Massage is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

The idea of massage as only a pampering, luxurious experience is still alive for some and it’s easy to see why it's thought of as a luxury; it’s so relaxing!  While massage is a great way to relax, it has found its place in modern medicine and is used to help treat a variety of ailments.   But it's important to know that massage is the oldest form of medicine that we know of.   So with that, let's talk about why more people aren't getting massages.

I remember applying for my occupational license.  A sweet, elderly lady was helping me and she looked at my paperwork and said "you're opening a parlor?"  My reply was "no ma'am.  It's massage therapy.  Would you like a free massage to see what it's all about?",  and immediately, shaking her head, "oh no, no honey.  I don't go to those kinds of places."  As she stood before me, hunched at the neck and back, I felt so bad for her not experiencing something that could ease her pain instantly. 

I had my first spa massage in my early 30's.  I vowed then and there I wanted to become a massage therapist!  But life happened.  Marriage, children, work.  A friend gifted me a maternity massage with my second child.  It definitely awakened the beast!  I was in my late 40's when I finally had a chance to go to school for massage therapy.  Some days it was a choice between food and gas to get to school and work.  I did it in 10 months, knowing at this stage in my life, failure was not an option.  

I worked for a chiropractor right out of school and learned a lot.  My original plan was to work at a spa and pamper rich people.  But when I saw the difference massage made in people's overall health, I came to the conclusion, why not combine the two?

I saved every penny and used everything I had to open Coastal Therapeutic Massage in 2018.  I found a couple of small offices for a great price in the downtown district and  waited on the phone to ring in between continuing to work for the chiropractor to pay for everything.  My friend, a massage therapist, joined me after about 6 months and we're still here.

Our concept is making massage affordable for those who "need" it, as well as a spa atmosphere for those who "want it".  Our massages embrace every person and are fitted for their specific needs.  It's not "pick a massage" and "next!".    My therapists are paid extremely well in a market where we're usually at minimum wage and living for tips.  It's a win-win for all of us, clients and therapists. 

Yes, I still hear the "happy ending" jokes and get the occasional wink or comment about naked bodies.  But those are from people who have never had a real massage.  

My dream has been to expand so that under appreciated massage therapists have a place to call home and don't have to work two jobs to survive.  It's also to educate people about the benefits of massage (there are SO many!) and make it affordable to those who NEED it.  

During covid, we were forced to close.  I used my capital and entire savings to keep the doors open.  Since then, everyone is much tighter with the purse strings and that has caused me to continue using my own money on occasions with no extra for expanding or improving. 

I invite you to read our reviews on our website and see what a difference we are making in our community.  We donate massages to local charities and fundraisers and we're active in our community.  But we want to grow.  And we can't do that without help.  My lease ends next year and I want to open a larger, more centrally located establishment,  with more services.  I just can't do it alone.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.  Please help us to help others. 

Donna