By Celeste Siebenaler, LMT
I am a native Texan and Austinite who completed my 500 hour Massage Therapy program at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School in 2009. Before I graduated from school, I planned to have my own practice. Here are the things I did to prepare for that to happen. I got my license in the State of Texas by taking and passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and joined the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) right away.
I am a single mom and as a result I understand the everyday stress that can make us tense and irritable. Along with healthy, positive living and a daily dose of exercise, I use massage as often as possible as a way to relieve my everyday stress and worries. In the same spirit I wanted to offer these important benefits of massage therapy to my clients and friends.
Early on I did mainly mobile massage. But after a while clients were asking if I had a space to do massage. So I decided to rent a room within a salon located at Anderson and Rockwood Lanes in North Austin. I had to do a lot of PR work to build my business. I passed out business cards when I worked any event. I also donated massages to charities and I set up at various venues giving five minute free massages and offered longer sessions for $1 a minute.
I have found that a kind and compassionate heart, honesty, and a no-nonsense, skillful approach to massage, health and wellness really helps people choose me as a therapist. I seek out continuing education in massage and business. I devote myself to expanding my range of treatments, providing them in a relaxing atmosphere and at a reasonable rate.
I love being a therapist and highly recommend it for anyone who is motivated toward health, helping others and having a business they can enjoy, be proud of, and with which they can support themselves!