Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Washington.
Eric, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Everything started in 2016. I had been in the restaurant industry for almost 10 years being a server/cook. It was not a career that was as flexible as advertise so I decided to learn a trade that was. I chose massage therapy because I had friends who I would massage and they would tell me how good it was and always ask for one when we saw each other. So, I went to school, graduated and went to work. Working for a few different franchises for two years I decided that I could do this on my own, so I jumped and I created Sunnyside Massage & Spa in Nov. 2019. The name Sunnyside came from the feeling that my clients had dispayed through body language over the years like they were waking up from a good night’s rest, turned to the alarm clock and hit the snooze button. I enjoy taking care of my clients, making sure that what they ask for in a massage is met and exceeded within the scope of practice.
Great, 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?
It has not been a smooth road, I don’t believe any business has had a smooth road. Being that this is my first business there has been some learning experiences that has kept me on my toes. Being a male massage therapist already comes with its own set of challenges, most men don’t want another male touching them and some women believe men apply too much pressure. Working on your own this becomes a challenge because I have to find ways to stay positive and work with the people who want to work with me while introducing myself to those who are on the fence about working with a male massage therapist.
Please tell us about the business.
I created Sunnyside Massage & Spa in November 2019. I do mobile services including chair massage for corporate events and in- home massage sessions for those who want to stay home. I also have my own location in Dallas near North Park Mall for those who want to stop by and get a great massage. I specialize in therapeutic massage that is a mix of Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage and some stretching. I use all of these techniques together to formulate a plan that fits each client with the pressure they choose. I also focus on warming up muscles before working deeper in the tissue, this minimizes bruising and pain days after the massage. That is what sets me apart from most massage therapists. I’m proud that I get to do what I love and that I can help people be the best healthy version of themselves.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Listening is the most important quality I have. Listening to clients and making sure that I have worked on everything they have asked within the scope of practice. Even if I forget something, I want my clients to let me know and I will do it at that moment or during the next session. At the end of the day I’m massaging your body so you should have a say in what needs more work, what techniques you like or dislike, etc. Listening to the body is something I do as well. Many people don’t realize that massage is not meant to be painful even though sometimes it may. My philosophy is allowing the pain to come to me, don’t fight pain with pain. It’s counterproductive to fight pain with pain because you are tense and not relaxed and in order to relax you have to feel little to no pain.
Pricing:
- 60 min Intro session $49
- 90 min Intro session $79
Contact Info:
- Address: 9100 N. Central Expy. STE. 190, Dallas, TX 75231 suite #32
- Website: https://ssmassagespa.com
- Phone: (972) 698-4503
- Email: ericw@ssmassagespa.com
- Instagram: @sunnysidemassageandspa
- Facebook: @sunnysidemassageandspa
Image Credit:
Gabby Moore
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