Today we’d like to introduce you to KJ Sandlin.
Hi KJ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My mother retired from the Medical Examiner’s office and would talk incessantly about the importance of avoiding prescription medication. She often talks about prescription meds solving one problem and creating five more. I agree. When I started as a massage therapist, it was to make pain management and restorative care accessible to my core family: my husband, my children, and my immediate family. My husband is a gym buff, our kids were in sports and most of my family worked desk jobs which are commonly the source of back and shoulder pain. Before I knew it, I had friends and even neighbors on the table. So, once my kids graduated and I had some free time, I decided to get licensed. Today, I’m focused on enhancing overall wellness, providing deep relaxation, and making burnout prevention services accessible to my community as a whole.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working as an independent Therapist has been incredibly rewarding but hasn’t come without challenges. The biggest hurdle has been selling the value of regular massage. Unfortunately, it’s often considered a luxury so, from a customer perspective, the industry is definitely price driven. Lower prices by franchises on sites like Groupon and Class Pass can also cause clients to perceive the therapist’s expertise as less valuable. When personal cost goes up, massage is often one of the first things people cut back on. It’s why I tend to market to those who already practice and prioritize self care. Those who understand the value of both restorative and preventative care. They see it more as an investment or a lifestyle rather than a luxury.
As you know, we’re big fans of Decompressed by kj. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m an independent therapist partnering with a med spa in North Fort Worth to make pain management, restorative care, and burnout prevention services accessible through touch and compression therapy.. I offer several modalities including Deep Tissue, Swedish, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and our newest addition… Scratch Therapy. Scratch is ASMR so it’s deeply, deeply relaxing. What sets me apart – other than my personality – is my passion for the craft, the fact that I don’t deduct time for dressing and undressing, plus my client comfort menu which allows clients to truly customize their experience down to music, aromatherapy, and even how they prefer to be draped (covered) during the session. What I’m most proud about is my Community Care Project that’s designed to honor and support those who spend their lives caring for others. Namely healthcare professionals, caregivers, first responders, and educators. The event takes place every Wednesday and allows up to 40% off for those who can’t otherwise afford these services. Notably, the program is built on trust as participants are not required to show proof of employment or credentials. There’s even a way for individuals and businesses to sponsor sessions. It’s my way of creating a sustainable way to genuinely give back and to say thank you.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out is to be a lifelong student of your craft. Confidence comes with practice but it also starts with credentials. It’s with those two things that I decided to become independent. I launched a website, set my prices and I stand on them. Not everyone will book with me, and that’s okay. Know your worth and never sell yourself short.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.decompressedbykj.com
- Instagram: @decompressedbykj
