Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Jewkes.
Hi Valerie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my massage career in 2004 when I was 18 years young. I received a massage from my Tia (aunt) and knew that i wanted to assist people in felling relaxed, destress, peaceful and calm just as i did from my first massage. 12 years later in 2016 i started my small business Just Relax in Motion Yoga on the Go aka Just Relax in Motion as a small business LQBTQIA+ with only me as a massage provided.
Over the years in my career i have worked in all sort of massage and bodywork businesses, as well as Physical therapy offices, small spas and even at the prestigious Alta Club. I have accomplished many massage coursers and finally found my niche in Cupping.
In 2022 I hired my first 1099 contractor and have been building business and anticipate to grow into a more wellness center offering Cupping Massage and Mobility classes of Yoga and Personal training.
This is definitely a short various of all the things I have experienced in my last 20 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a massage therapist is a road well traveled. Some us it is like enjoying a fine house crafted beer or glass of wine cuddle up with your favorite person and other days it is wondering if your going to pay the bills this month. Especially in the economy as it is now with all the ups and downs i know many small business that have been a little more on the struggle bus.
One thing that is hard is when we know we are valuable and what we offer as massage therapist, oh and please do not reference our field of work as being “masseuses” any more for there is a massive difference between us. Especially in a legal sense. As far as our worth and value I feel that it can be one of the hardest parts for being a small business owner it is difficult to give yourself a raise such as going from a rate of $80 an hour to $100 an hour and also being able to make sure you take care of your long standing and loyal clientele.
I would also say finding other LMT’s who are ready to make a career out of massage and bodywork and not have it as a side part time gig that helps to make ends meet. There are also a lot of new therapist who expect to be making $60+ an hour when they haven’t even gotten their socks off their feet to get into the water.
Overall the field of massage and bodywork and being a small business owner is also very rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have created a sale space where client are the cause of wellbeing. By showing up and setting self care time weekly, biweekly and monthly; they are the reason i do what i do and love what i do. I personally am certified in Cupping massage where i use a variety of cups from glass to silicone and pump cups to release the muscles and tissue deepest layers. I incorporate a few modalities and infuse each massage with reiki energy. Most all of my client state the i have Magic hands of healing. And to be honest i care about other and their overall health and wellbeing.
I feel what separates me apart from other places of business is that we strive to assist people in thriving in health and wellness. Every session is designed fro the client, where we work with them and not one them, to accomplish their massage and bodywork goals and needs. Reset, rest, relax and recover from everyday living is another one of our moto’s and we always give our clients simple stretches they can do through out the day to keep feeling the benefits of the session they received.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There are so many of all of theses and being a CLMT is a never ending learning opportunity. I know i drive my family wife friends and other a little crazy for i am always trying to learn, grow and change for the better. I do listen to many podcast on Spotify as well as take continuing education through ABMP and travel a bit to classes out side of utah. I am currently enrolled in the NASM personal training program to offer this to current and new clients in the near future.
Pricing:
- $80
- $89
- $99
- $300
- $2000
Contact Info:
- Email: justrelaxinmotin@gmail.com
- Instagram: justrelaxinmotion
- Facebook: jrim23
