Today we’d like to introduce you to Karameli Thomas.
Hi Karameli, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Licensed massage therapist of 18 years, moved to Utah 8 1/2 months pregnant with my first son and partner in 2018. After months of staying at home, I knew that I wanted to build my massage business from the ground up again, but I wanted to make sure that I worked with people who made my heart go pitter-patter. I wanted to make an indirect impact on the community and also wanted to work with people who shared the same personality as me, and that was Nurses. I studied relentlessly in 2020, learning about the profession, the injuries associated with it (mental, emotional and physical). I donated over $5,000 worth of massage therapy to 2 hospitals and since then, my business has boomed. It is more than fulfilling.
For the past 2 months, I have been struggling to maintain the amount of business I have created and have decided to expand my business and search for the best massage therapist to help me with my life vision.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggles I’ve had was – 1. Not being from here and not knowing anyone
2. Not having the proper guidance or resources to create a business
3. Being a person of color (My industry does not have a lot of people who look like me, and for some, it has created some discomfort.
We’ve been impressed with The Massage ER, 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?
Massage therapy for Healthcare Professionals – We believe that the most important patient is YOU.
We integrate several massage techniques to help with chronic injuries and pain due to the high demands of the profession. Our approach in technique, environment and music help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to achieve ultimate repair from the inside out.
ALL healthcare professionals are our priority. After doing what I call “Meli-Math” I discovered that if I helped just ONE Nurse that cared for 200-350 patients a year that would create a positive effect on their family and the community. I took it a step further in considering all healthcare professionals Doctors, Surgeons, Nurses, High Level Medical Executives, Mental Health professionals, Midwives, Orthopedic specialists, Physical therapists, Fitness instructors, Chiropractors, and Dentists just to name a few.
What do they all have in common? High stress levels and Repetitive movement injuries. This can be managed through massage therapy. Our services release the burden of pain and nervous system overwhelm that affects their ability to offer thorough and thoughtful care to our community.
I am more than proud of the brand and vision that I have created. The ER in my business name stands for ‘ Enhancement Room’ That is one of the huge advantages we have in the wide range of techniques that we offer. Every technique, every scent of aromatherapy, the type of music that we play enhances their experience on the table. We educate them on what and WHY they are experiencing discomfort, offer them encouragement on simple ways to maintain their bodies in between treatments. Most importantly, allow them the time to feel human, to FEEL cared for and regain the strength to do it all over again for YEARS to come. We truly believe that when they are settled and rejuvenated off the clock it prevents turnover in the industry. As you can see, we have an obligation. We don’t have a choice in serving, it’s our duty.
The most important thing I would love readers to know is, Massage therapy is a piece of accountability in taking charge of your health. A good, well thought out massage treatment will make you feel better but it isn’t the entire piece. As a licensed massage therapist, it is our duty to invite every client to be apart of their healing. The foundation of Our vision to create a healthy community, is acknowledgment, encouragement, education, professional intelligence and unbreakable confidence all through touch.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When seeking to grow in your industry or profession, utilize the internet to find WHO attains the success you are seeking. Research any business resources in your local area, networking groups and coaches. If you feel there are more personal blocks that prevent you from moving forward, please seek counseling or coaches to help you through that.
In my experience, the coaching programs that I have invested in for the past two years, I had studied and followed their work for 2 years before setting up an appointment for a clarity call. DO NOT take that long! I wish I had invested sooner.
Find groups on Facebook that relate to your industry and learn about them through your colleagues.
Always, Always, Always ask questions and stay curious. Be persistent in finding the answers that you seek. If you do not find the answers, and still have a burning desire to find the answer, be open to understanding that YOU might be the one to pave the way. Be ok with paving the way, it could make all the difference for others.
Pricing:
- $125 – 75 minute
- $150 – 90 minute
Contact Info:
- Website: www.murrayutmassage.weebly.com
- Instagram: @honestmassagetherapist
- Facebook: @massageforHCPs
- Other: https://square.site/book/BSKA99H6R6KVX/the-massage-er-llc-murray-ut
Image Credits
Sarah McClure Photo
