Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosie Garcia.
Hi Rosie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before I was a massage therapist, I was working at a hospital as a sterile processing tech. I was already looking for something else to do that will make more money and still help people. As a single mom, I am always looking to make more money to provide for my kids. I was offered a job working for an orthopedic distributor that was twice what I was making. Unfortunately, that job did not pan out the way I wanted it to. So, there I was sitting in my car with no AC in the middle of July trying not to cry. Thinking to myself what am I gonna do now. I have bills to pay, my kids to take care of and no one to hold the fort so that I can get my life together. As I was trying to look for jobs and putting in applications, I remember that someone gave me a gift card to get a massage. So… I went and I cried and I just felt sick to my stomach wondering how I am going to get through this time. After the massage, I got in my car and sat there thinking, I can be a massage therapist. I love to help people and I have always wanted to be more involved in helping people get better. So, I went home and looked up massage therapy. There was a school close by and I checked it out. I liked what they had to offer and I signed up. I told the recruiter I had lost my job. He said Well, the school is having a job fair later that day, and to come back with my resume. So, I did and I was able to find a job with Modoma Health and Wellness as a front desk person. They were willing to work with my schedule while I went to school. Then, when I got my license, I would transition to a therapist. I was doing the happy dance and my stress levels were somewhat lowered. I started school in August 2017 and graduated in March 2018 and got my license in April 2018. I worked for Modoma for two years to get experience in a medical setting. After that, I got hired at The Massage Connection in Frisco. I worked both jobs for about a year. At The Massage Connection, I was given the opportunity to work for the best business owner I ever had. She showed me some techniques and showed me the business side of being a massage therapist. With Erin Christensen, I gained so much experience and confidence. The clients are wonderful people from every aspect. Erin took me under her wing and mentored me. I started thinking about going out on my own last year in December. I finely made the decision in March. Several people encouraged me to make my decision. My kids who I live for. My sister always has faith in me. My coach and his wife (Guy and Melissa Valentino the owners of CrossFit Rev40) are always encouraging me. Erin gave me a chance and helped build my confidence. I decided to go out on my own for my family and to prove to myself I can do this. I want my schedule to be more flexible to be with my family and still be able to help people feel better and more relaxed.
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?
Is anything ever smooth? It took me a while to be absolutely sure that I wanted to go out on my own. I struggle with confidence in myself. I was in a very toxic relationship that made me doubt myself. I tend to overthink every important decision I make. I still have a hard time hearing “you are the professional, what do you think?” Also, being the sole provider, I always had to make sure I had income coming in to take care of my responsibilities. Kids and bills can’t wait until I have money to take care of them. Money was a challenge as well. I gave myself a start date so I can have everything I needed. I had to get things little by little. Lol, It’s like putting a down payment on a down payment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about R N R Massage by Rosie?
I am a massage therapist. I love to help people. I like knowing I was able to help someone feel better, move better, and relax. I do deep tissue massage, lymphatic massage, prenatal massage, and therapeutic massage. I enjoy prenatal massages because I can make two people relax at the same time. I am known for my firm pressure. What sets me apart from others is that I like to connect with my clients which helps me tailor the session to their needs and sometimes tell a funny joke. I am proud of how far I have come being a massage therapist. I am my signature so I always want to do the best I can. I want to learn as much as I can. I want people to know I am here to help; I will do all I can to help my client feel and move better.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am always on the lookout for other techniques on the ABMP website and the Massage Therapist of Texas blog on Facebook. I am always looking for modalities that will help make my sessions better from an instructional therapist. I always look for blogs and YouTube videos of other massage therapists, trainers, PTs, and even chiropractors.
Image Credits
Aldo Olalde Photography
