Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Garcia.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story as an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) began from a very hard time in my life. For 20 years, I worked in the corporate world, specifically the Insurance Industry. The sedentary lifestyle led me to develop fatty liver disease that then became cirrhosis and caused me to medically die twice.
Over the next 2-3 years, I became disabled and lost my job, which turned my world upside down. I was denied by the State of TX, multiple times, to be declared legally disabled so I needed to find work I could physically/mentally be able to do.
Growing up, I always had an interest in sports, muscles, and how to body works mechanically. I was also, semi-jokingly, told I gave good back/feet rubs so I looked into school for massage therapy.
I instantly fell in love with massage and knew I found my true calling. I have since become educated and certified in various modalities: Swedish Massage (relaxation), Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Muscle Scraping, Cupping, Massage Gun, etc.
While in school, I knew, I one day wanted to open my own studio and not work for someone else.
I work part-time for a chain while building my own book of business, so at the current time, I provide mobile services. My studio space will open May 28th, 2022. For those interested in Mobile Massage, feel free to reach out to me for more info.
I can also provide chair massages/table massages for offices, gyms, sporting events, bachelorette parties, “squad” get-togethers brunch/lunch, etc.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with starting any business, especially one that in today’s “Pandemic/Post-Pandemic Environment” that deals with human closeness and touch, there have been many struggles.
Human contact is something the mind, body, & soul need in order to thrive. As much as it is needed, sometimes those most in need of therapy are too nervous, scared, and anxious, to break their bubble.
Aside from pandemic issues, drumming up a whole business from thin air is a task not for the faint-hearted. There is a vicious cycle to it, great reviews and word of mouth recommendations are needed to attract new clients, new clients are needed in order to give reviews and recommendations, and so forth.
I started out offering mobile services, I would go to a client’s home, gym, office, etc., and provide massage/bodywork. This helped me to begin to establish a steady clientele and I have since begun to transition to my own space. I still offer mobile services on occasions, but mostly plan to work in the office.
I will be open May 28th officially, I will be inside Body and Mind Spa, at the “Castle Hills Village Shops & Plaza”, we are located at 2540 Kind Arthur Blvd Suite 206, Lewisville, TX 75056 (Above Castle Spirits).
Be sure to follow my IG to see how my studio space is coming along as we get closer to opening!!! @Northtexasmassage
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I approach my work, with the intention of improving the client I have with me. Clients come to me to vent their frustration, relieve soreness, relieve stress, repair muscles, and to stay in optimal condition for their lifestyle. Massage is not simply “rubbing lotion/oil on somebody”, it is truly therapy, and I want my clients to leave feeling better physically and mentally afterward.
I work by the saying, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one”. I can provide many treatments depending on the client’s needs/wants. I am very alert/aware of my client’s wishes and tailor each session to them.
I am always most proud when people tell me how much better they feel after a session. Anything from, “the pain is gone… to ‘…can I just take a nap here on the table now?” I try to not have an ego or get big-headed yet, at the same time, be confident in my skill set.
For readers, I would simply ask for a chance. Follow me on social media, share my content, and book yourself a massage to see how great you can feel.
Another big item is that massage/bodywork isn’t only for relaxation with Enya playing in the background. Recovery is vital physically and mentally and there are various methods that can obtain it.
Some of the services I offer include:
* Swedish Massage
* Sports Massage
* Body Glow
* Cupping
* More
What matters most to you? Why?
In life, putting out more positive than negative into this world. After dying twice, due to living a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle, every morning I wake up is already a win in my book. I want others to win their day also and if there’s something I can do to make that happen, that is my purpose.
In work, I want my client to feel better than she/he/they expected. So many people want or need a massage but their own self-consciousness keeps them stressed or in pain. I’ve lost count how many times people mention their “pudge, dry skin, skin condition as issues they’re worried or embarrassed about. Or the number 1, “OMG, I forgot to shave my legs so just skip them”.
If nothing else resonates with readers, I hope it’s this… Those things you are self-conscious or embarrassed about. EVERYONE has something, and I am not affected by it 1%. All I want is for you to feel better than before.
Contact Info:
- Email: txmassage1@gmail.com
- Website: www.mytexasmassage.com
- Instagram: @northtexasmassage
- Facebook: facebook.com/northtexasmassage
Image Credits
Julio Echeverria Zoya
Margaret Elsisura
