Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cat Colonna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cat, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name Varsity Sports Massage was inspired by my journey in the field and personal experiences. When I started my practice, I partnered with a private personal training studio and noticed that most of my clients were dealing with muscle soreness, injuries, and looking for ways to complement their active lifestyles. This trend naturally led me towards sports massage.

Additionally, as a parent of three children deeply involved in sports—from high school football to competitive taekwondo—I saw firsthand how massage therapy could significantly improve their recovery, sleep, and focus. This personal connection reinforced my professional observations.

As my practice grew, I began incorporating modalities like cupping, ultrasound, and kinesio-taping to better serve athletes and active individuals. It became clear that my focus was on the therapeutic benefits for those engaged in sports and physical activities.

The name ‘Varsity Sports Massage’ perfectly encapsulates this focus. It conveys a sense of athleticism and performance, aligning with my mission to help athletes and active people stay at the top of their game. The term ‘Varsity’ signifies high-level competition and dedication, which resonates with the commitment I have to my clients’ well-being and peak performance.

Cat, 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’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, which has guided my career path. I started as a personal trainer, then moved into the healthcare field as a medical assistant and x-ray technician. My experience as a Golden Gloves boxer in my early 30s helped me see myself as an athlete and deepened my understanding of the physical demands and recovery needs of active individuals. Also being a mother of three athletes—from high school football to competitive taekwondo—has given me firsthand insight into the benefits of sports massage. I’ve seen how it helps with recovery, improves sleep, and boosts performance.

With over 20 years of experience in both the medical and fitness industries, transitioning to sports massage therapy was a natural progression. My background gives me a unique advantage as I have a comprehensive understanding of both the medical and fitness aspects of health. This allows me to address my clients’ needs more effectively, combining therapeutic techniques with a deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

What sets me apart is this blend of medical and fitness expertise, combined with my personal experience as both an athlete and a parent of athletes. I’ve incorporated advanced modalities like cupping, ultrasound, and kinesio-taping to further enhance my clients’ performance and recovery. My holistic, informed approach allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level, helping them achieve their goals on and off the field.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The pandemic really threw a curveball, didn’t it? When therapists were sidelined, and the future of massage seemed uncertain, I decided to take a proactive approach. So, I went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in public health. It’s been quite the journey, but I’m finding a lot of fulfillment in it.

I’m knee-deep in textbooks and lectures, but I’m loving every bit of it. What’s great is that I’ve been able to bring some of that knowledge back into my practice. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the body’s chemistry and biomechanics, and I’ve picked up some valuable marketing and organizational strategies along the way.

It’s been a challenging time, no doubt, but I’m making the most of it. And honestly, I think it’s made me a stronger therapist and business owner in the long run

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Amidst my straightforward health and wellness career path, my partner and I made a bold move to Colorado. The cost of childcare was astronomical, so I decided to stay home with my daughter and only do massages on the side. This also gave me time to revisit an old passion—I’ve always been an artist. Having pursued visual arts in college (the first time around), I reignited my love for painting and began sharing my creations online. To my surprise, commission orders flooded in, and soon I found myself invited to a residency at a downtown Fort Collins gallery.

But the real game-changer came when I stumbled upon the trendy art form of “pour painting.” I took a leap of faith and started teaching it at local breweries. The response was overwhelming, and before I knew it, Alchemy Arts was born. We were in such high demand that I had to expand, bringing on additional artists to keep up with the events—3 to 4 a week from Cheyenne to Denver.

When I decided to bring Alchemy Arts to North Texas’s burgeoning brewery scene while managing my team in Colorado remotely, I was riding high on the wave of success. However, 2020 had other plans. The pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, and sadly, Alchemy Arts didn’t survive the shutdown.

But through this journey, I learned an invaluable lesson in taking creative risks and seizing opportunities. I discovered that with a solid idea, unwavering focus, and a bit of hustle, I can achieve great things. And while I have pivoted from Alchemy Arts, the experience has fueled my determination to continue pursuing my passions fearlessly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ccolonna12140.wixsite.com/varsitymassage
• Instagram: varsitysportsmassage
• Facebook: Varsity Sports Massage
• Yelp: Varsity Sports Massage
• Other: https://varsitysportsmassage.clinicsense.com

Image Credits

Ashton Colonna