Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Richardson.
Rachel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Let’s begin with the pandemic. Things were awful. It felt like the whole world had stopped and now there was nothing but time to think about the state of my life. I’d been having health issues for years. My relationships were struggling. I had no work. And there was nothing to distract myself with. No way out. I thought about going back to school for another degree, but I already had two I didn’t use. Motivated by despair, loneliness and heartbreak, I took a deep dive into trauma work. It was a luxury to finally have the time to learn things I wanted to learn instead of the school mandated subjects I had spent two decades studying. All facades melted away and I was able to see myself clearly, no filter. A psychotherapy journey became a path into Buddhism. I saw what I wanted and worked towards it everyday. Somewhere along the way, I regained my health, repaired my relationships, and felt better than I ever had in my entire life. I felt unbelievably happy every day. Grateful, calm, radiant.
I had to share this joy! I wanted to help people heal. This became the most important thing to me. My life’s meaning.
I started living based on intuition and decided to go to massage school on a whim. Meanwhile I worked in bars and sales jobs.
Once I got my massage license, I knew I didn’t want to work for a spa. I wanted to create my own experience.
Signing a lease for my own studio felt like taking a cold plunge challenge. I had zero regular clients. It was crazy. But I had faith in myself that I will make it work. If other people can do it, why can’t I?
I’m still navigating small business ownership.
In the near future, Rachel’s Relax Spa will host a meditation group and classes for those who wish to learn meditation! I feel absolutely honored to have the opportunity to share what I love with others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was fortunate to find a studio space that I loved quickly. But there was a big problem. The ceiling tiles would not support the bars I need to install for the ashiatsu style of massage I practice. I began brainstorming one thousand solutions and decided the best way forward was to build my own freestanding bars out of wood. There were many issues and doubts like getting the measurements exact and figuring out how to transport and assemble this goliath thing I had built that probably weighs 200 lbs. I worked so long on the project that I almost forgot I was a massage therapist! Because all my days were spent on learning carpentry and operating circular saws. So I became a carpenter in my Mom’s cold garage while it snowed outside.
That’s what you do when you start a small business. I’m not just a LMT. I picked up whatever skills I needed along the way– becoming a skilled carpenter, accountant, social media manager, digital marketing specialist, and so forth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in a modality called ashiatsu which means I use my feet to massage! It is so much more than back walking. The foot is actually the perfect massage tool. It is a broad surface that is able to deliver deep pressure without any pain. Instead of sharp pointy elbows, I use the round part of my heel or the ball of my foot to release trigger points. My body weight centers into my entire foot to slowly and gently roll out tense muscle and fascia. The result is the most luxurious massage session that leaves you feeling lighter and taller.
Compared to other massage modalities, ashiatsu pushes more blood and lymph to circulate. Clients say that once they try ashiatsu, they do not want to go back to traditional massage because ashiatsu feels deeper, more relaxing, and the effects last longer. It’s great for those who feel they need deeper pressure, postural correction, help with circulation, or just anyone who wants to treat themselves to something different! The pressure can be adjusted as light or as deep as the client prefers. People of all sizes can receive ashiatsu.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books that inspire me–
Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart by Tara Bennett Goleman
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg
My favorite authors include Tara Brach, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Pricing:
- 60 minute Ashiatsu Massage $110
- 90 minute Ashiatsu Massage $155
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelsrelaxspa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsrelaxspa
