Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lynch-Novakovic.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My website will tell you why I chose the name, I want to take this time to share more about the backstory.
This business was birthed from a desire to put myself in a position, to gain new skills, to provide time and financial freedom for myself, and to allow me to pursue philanthropic and community dreams, which include helping others heal and create quality thriving lives.
I had a cousin mention massage therapy to me years ago, and I didn’t really pursue any further research. I began searching for massage therapy programs in 2019 in SC. Covid unexpectedly rerouted me to Dallas in 2020. One day I googled schools here and I attended school in 2021, then returned to SC to work for the remainder of my tuition. I got injured while working at UPS and I knew I had to do something to get back to what I was supposed to be doing. I took the leap of faith, paying my tuition with a loan. I visited Dallas in May, paid my tuition in full, completed my internship hours, and passed my MBLEX. I relocated officially again in mid-June and began working!
I have always found immense joy and gratification in assisting others. It took some reflection upon my own experience and observing others around me to realize how disconnected we are from our bodies.
Nothing drove this point home for me more than when I worked on a political campaign. The 7-day work week, grueling hours, physically walking and knocking doors, and the emotional and energetic exhaustion with constant interaction (training volunteers, calling voters, and hearing others’ sacrifices, concerns, and living conditions). This was the catalyst for me pulling back and starting to reassess how I overworked my body, we all do.
We walk around with daily stress that agitates the compounded layers of generational trauma, passed down to us culturally and quite literally, in and reshaping our DNA.
We live in a society that pushes grind culture: sleep when you’re dead, go go go, and so on. Everyone finds acceptance and oddly enough, honor in the sacrifice of ourselves. We are not machines, though our bodies are quite magnificent, we need rest and breaks and mindfulness.
We also store emotions and traumas in our tissues; ever hear someone say they’re carrying the world on their shoulders or have the weight of their family on their back? Our minds use words to communicate where our bodies are holding tension, and yet we ignore it…
I have the task and charge to point this out to people. I have the honor and privilege to utilize my skills and my physical and spiritual bodies to intentionally partner with others to release and clear that physical tension.
We are shifting culture and practices. Massage is maintenance, not a treat or saved for a special occasion. I must help people reintegrate and re-educate themselves on what it looks and feels like to take care of ourselves.
Alright, 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?
Every journey has its varied terrain. There were certainly times when all signs pointed to yes, however, the trail was still bumpy.
I went to school during Covid so the ever-changing guidelines and rules, people’s precautions and fears, there was so much happening.
At certain points I was working two jobs, 7 days a week, while also attending school full days twice a week- I was exhausted. I also knew it was a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain of leverage, a quality life, and life purpose.
I didn’t get into internship on time during school because I simply didn’t have the proper systems in place or adequate rest to complete all requirements. Yet I kept going, through any new thing you take on in life you learn to honor and implement consistency and persistence. And adaptability.
We’ve been impressed with Lavender Lotus Massage Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed massage therapist striving to assert that rest is necessary and massage is maintenance. Educating and exposing people to the benefits, practicality, and necessity of massage is also a challenge and opportunity that I embrace.
I am motivated to witness others back to themselves so that one by one, each of us can be healthier, happier, and have a wider impact on the world.
And I am reminded of my ability to make an impact in my clients’ feedback. It is always so encouraging and rewarding- from feeling more relaxed, at ease, lighter, and so on, I know I am doing exactly what I set out to do.
Just last week, I gave a young guy his first massage and he was taken aback at how relaxed his body was; we all deserve to know and regulate a relaxed nature.
I currently offer Swedish massage and Deep Tissue at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minute increments. I provide in-home, corporate/office, and event services. I will be expanding into my own suite soon and I will be increasing the modalities I offeras well, so be sure to visit the website www.lavenderlotusmassageco.com for updates, services, and the ever changing offerings!
What sets me apart is true of us all: I am a unique individual, and this shines in my intentionality, authenticity, and previous experience. I know what it’s like to be in school, to work, to have a busy and active life. I’ve worked jobs that were mentally and intellectually taxing, as well as jobs that were physically laborious and draining.
We all need a moment to pause and regroup. No matter your experience or type of daily stress and activity- everybody deserves a massage. I also take very seriously and sincerely the opportunity to provide relaxation or relief to my clients who entrust me with their bodies and therapeutic needs.
I am so fulfilled when I have the chance to be someone’s first massage. I am grateful when people are comfortable enough to be vulnerable and talk and share with me. I am excited whenever I can help someone come home to themselves.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
We’ve all heard that with great risk comes great reward. The more you imagine for life, the more you will risk. Calculated major risks always feel terrifying, and yet so is remaining stagnant and not taking the chance to bet on yourself.
I’ve moved across the country several times in pursuit of my LMT. I’ve couch hopped and I’ve stepped out during a looming recession to begin a business. External environmental factors matter yet when you have a vision and you’re dedicated to seeing it through and executing you move full steam ahead and fully commit to the risk.
You must be willing to pay your dues, trust the process, and stay adaptable. You either succeed or learn and apply until you succeed, it all depends on you.
Pricing:
In home appointments (subject to additional travel fees for far distance)
- Swedish
$75 30 minutes
$100 60 minutes
$150 90 minutes
$200 120 minutes - Deep tissue
$100 30 minutes
$125 60 minutes
$175 90 minutes
$225 120 minutes - Corporate Rates: Flat rate subject to additional fees per requests and details:
1-3 hours $500
4-6 hours $800
7-9 hours $1100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavenderlotusmassageco.com
- Instagram: @lavenderlotusmassageco
Image Credits
Robin Ballenger
