Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Clay.
Hi Kristina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After graduating North Side High School in 2010, I went to Weatherford College for about 3 years. After a while I couldn’t make up my mind in what to major in and I was slowly deciding that school wasn’t for me. One day after leaving school I was making my commute back to home I overheard a commercial for Texas Center for Massage Therapy, Arlington. They were having an Open House. I thought to myself, “you know I was often told I gave great shoulder rubs, it wouldn’t hurt to just go check it out.” So I did, I was shown all the curriculum and all that was offered for attending that specific massage therapy school. And with the help of my parents and financial aid I was able to attend school and start my journey to become a massage therapist.
After a whole year of working full time during the day and going to school part time during the night and making sure I had all 100 of my hands-on clinical hours over the weekend, I had finished school and graduated with my certificate of completion. The next thing was to pass the MBLEX (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination)
Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the few that passed the first time around. I got really upset at myself for not passing and felt really discouraged. It made me really think about if it was all a waste of time, if I was truly meant to even be in this type of field of work. After a few months of working a desk job that wasn’t going anywhere my parents gave me a stern talk. They told me they didn’t help me get into that school for nothing. That I needed to get my butt into gear and go pass that test! After having what felt like an intervention with my parents I had a heart to heart with myself. My parents came to the United States to give my siblings and I the life that they never had and I wasn’t going to let them down! So I dedicated a few days and nights to study, making sure I knew everything that I needed to pass that test. When the day of the test came I was a nervous wreck. I arrived to the testing site, parked my car and prayed to God that he watch over me as I retook this test. I walked in, sat down and after what seemed like an eternity I finished my test. I got up from my chair and walked to the front desk where they would hand me a paper letting me know if I passed or failed. The lady handed the piece of folded paper. I was too nervous, my hands were shaking and I decided that I wanted to be alone to see the results. I walk to my car and stood by my driver seat door. I go to unfold the paper and in big letters I saw the word “PASSED”
I started to jump up and down with so much joy and tears in my eyes. I’m sure whoever was driving by could tell I had something great going on. I felt as if I was on cloud 9 and nothing could stop me! I worked in for a well known franchise for 6 years, after my time was done there I opened up my own business. And here I am 10 years later owning my own business and mentoring future license massage therapists.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After going out on my own it was scary. There were days of self doubt if I really was any good at what I do. Every week I would stress if I had enough for my monthly bills. But at the end of the day I knew I could somehow manage anything that was thrown my way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Revive & Restore Massage Therapy?
I started Revive & Restore Massage Therapy in January 2024, before that I was known as Massage By Kristina.
If I were to be asked what I specialize in? I would answer with listening. All my clients have made the comment of how they feel heard. Of how not only do I take into consideration of what was spoken about in the consultation but also what their bodies tell me. Every client that comes and gets on my table receives a customized massage every single time. Everybody isn’t the same, so why should their massage.
You’ll always be heard with me as your massage therapist.
I offer from Swedish massage to deep tissue, trigger point, prenatal massage, lymphatic drainage massage, Buccal massage, Himalayan salt stone massage.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am super shy when it comes to meeting new people, especially in a big group setting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://revivenrestore.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviveandrestoremt?igsh=MWFqanI3c2dya2M1OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CE2LRsLSd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Office pictures – shootsbyjay (Jonathan Torres)
Studio pictures – photographyxjoana (Joana Rodriguez)
