We were lucky to catch up with Desirée Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Desirée, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

Have you ever had the feeling that all of the trials and challenges leading up to a particular moment were all worth it? The moment has a lightness, synchronicity and glow about it that makes everything once troubling or uneasy fall away.

It all started after the pandemic subsided. I had submitted to various jobs in my field ranging from social media marketing to fitness instructor, dance teacher and so on. Applying for many jobs was not unusual for me since I started living in LA 6 years prior. I had 8 different positions and titles before the world shut down. And quite frankly, I was more than relieved to have time for myself for a good while despite being pent up in a small apartment.

Now, fast forward to July 2021, I have a very surreal memory of applying for a certain job and getting a certain interview. I will never forget it. Although it was a growing franchise, this job was one-of-a-kind since it was based on the principle of stretching and of individual clients – not a group of people – with a certified instructor. The interview started by walking through a Venice neighborhood and speaking casually with a manager. I felt elated, and high almost. At the end of our chat I couldn’t help but say how much the opportunity meant to me, how I felt this was my true calling and something I not only wanted, but needed to do. Everyone deserves to have these sorts of moments in their life, even if they are rare and fleeting, I believe.

My first day on the job looked very different from the others that I had certified with. Instead of working inside the clean, airy studio, I was to meet the manager who hired me along with a few other staff outside Santa Monica where we were to take our portable tables and tents to the beach. Lululemon was hosting a volleyball tournament and we were to provide demo stretches for volleyball players competing in the games. I was a bit nervous of course, but it all happened so fast, and with everyone in great spirits, I felt at ease with the newness and adventure of it all. No one and nothing could stop me from giving people the best stretch possible – not even the sun and the sand.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Three years flew by and within that time I continued to develop my practice through online learning and certifications, in person training and classes. I have integrated techniques from other methodologies such as acupressure, massage, myofascial release, mobility work, and of course my BA in classical dance.

This year I applied for my DBA under my epithet: Stretchqueen. My brand was developed with a few online streaming communities even before I started working professionally with a well known franchise. No matter if someone is hundreds of miles across the world or standing in front of me, I enjoy relating with others in the form of movement and mobility. I embody Stretchqueen because it symbolizes what I need in my own personal development (ie: practice what you preach) and it also tells a story of how I am providing for others in my field. I take into consideration that not one person’s needs are the same, tailoring one on one stretches with markedly sought after discernment.

Some clients prefer to have a more relaxing and restorative session while others prefer to be more involved and enjoy an energizing session. I have worked with all ages and bodies, from pregnant to paraplegic, ages 9-92. I coach not for money or trends, but out of a genuine passion for connecting with others and helping them achieve their best.

During our sessions, we focus on improving muscles, tissues, joints, and overall bodily systems to enhance function, form, and movement patterns. By strengthening and stretching, you can experience improved range of motion, injury prevention, and enhanced performance capacity. Stretching is a powerful tool that can address muscle tightness, aches, pain, movement restrictions, and muscle distortions. With this integrated approach in full body work, I act as a guide towards optimal health and wellness. Many clients are long term and have expressed that meeting regularly they feel better; “lighter” and prepared for what’s on their agenda.

Sharing knowledge and experiences I have with clients is priceless. I owe what I have to those that place their trust in my work and themselves.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and continued education, listening is the number one quality for a great bodyworker. In my opinion, listening means one of two things: listening in a physical sense and in an energetic sense. For example, you can certainly take someone’s leg up in the air and feel where their muscles get tighter and start to resist. But can you discern where they start to feel a resistance and where they can breathe through the stretch? Is there a progression with each breath they take? Do they have the understanding themselves of when their body is ready (or not ready) for a deeper stretch? Are they able to discern when their muscles are resisting versus their nervous system? Are they in fight, flight or freeze mode? Do they have a tendency to hold their breath and keep tension in their face? Is their body sinking into the bench they lay on or are their limbs loose and in your control? Can they relax a bit more by talking or do they need moments to themselves? Will we take our time with a restorative, therapeutic practice or move into an energizing session that prepares them for a workout or balances their body? Are we solving for a problem or preparing for an event?

These are all questions that are to be addressed, especially during the first session when I am still getting to know a client. Many people in the similar industry recognize that energy can change within a single moment if someone allows for it. There are times when a client can be stubborn and hold negative feelings. Each time is different than the last, but for the most part, listening is key to a positive experience for both client and coach.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth has been the number one strategy for growing my clientele. There is nothing more powerful than someone advocating for you from their experience. I am lucky to have clients who are dear to me and have worked with me during a period of change as I build my business. That being said, I have had a few collaborations with athletes from US teams like TeqBall. I am excited for partnerships with other organizations in the near future, and I couldn’t be happier to share about them when the time comes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stretchqueeninc.wixsite.com/stretchqueen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchqueen_desiree.lee/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHHaQyYUW64
• Other: https://dot.cards/stretchqueen

Image Credits

Edsger Studio Photography
(primary/headshot)