We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber John. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.

Amber , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

When I finished massage school, I worked at one of the chain massage companies, and they really pushed for us to sell memberships to our clients. The very first person who signed up for a membership with me and continued on as a regular client at that spa, has since followed me as a dedicated client for the last 4 years to several home offices, and now finally my own office outside of the home. She is one of my biggest fans, and refers people to me all the time. She has been a loyal client before my business even had an official name.

Amber , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I had never thought about massage as a career choice for me, but had a friend finishing up massage school, and she thought it would be something I would do well at. I went to the school to check it out, and from day 1 of orientation I was hooked. I had no idea all of the things massage could help with. The other students, and the instructors all felt like long lost friends. I knew I was supposed to be there and do this. 5 years later, and I still frequently get together with some classmates, and instructors. I have never been more passionate about a career in my life. I love what I do. I love meeting new clients. I love helping people alleviate pain, and stress. I love knowing that I have the ability to do that for someone else. I feel like it’s a gift, and I am honored to be able to share it with people.
I will, and do work with all types of clients, but I think what sets me apart from some other massage therapists is the emotional healing people receive from me. I have had multiple clients cry during sessions because they finally were able to let go of some heavy emotions they have been carrying around for far too long.
All that I ask my clients when they’re crying is if I could get them a tissue. I create a safe space for them to let these emotions out.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation has been built on the fact that every client is always going to get 100% from me. It doesn’t matter what I may have going on in my personal life. That is left outside the office door when I show up for my clients. Whatever ailment has brought them in that day will be my main focus and it will be addressed. In a time when a lot of places treat you like a number, I am passionate about treating my clients as individuals, as people, not a dollar sign.

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

Word of mouth has definitely been the most effective way I have grown my clientele. I have done it all. I’ve paid for Facebook ads, I’ve done Groupons, I’ve advertised in local neighborhood apps, and so many other things. They produced some new clients, but I have found the best advertising is when someone is passionately telling someone else about the amazing service they received from me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.massagebook.com/biz/TakingYouBeyondBetterLLC
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/taking_you_beyond_better?r=nametag
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058709073783
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-shatley-82175113a
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/amber27513