We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Kaseoru recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

In the beginning of 2022 I accepted a position at a Fort Worth oncology clinic as an Oncology Massage Therapist. Stepping into the medical world felt like a natural progression for me and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the movement for hospitals and outpatient clinics to include massage therapists in the healthcare team. Years ago, at the end of my Grampa’s life, I was very fortunate to be able to care for him. I would massage him everyday at his request using sesame oil from the kitchen pantry, and I’ll never forget him telling me that massage was better than pain medication. The potential impact of that statement was not lost on me then, and I’ve held it close ever since. The concept that touch can be as impactful as medication has major implications on a holistic approach to healthcare, and I knew then that I wanted to be part of that.

A common part of oncology treatment includes removal of and/or radiation damage to one or several lymph nodes and pathways which sometimes results in lymphedema, a lifelong disease. I had taken classes on lymphatic massage so I was already working with the lymphatic system and loving it, but I didn’t yet know how to work with lymphedema. Six months after I started at the clinic I invested in a Complete Decongestive Therapy training which allowed me to work with clients with lymphedema.

I often worked 7 days a week in 2022 because I was learning so much so fast and applying it just a quickly. I knew that I had tapped into a new level of the power of touch. Since moving into this realm the rest of my work has leveled up as well. I approach the body with a softer touch now. I have a better understanding of my post-plastic surgery clients who require lymphatic drainage and compression. I have a better understanding of scars and scar tissue. And I also gained a lot of confidence when speaking with my clients doctors and surgeons about their care.

I have since found a better work/life balance than the hours I kept during 2022. But I was a sponge that year and I’m proud of myself for pursuing an uncommon path with massage therapy because it has forever shaped my practice.

Brittany, 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 found the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga a couple years after college. I had moved out of my home state and was feeling lost and disconnected from my body and community. We started every class with movement, a practice I’ve integrated into my life to this day. After movement we would move into lessons and lectures that easily translated through my hands during bodywork and I quickly gained confidence here.

My services today are for women navigating their cycles, pregnancy, cosmetic surgery, oncology recovery, and beauty. I am firmly rooted at the intersection of health, beauty, and luxury and the modalities I use for these services weave into each other in a really beautiful way. A full day might look like:

– First client is recovering from lipo and tummy tuck, I’ll use manual lymphatic drainage, scar recovery massage, and fibrosis massage if necessary. We’ll discuss her compression garments and make sure she’s got the right fit. Sometimes I’ll use lymphatic taping for post-op clients

– Second client is in her second trimester of pregnancy and her feet are swelling. She’ll be side-lying for her session and she’ll receive full body massage with manual lymphatic drainage for her feet

– Third client has had full mastectomy and lymph nodes removed in her left armpit. We’ll work on scar tissue release and manual lymphatic drainage

– Last client is coming after work and is looking for a relaxing and noninvasive alternative to botox and fillers. We’ll do a facial sculpting session which includes massage from the chest up, working every neck and facial muscle, manual lymphatic drainage, and gua sha.

I am also an archetypal tarot reader and will often have a reading with a client before we start a bodywork session. I’ve been reading since I started massage school and I find that’s it’s an empowering tool for any type of recovery and self-awareness work.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Over ten years I have stayed consistent with my personal development and movement practices. I am playful with my approach to life and it’s wonders, and serious about my integrity, which allows me to step outside of the box and be curious and explore, while not stepping outside of my scope of practice.

I recently did a collaboration with Hannah Witkowski, half of the DJ duo Yokyo, where we brought to life a futuristic outfit for Fort Worth Fashion Week. I used lymphatic tape on both sides of her neck and her left thigh, using the negative spaces of her clothing to inform placement. The tape was completely functional and as she moved and danced that night it supported drainage. But it also looked incredible and original. I think moments like these where I am able to showcase a modality that is unknown or a little bit of a mystery to the general public, helps potential clients to see that I am knowledgeable and passionate about what I do.

Occasionally I will vend at pop-up markets which is a really fun way to get out into the community and see new faces. I think that showing up for the community shows people that I’m here and I’m putting in the work to connect and ask what I can offer to help not just potential clients but also other business owners.

I’m co-hosting a retreat in October with Adrienne Murphy, owner of The Bush Waxing Boutique. This is a huge and exciting task that again, showcases my skillsets and builds my community.

In short, getting out of the treatment room and expanding my comfort zone with integrity is necessary for my growth and reputation. This creativity is something that I love about being an entrepreneur.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth is always the best way to reach new clients, which, to reiterate, is why it’s so important for me to take on clients that jive with me. When a client arrives at my studio my energy is grounded and I hold space for them to meet me at that level. They are coming in from work or parenting or driving around in DFW traffic and they come to me for respite and healing. I curate the experience from start to finish for them to feel poured into, an experience that they will likely talk about with their friends and family. A lot of my post-op clients are expecting a sterile environment with a painful treatment and they are relieved when they enter this cloud-like space and the session puts them to sleep.

As far as marketing tools, my website, newsletter, and instagram are the three that I utilize the most. My website showcases my communication style and offers information about my services. New clients that have been to my website before coming in for their first session say that they knew I was the right service provider for them when they browsed through. My newsletter is fun and personal and typically links to my blog which has a lot of depth and insight into this industry. Instagram has been key in connecting with colleagues, surgeons, and new clients. Showing my face and sharing about what I do definitely builds trust and takes away some of the mystery to these modalities.

When clients do come to me I am honest with them about what I offer and who I am. If we are not jiving then I don’t want that client as much as they don’t want me and I will refer them to someone who might be a better fit. These clients respect that a lot more than if I tried to keep them around for their dollar. And it keeps space open for clients that there is a natural chemistry with, clients who will be excited about my work and share it with the people in their network.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makeitflow.studio
• Instagram: @makeitflow.studio
• Facebook: www.facebook,com/makeitflowstudio
• Other: www.makeitflow.blog