We recently connected with Mara Fling and have shared our conversation below.

Mara Fling, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

The first job I ever got in the Massage Therapy field, was at a small apothecary store and massage studio. I knew I wanted to work somewhere that focused on Massage from the holistic standpoint and not the high end spa industry. Before I started massage school, I was living in Steamboat Springs, CO and knew when I graduated that I wanted to go back there to work. While still in school, I did lots of research.

There are tons of high end spas in Steamboat due to it being a Ski and Resort town. Although I loved the energy and vibe of a spa, I knew that I did not want to jump into “corporate massage”. As I kept on my job hunt, being probably too particular for my first job, I came across an apothecary and massage studio in Downtown Steamboat Springs. They sold oils, herbs, soaps, body products clothes, you name it and they also had a small massage studio attached to the shop.

I fell in love with the entire basis of this brand, and immediately knew this was where I wanted to work. Not being a corporate business, there was no online application or career tabs on their website. So, left to my own resources I bravely and assuming no response, reached out via email to contact on the website. Now I don’t exactly remember the conversation but I do remember being shocked to hear back quite quickly from the owner.

The owner, Ali, was extremely welcoming and open to doing a hands on interview although I was still a student and even after graduation would still be brand new in the industry with little experience. We agreed to meet up once I graduated and moved back to Steamboat…
When that time came, I packed up my belongings in my old Subaru and hit i-70 for what I thought would be the rest of my life ahead. I made it about 3/4 of the way back and of course, my car died. I remember feeling so defeated, as though I was “So close, yet so far” to something I wanted so desperately. After hours stranded on the side of the highway, in the mountains, in the dead of winter, I finally caught a ride and had my car towed up behind me.

I refused to let this stop me from getting this chance to have a job I had dreamed of for years. So, on the snowiest day of the year I layered on my warmest clothes, put on my warmest boots and walked about 2 miles in a blizzard to interview for this position.
When I arrived, the owner Ali was more than I had imagined. Warm, inviting, laid back and excited to meet me. I immediately felt at home; although I was quite nervous to work on someone who had been in the field for much longer than I had.
After our hands-on interview, I was offered the job on the spot. I was shocked, but more excited than I had felt in a very long time.

At the time this was a very small studio, and it was the most perfect way to ease into my massage career without feeling overwhelmed, but getting a massive amount of insight and knowledge into the holistic side of body work. I worked here off and on for about 6 years, moving away and coming back a few times. Ali was always welcoming and to this day the best mentor I have ever had.

She helped me fine tune my niche, and understand the business aspect of being a massage therapist. She really catapulted my career to what it is today. I would never trade that experience for the world, and often times miss that 100 year old house and the warmth that it brought me while giving body work. The friendships its built, and the confidence it instilled in my when quite honestly there was none to start.

I 100% believe that I would not be where I am today had I never stumbled upon that quaint little apothecary.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From a young age I always knew that bodywork was healing. In my household back rubs, head scratches and foot massages were a way to calm down and relax when feeling overwhelmed. Where hugs, kisses on the cheeks and big smiles instilled comfort in times of doubt and sadness. Where essential oils where diffused to help aid sleep, focus or an upset tummy. This instilled core healing methods personally that I knew I wanted to help others use.

After high school, I took a few months off and traveled all of Colorado. Spent all my time hiking, attending music festivals and getting to really know myself. A year later, I was ready to start my future and I knew that I wanted to work with people and aid in their healing processes. I knew most of my life I wanted to be a massage therapist, so after some research I applied to the Utah College of Massage branch here in Denver and started my journey on becoming a bodyworker.

I graduated in 2014 and have been doing massage ever since. My style would be described as deep tissue, with an emphasis in myofacial release work. My technique is highly intuitive based, creating a fluid and tailored session to every client. I am also a Certified Reiki practitioner which I incorporate into my body work. Finding trauma stored physically in the body to allow the client to fully release tension.

Having a wide background of small studio to large corporate spas and clinical chiropractic settings I have been able to take bits and pieces from each job and create the type of massage studio I have today. I have the spa environment by offering treatments such as hot stones, body wraps and scrubs and the use of essential oils in session. I have the therapeutic relief of a clinical or medical massage, being able to get to the root of a problem and create real physical relaxation and healing. And, I have the energetic and mental relaxation benefits from my Reiki background. All of these aspects combined allow me to heal my clients in more than one way and receive multiple services at once essentially.

My clients come to me because they know that I put an effort in their healing, and will continue to help aid this process by getting to the root of an issue. This is something I am very proud of and have created lasting relationships with some of them by doing so. This is a holistic, healing space where you can have your cake and eat it too. Why settle for less than your body deserves? I want each client of mine to have it all when in a session with me!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

100% yes. I have always wanted to be in holistic health and wellness and I will never tire of it. I want to keep expanding my network of other holistic healers in hopes to eventually open a large scale wellness center of highly skilled practitioners.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. Luckily I have had a huge word of mouth based clientele and it’s honestly the only clientele I would want. I have stopped paying for basic marketing and advertising campaigns because it does not bring the clients who are invested in their health journey. When I get a word of mouth referral it is clients who believe in the services I provide, and are committed to healing themselves and putting in the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sacredrw.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredroots_wellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacredrw