We recently connected with Dezmin Staley and have shared our conversation below.

Dezmin, appreciate you joining us today. Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

When I graduated from massage school, I was very excited to test out this new life in the field. I worked in chain spas for the 1st couple years such as Hand and Stone and Massage Envy. It was quite the experience and I learned a lot being hands on while encountering many individuals from all walks of life. Over time as years went by, I had run-ins with clients that weren’t all that pleasant. This is the 1st u-turn. In a delicate field such as massage you deal with people who can manipulate experiences. One run-in was racism/prejudice. When a client doesn’t want to be touched by you because of how you look that can hurt. Another run in is false accusations to receive discounts. Some women will lie about you and say you made a move on them. My word against theirs. Unfortunately in the field, this is a case where the male therapist will lose almost every time. That can taint your career or end it. To piggyback off that topic there are clients that want more. It can be a very inappropriate moment. I was never the type to cause an uproar but it is an extremely uncomfortable experience from men and women alike. Yes, I said it. MEN and women towards men. Towards me. On a few occasions I quit massage altogether and even let my license expire. I was tired of the ups and downs that could get me in serious trouble. I wanted a whole new career, regardless of my raw God-given talent.

The 2nd u-turn took place when I received an email from Gwenyth Paltrow’s manager to book a massage. I was in disbelief and excited at the same time. I felt unprepared because I already quit the field. This moment brought me back into the game. I created this opportunity. Planted the seed that bear fruit 6 months later. From that moment forward I realized I could do it by myself with the right amount of effort. Golden Gloves Massage was born. No more getting small percentages of compensation. No more back to back massages I didn’t care to do. Clients came to me because of my skills and not the color of my skin. Clients came to me because I was the best they’ve experienced. For that, I was grateful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a movement artist, I was already familiar with movement in the massage field. Knowing how the body works is an advantage. I noticed how all my peers out of high school were getting straight to it in college. I wasn’t big on going back to school after just getting out of school haha. More prison time, I think not. In 2008 after graduating high school, I did community college for a year. I passed with flying colors but I wasn’t intrigued. I didn’t graduate. I took a break. It was overwhelming. My ex-girlfriend at the time was consistent and powered through every class to become a nurse. The medical field did catch my attention. I never had many options presented to me. I went to a library one day and researched medical related fields and a massage website popped up. Sounded interesting enough so I put in my email and phone number. A couple of months later in 2010 I was in massage school. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Throughout school I discovered I had a gift via my teachers and peers. I graduated and found a new talent outside of dance. The field of touch. I graduated at the top of my class. Who would’ve thought?

Fast forward to today. I offer an array services within my practice. The best perk is that I blend everything I learned over the years within the field. I make all my services customizable to the client’s needs. I also offer CBD add-ons. I have tools that also assist me along the way. I problem solve by giving a damn. I actually care from the touch to the verbal discussions. There’s a quality touch complimented by a knowledgeable mind.

I’m most proud of all the celebs I worked with. This is the last field I thought I’d meet the most high end clients. Most importantly, I have healed many people no matter their background. I’ve changed lives for the better, People who were once insecure, felt secure within my touch. That’s a top tier compliment. My biggest achievement is not giving up. I’m here and I took my practice to the next level. I thought I was done with massage forever. As my practice grows I grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. My brand revolves around high quality work.

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

One thing that never goes out of style is word of mouth. Trust transcends! Also be sure to create membership prices so you can develop a revolving door.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Honestly, I would find a job to work from home. The option to go back gives me the knowledge of the pandemic and this new world. The future is always uncertain but through experience I would do something more lucrative from a computer and not manual labor. At the end of the day, I have 0 regrets. I love anatomy and knowing how to help people with what they need.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: goldenglovesmassage and alphajackscereal
• Youtube: alphajackscereal

Image Credits
Darrick Fields @darrick_fields @yourgirlsfavoritepizzaboy