Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabiola Retana.
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 story starts in 2014, I was at a dead-end job and in desperate need for something more fulfilling. I was aware that my calling was to help others; I just hadn’t quite figured out how I was going to do that. I came across an ad one day for massage therapy and was intrigued. Growing up I saw my dad work on his teammates when they were injured during games and tournaments. I thought it was so cool that my dad “fixed” people. He wasn’t professionally trained but he knew anatomy basics and his home remedies seemed to help. There was always someone at our house my dad was working on. With his blessing and the support of my family, I went to massage school and graduated in April 2015. While I was in school, I realized early on I wanted to take the more therapeutic route with massage, leading me to join a chiropractic office shortly after graduation. That is where I got my start with working with athletes and rehabbing injured patients. I was hooked! However, after 3 years there I felt stagnant. I was overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted. I became comfortable making someone else’s dream come true and put no effort into mine. I was fed up with myself and after an accidental resignation, I ventured off on my own. I didn’t have a big clientele, but I did have a car, my table, and my hands. With the help of a friend, we made some business cards and I passed them out to everyone I came across. In January 2019 I was fortunate to begin working with a company that offers a variety of therapies for people with disabilities. It was some of the most rewarding and humbling work. When 2020 hit and the world went into chaos, that is when Essence Massage and Wellness was born. With the world on lockdown and my contract clients on hold, my personal business began to flourish. Everyone was home and under a lot of stress due to the uncertainty, I was booked solid. I also had friends and family promoting and supporting my business! 2020, while scary, put it into perspective that it is vital to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Fast forward to 2021, I was so busy to be able to see everyone in a day while traveling all over Dallas and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. A family member was working at Oak Cliff Tower at the time and mentioned there were spaces for lease. I went, toured the building and fell in love with my space. I was scared to take the leap; I had never had my own space before, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make rent every month, if my clients would follow me, could I really do it? There was a lot of doubt, I prayed about it, asked for a sign and thankfully God opened the doors! With the encouragement of family and close friends, I signed my lease September 2021, and I haven’t looked back. Thankfully my business has not slowed down since and God willing will need to expand soon!
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?
I wish I could say it has but it most definitely has not been a smooth road. I knew absolutely nothing about starting or running a business. I struggled with asking for help. I struggled with imposter syndrome. I struggled with work/life balance. I struggled with setting boundaries. I struggled with not boxing myself into one category of massage. I have surrounded myself with mentors/friends who also have businesses. When I need help or have questions, I have someone I can call. I do not have to do it all on my own and learned it’s ok to ask for help. I set necessary boundaries so I don’t burn myself out and can continue providing quality work. I am kinder to me and allow myself grace when I am learning or feeling like I am not good enough. There have been many struggles lol, but those struggles have all been learning experiences which molded me into the business owner I am today. Every day is not easy but every day I get to wake up and help someone which is a blessing that I will not let go to waste.
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 am Fabi, owner of Essence Massage & Wellness. I am a licensed massage therapist of 7 years. I provide a variety of therapies to help people with muscle recovery, injury prevention so that they can perform at and live their very best lives. I am proficient in Swedish, Deep tissue, Myofascial release, Trigger Point therapy. Certified in Neuromuscular Cupping, Table Thai Massage, Sport Stretch, Lymphatic Drainage & Post Operative Care. I think what sets me apart is the rapport I build with everyone that walks into my space. I want everyone to feel heard and welcome. When I envisioned my business, I knew I wanted to create an environment that was safe for everybody and every body. It brings me great pride and joy to know that my clients feel comfortable and can relax, laugh, cry, vent, escape, or whatever they may need at that time. Bodywork is more than just physical, it’s mental. If the mind is not ok the body will feel it. I stress this to all my clients. I want readers to know that bodywork is not a luxury, it is essential for healthy living. It should be done consistently not on special occasions or when your body is in pain. If you can move, you need regular bodywork. It is not selfish to take care of yourself. It’s imperative that you do. I hope you make it a priority and come see me soon!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m from Dallas. I love everything about it! I love, love, love that I am seeing so many women owned business all over the city! We are stepping out of our comfort zones and taking that leap! I love to see it! I love the rapid expansion we are experiencing. I feel it allows for more opportunities and growth for service-based businesses like myself. It’s also allowed me to develop client relationships with people from all over the U.S! I love that! But as you know with expansion comes some cons and one of those is traffic! That is what I like least about the city. I still offer mobile services and getting from one side of town to another can be hell sometimes, I must plan my routes accordingly. Other than that Dallas, Texas is where it’s at! Lol
Contact Info:
- Email: fabiola@essencemassagewellness.com
- Website: www.essencemassagewellness.com
- Instagram: @essencemassage_
Image Credits
Jaqueline Galindo
@getphotographedbyme
