Today we’d like to introduce you to Brielle Rich
Hi Brielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Brielle Rich and I am the owner and creator of Ropana Bodywork. My passion for yoga began in 2014. I was experienced a deep depression during that chapter of my life and didn’t have the tools that really resonated with me to help me process. I resulted to self harming, restricted eating, multiple suicide attempts, and staying in very unhealthy relationships. I eventually started going to the gym to help me cope with the chronic stress. Someone suggested yoga for ‘rest days’ so I had to try it. My first yoga class, I remember laying in Savasana and just feeling the tears start streaming down my face. I didn’t know why or really what was happening, but afterwards I felt so much more grounded and lighter. After that, I wanted to know more! I started going to A LOT more classes and eventually completed a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher Traning course from Lifepower Yoga in 2019 that changed my life completely.
I immediately began teaching my private practice, alongside classes in the studio. My very first classes were held at 5am at my childhood dance studio. I taught as much as I could and would host events at coffee shops, tattoo shops, local parks, and anyone that would let me. I had the opportunity to travel and teach at a healing sanctuary in Mindo, Ecuador as well as multiple festival settings across Utah and Colorado. Through my practice and teaching journey, I discovered that the time spent on my mat directly affected my confidence and capability off my mat. Yoga continuously teaches me self compassion, unconditional love, and balance.
Yoga introduced me to the power of somatic healing for not only the body, but mind and spirit as well. I received feedback from students that they loved my physical adjustments during yoga classes which led me to further my education and dive deeper into human anatomy, kinesiology, and how everything intertwines by completing a 900hr Licensed Massage Therapy program in 2022. There, I studied Advanced Integrative Therapies, Hydro & Spa Therapy, Sports & Rehabilitative Massage, Asian Bodywork, and was attuned to my first degree Reiki. Right out of school, I was hired at a Forbes 5 Star Resort in Deer Valley (where I worked for 2 seasons) and also shared a ‘first come first serve’ community rental space at local metaphysical shop to help me build my own clientele and start my private practice. In June 2023, I opened my own commercial space in Sandy, UT, Ropana Bodywork, where I now work full time. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to multiple events and even teach workshops.
This is my way of bridging the two worlds together. I aim to bring a distinctive and personalized approach to the science and art of holistic healing. My hope is that this bodywork inspires you to be more present, pain free, and connected to your true essence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely a little choppy of a ride sometimes, but that is what keeps life interesting!
Yoga Teacher Training was the first time I really dove into breath work, somatic movement, and safe connection which brought up a lot. I was really shy and reserved so it took a lot of confidence and practice for me to show up, use my voice, and actually trust myself. When I first started teaching, there were so many classes over the span of the first couple years where no one would come! I felt almost ashamed sometimes posting like I taught or acting like I wasn’t so embarrassed all set up waiting. I feel like it’s hard to not let the stories win of “maybe I’m not good enough” “no one wants me as their teacher” etc. and to just keep with the vision and trust the process. Going through Massage Therapy school really pushed me as well. It was 9 months and between daily classes and clinic shifts, I was there 7 days a week. I sacrificed a lot of my priorities at the time including gym routines, friends, and my romantic relationship. I look back now and have a lot of compassion for myself during that time, and also feel proud for seeing it through and doing it for me. When I first started my business, I was working 6 days a week from 9am-9pm and was working literally whenever someone would book! Figuring out the legality side (taxes, permits, licenses, insurances) also isn’t my strong suit and was a big mental hurtle for me to get over and accomplish.
I still have to be very mindful of my own self care. Massaging is very hard on your body and it took a while for me to know my limits, know how to recover, and how to reset my energy after clients.
Overall, I think going through all those things helped shape the person I’m becoming and that I’m so proud to be.
We’ve been impressed with Ropana Bodywork , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Over the past few years, my focus has been on expanding my knowledge of the human body and how to better support the overall health of body, mind, and spirit. My journey has led me through yoga teacher training, massage therapy school, and has now inspired the official creation of my business “Ropana Bodywork”.
“Ropana” refers to the healing of wounds, planting, sowing, or raising and originates from ancient Sanskrit, Ayurvedic literature, Buddhism, and Hindi. Different forms of bodywork have been used since the beginning of man and have assisted humankind in a better quality of life. Ropana Bodywork stands to support you on your lifelong journey of wellbeing, health, and optimal function.
I currently offer Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Craniosacral, Lymphatic Drainage, Cupping, Private annd group yoga classes, and Reiki. I really listen to your body and go at the pace of your own central nervous system to help support long lasting change. I never rush or force, but try to melt and soften, bringing a more tranquil and safe energy to the space.
I’m really proud of the intention I put behind even the little things in my brand. All my essential oils are organic and ethically sourced, I get Alkaline water for all my clients at a local water store, I make the salt scrub I use in house with only the top notch ingredients, I offer a retail magnesium spray and CBD oil that’s made here locally, I have wipes/hair ties/organic tampons/tissue/etc. always ready if my clients need as well. I really poured love and care into the little things and I love the energy that creates in the space.
I would love to meet you and am currently always accepting new clients! The easiest way to book is through my website or Instagram page, I’m also open for travel, events, and festivals!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve had so many earth angels that have helped guide me and support me on my journey! Some of the most influential mentors and teachers – Kaycee Dunfield, Kristie Lunt, Madalyn Edwards, Daniel Fisher, Wendy Edwards, Andrea Yukiko, Megan Allen. Their wisdom, influence, and guidance have impacted my life forever.
My parents! They helped me pay for a part of my school and figure out my financial aid paperwork with the government. My mom came to a couple of my events when I first started to support me too! One of my ex partners really helped me while I was going through school. I wasn’t making a lot of money at the time and he would always cook me food and gave me a place to live. Him and my mom helped me set up my studio space too.
So many of my friends help me more than they could ever know. They inspire me, support me, reflect back so much love to me, and believe in me. Nikki, Kelsie, Bella, Josie, Kenzie, Natalie, Shaunna, Alycia, and sooo many others. Whether it’s bringing me food, letting me vent, helping me pick up supplies, coming in for an appointment, etc. I don’t know where I would be without you.
Every client I’ve had has impacted me as well. It makes my heart warm knowing I have clients that have followed me through the years and multiple locations. There’s been times where they definitely have held me without even knowing it and I’m still in shock sometimes by how much support I receive. So much gratitude for my tribe!
Pricing:
- 60 min / $104
- 90 min / $149
- 120 min / $194
- Return clients take 5% off
- Add on options available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ropanabodywork.com
- Instagram: @RopanaBodywork
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ropanabodywork
- Other: Contact@ropanabodywork.com
