, like deep tissue and sports massage. The clients I see vary from high school football players to a spry 84 year old woman – every day is different! Most of what I do is 60 and 90 minute massages in my private office. However, I also lead group workshops, and do onsite table massage for Smith students at finals times and for teacher appreciation week at the Bridge Street School. I am available to do rewards programs and onsite table massage for employees at local businesses.
What is your favorite thing to do in your business?
Getting to know my clients over time – everyone has a story. I get to create a calm healing space so they can experience greater ease in their bodies and minds.
If nothing else, what is the one piece of information you want someone to know about your business?
There’s a lot of laughter in my office – healing feels pretty good!
What is the one piece of business advice you would like to share?
Join the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, of course! 🙂 Seriously, the best way to be in business is to have what you do for work match who you are as a person – if you can bring all of yourself to your work, you will always succeed. Work is effortless when being there feels joyful.