We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Daher recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
I remember being in the massage therapy program and creating my five year plan. It was my plan to open my own practice within five years of graduating, I did it in one year and I am beyond thankful. I started in 2020 doing house visits for friends and family after work and weekends, and word spread. In April 2021 I was able to quit my full time job with Health Images and fully step into my career.
As a teenager I always dreamed of being right in the heart of Downtown Denver, so in August 2021 I went for it. I decided on the University Building on 16th and Champa. The building has so much character, I absolutely love it.
Unfortunately the week I received the keys to my studio I lost my apartment due to a kitchen flood. I would probably call that my defining moment … how passionate was I really about massage, was all this even worth it? So I gave it my all, I focused on building my practice, knowing this would be a short sacrifice for an amazing reward. My children and I spent the next few months staying with loved ones and making the best of the situation.
As business slowly picked up I dedicated my off days to creating reels on instagram, planning chair events and honestly just networking. You quickly learn that your network is your net worth. Surround yourself with a group of people who share your interest and passion. I love the wonderful people in my healing community, massage therapist, small business owners, holistic healers to name a few.
I knew if I stayed consistent and true to myself people would come. There is a quote “if you build it, they will come”. I find this to be so misleading, especially after 2020. Business owners work hard for their clients, there are so many options now, how do you stand out? I have instagram and referrals to thank for majority of my clientele. When they love their experience they will share it!
I took advice given to me, even the hard because this is what makes you grow. I strive to keep learning and growing, bettering techniques and understanding of the body. I also became a Reiki practitioner, adding another healing modality for my clients. The body is an amazing thing, I feel like there is always something to be learned.
The advice I would give to a young professional is to just go for it! If that dream is in your head it is for a reason, others don’t need to understand it. Stay strong through your tribulations and stay true to yourself. Take advice from others in your industry doing well, they have something to teach you. Continuing education is key! Lastly enjoy the journey :)
Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a licensed massage therapist and reiki practitioner. After working in the medical field for five years I wanted a career where I could be hands on with the healing, more intentional. As a child my family would visit a “sobador”, fascinated with the idea of healing people with your hands I leaned into that dream. I completed the massage therapy program at Emily Griffith 2020.
I offer 60, 90 and 120 minute massage sessions, and 45 min reiki sessions. My sessions are focused around helping my clients to release trauma trapped in the body. I educate my clients on the sympathetic and parasympathetic system and how the body is keeping score. Creating new habits to live without the body aches and pains.
I am most proud of the safe space I have created for my clients. A space where just for a few minutes they can shut off the outside world and come back to self.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I am a true believer that people will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. I think what helped me build my reputation was that I truly want to help my clients, I want y’all to feel better! I wanted to grow my practice through word of mouth and its grown just like that. Even through my hard times I tried my best to stay true to myself and consistent with my work.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Referrals and Instagram without a doubt. Almost everybody has social media now a days. You see this awesome place you want to try and you send it to your closest friends. It has honestly been my biggest tool to grow my business and its totally free! (Unless of course you pay for a boost)
I create short 20 second reels to give followers an insight to my sessions and myself, post availability and some good to know info for my clients and followers.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Diana Chairez – Deetography