Today we’d like to introduce you to Leilia Tuia.
Hi Leilia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi! Thank you for having me! My name is Leilia and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Ashiatsu Therapist in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. What drew me to this profession was a life changing event, and fortunately, just being in the right place at the right time when it came to my options for recovery. I was already working for the massage school that I graduated from, and it just clicked for me. Massage. I don’t know why, but it all just felt right. I thought, “this is a year of my life dedicated to learning about how to help people, and to have this skillset as a backup.” Man, little did I know!
I graduated from the Professional Massage Therapy Program at the Utah College of Massage Therapy and Steiner Institute of Esthetics in 2011. I would go on to spend about 7 years in the spa industry, both abroad and local. My most proud opportunity to date — outside of my own business — is working overseas at a military R&R resort called Edelweiss. It was located in a small Bavarian town called Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in Germany. I was a proud civilian who came from a strong military background.
What landed me to be on my own two feet, was that a very dear colleague offered up an opportunity to try being my own boss. I was losing myself in the spas. 6 months later, I resigned from the spa sector to continue expanding my very own practice.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has only been a smooth road because I ended up loving massage therapy. My craft does all of my talking for me, I think. As for building a practice, it most definitely has not been easy. Haha! it is a true form of art! There is so much that goes into make a living on your own, that the phrase “love what you do and you will never have to work a day in your life” is so true. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, so there is never a dull moment. I enjoy the challenge and am grateful that I even have a village of amazing listeners to be there when the challenge sucks! Haha!
As you know, we’re big fans of Cottonwood Heights Massage Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a self-employed/entrepreneur/small business owner who does Massage Therapy. My practice is in beautiful Cottonwood Heights, Utah. I have been on my own and in business for the last four years and could not be more thrilled to still be going. I specialize in the relief of Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain. I am known for deep tissue work. And not just with my hands, but barefoot as well! Yes! I provide Ashiatsu, a Japanese form of barefoot massage, which is another fantastic deep tissue technique that you just have to try if you have never had it before. The majority of my clients have made the switch from hands-on to feet! However, I love a great mix of both!
I am most proud of how much I am able to help people realize that massage therapy is more of a necessity than a luxury. To help my clients understand how their body functions during times of stress that brings on tension (some emotional) and projects pain, is without a doubt so rewarding. And to be a staple in their recovery on a regular basis is so fundamental and monumental! I am a huge believer in the self-care game and pouring from a full cup! Why? Because nobody likes things half done. That is my brand, feeling wholesome and performing/providing at your best.
I offer three services: Swedish, Deep Tissue and Ashiatsu. The knowledge and experience comes deeply within those services. My practice is widely promoted on social media since COVID, but most of my clients come from word of mouth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Professional lesson: Investing in myself. And what I mean by that, is that there is a great deal of thought about the needs of my clientele as well, since I now know my audience. Learning something new opens doors for more opportunity.
Personal lesson: Growing comes at a heavy price. Find your solitude and hold on tight because you can easily get distracted. All worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cottonwoodheightsmassagetherapy.com
- Instagram: @cottonwoodheightsmassagethrapy
- Facebook: @cottonwoodheightsmassagethrapy
Image Credits
Mele (@ilikuonephoto)
