Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Bergman.
Alicia, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started with my grandparents; I had a close connection with both of them. As my grandparents aged, the concept of good health was a stark contrast between the two. My grandmother’s health declined steadily over ten years and in her last few years, she was confined to a wheelchair.
As her health declined, and her need for assisted care increased, I noticed how important compassionate touch was for an elderly person. My grandmother ended up having to go into a Hospice Facility at the end. The memory I have of the facility was cold, sterile, unloving and although I know the staff could do very little in accommodating a dying person, I realized at that moment there was a Huge need not being fulfilled here in providing sufficient Palliative Care to Hospice patients.
My grandfather, on the other hand, was incredibly healthy for his age. He had focused on self-care for many decades and was Vegan, had a daily regime of Martial Arts and Yoga, he practiced meditation and he got massages regularly. My grandfather insisted following this lifestyle is what kept him young. He was an advocate for alternative medicine.
In reflecting on my grandparent’s lives and the wisdom they had to pass on, I knew pursuing Massage Therapy would be a good decision in terms of living a healthier life, educating others about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and also being able to help others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say the road has been somewhat bumpy at first as I started out walking on unpaved territory. But as my journey has continued, the road feels more smooth and paved. I was unhappy in the career field I was in working in Insurance. I felt unfulfilled and sometimes questioned the ethics behind a big company’s decisions for their bottom line. I had decided to quit my job to pursue going back to school for Massage Therapy. I was met with a lot of criticism from most of my peers. Most could not understand my passion for wanting to help others. I also lost some friends over my decision to take back control of what I choose to do for a living.
My husband was my biggest support through it all! He pushed me to follow my heart, he shouldered the burden when I was in school full time and he reminded me (sometimes daily) the reasons why I chose to forge a new path. An entrepreneur himself (and having owned a business at 24), my husband also encouraged me not to settle back into working for someone else once I finished school.
The decision to start my own business after finishing school was also met with more criticism by classmates. Suffice to say, I was not in school to make friends, I was in school to fulfill my calling by any means necessary! I was motivated by my vision and I finished school early because of my drive.
Please tell us about the Virtue & Rose story. What should we know?
Virtue & Rose is simple – providing compassionate touch, with integrity, for all life seasons. I listen to my clients and do my best to alleviate any of the issues they come to me experiencing. I am in the business to help people. And with Massage Therapy, my sessions can help emotionally, mentally and physically. I specialize in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Sports and also provide Concierge Services to Hospice patients who need Palliative Care. I am proud to provide my services while maintaining my ethics. My services are reasonably priced, do not require a membership to maintain good health with recurring visits and I do not push sales with upgraded services or products. My integrity is what sets me apart from the chain spas. My business is located inside a Chiropractors Office, so there’s also the factor of complimentary services a Chiropractor can provide to my clients as well. Lastly, half of all gratuities received each month is donated to a local charity!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. Everything I have accomplished has been through my hard work, added support from my husband and my refusal to sink. That and I pray, a lot.
Pricing:
- 60 minute Relaxation Massage – $50 (same for Prenatal)
- 90 minute Relaxation Massage – $80 (same for Prenatal)
- 60 minute Deep Tissue Massage – $60
- 90 minute Deep Tissue Massage – $90
- Chair Massage Event – $50/hour (2 hour minimum)
Contact Info:
- Address: 305 Regency Pkwy, Suite 801
Mansfield, TX. 76063
(inside Foundation Chiropractic) - Website: www.virtueandrose.com
- Phone: 682-999-8619
- Email: virtueandrose@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/virtue.and.rose
- Facebook: facebook.com/virtueandrose
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/virtue-and-rose-mansfield?osq=virtue+%26+Rose
Image Credit:
Headshot by April Beall of Leigh Creative Photography.
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