We were lucky to catch up with Dominique Carson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dominique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I have various titles but I want to talk about my massage therapy journey. I have been practicing massage for four years and it has been an amazing experience. I graduated from massage school in 2019, took my licensing examinations to practice massage in New York, 44 other states, and Puerto Rico. I was elated that I passed both exams on the first attempt because those exams were not easy at all. Before my move to Virginia in 2020, I received my New York massage license on October 22nd, 2019, a month after my 29th birthday. I was overjoyed because I’ve worked so hard, completing a 1,000 hours of service, taking two buses and train to Bayside, Queens, NY so you can graduate from, CUNY Queensborough Community College, one of the best elite massage schools in New York State. So, there I was, applying for massage jobs over the computer and two spas called me back for an interview. I didn’t hear from the other company after completing the in-person interview and the practicum. However, Bliss Spa, in SOHO New York called me in for an interview. I was shocked at first because they don’t usually take recent graduates but the Spa Director, Samuel Hunley, and then Lead Massage Therapist, Krystel Landante took a chance on me after completing the practicum. She was amazed with my skillset, in addition to my knowledge about the field especially for a new graduate. Krystel recognized the significance of my hands and said, “Dominique, your hands are mature although you only graduated from massage school a few months ago. ” After consulting with Sam, my first day of week at Bliss Spa was on Wednesday, November 21st and within six weeks into the company, I was listed as “priority booking,” meaning clients have the option to book with me primarily based on my reputation at the spa. I am so thankful for Bliss Spa because it was my introduction to working at a luxury spa in Manhattan and I completed my first two hours massage at this fabulous institution. At first, I had to prove why I am worthy of working at Bliss but once the mission was completed, other co-workers recognized my skillset as a massage therapist.

Dominique, 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?

Dominique M. Carson is a:

1) Licensed Massage Therapist
2) Freelance Journalist
3) Author
4) Speaker
5) Researcher
6) Content Writer

I knew I was going to be a journalist when I was in the fourth grade and my first article was published when I was in the eleventh grade. I graduated from one of the most prominent high schools in New York City. Edward R. Murrow High School. 16 years later, I’ve interviewed over 100 celebrities in American culture, became an award winning author, participated in various editorial projects such as How to Survive Freshmen Year and the Lefferts Manor Association Journal. My work as a journalist, author, writer, and speaker has propel me to appear on panels, appear in various news outlets such as Sheen and Forbes.one.

As a massage therapist, I help others relieve stress and improve overall muscle recovery in two hours of less. I specialize in customized massages, Swedish, Deep Tissues, Hot Stones, Prenatal, and more. I think what sets me apart from other therapists is that I always eager to learn from veterans and recent graduates, stay current in the field, have a passion for massage therapy, and continue to review the scientific aspect of the field. I understand that we are “Wellness Athletes,” and it’s imperative to present a high level of professionalism as a massage practitioner and maintain a high level of integrity.

I am thankful that I have the ability to facilitate people’s lives with my hands and words. It’s a blessing itself, which is why I say my hands are blessed and appreciative.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I I could go back, I would choose the same professions because I have the ability to facilitate people’s lives with my hands and words. I love writing; it was and still is my therapeutic drug especially when I was a child. In my eyes, writing is my artistry , my voice, my sense of comfort, and the best way I can express myself successfully. Although my massage journey started when I was 17, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My mother and cousin Jacob and my beloved grandmother, the late Eloise Grant recognized the sturdiness and my craftsmanship of my hands and I respected her words of wisdom. Now, my hands help people cope with stress and monitor the progression of their bodies.

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

I think in addition to training and knowledge, people must have character and excellent communication skills. Talent and skillset will take you to your destination but character will keep you there. I strive not to burn bridges because you may not know when and how you will need this person again in your life. Secondly, you can not afraid to speak up but your tone and delivery is imperative in the workplace. I am an assertive and hardworking but I am able to demonstrate compassion and kindness at the same time. Everything has to be balanced in order to have a lasting career in any respective field.

Dominique M. Carson

Freelance Journalist, Content Marketing Writer, & LMT Massage Therapist

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dominiquecarson.contently.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/domcarson90
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dmc922
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquemcarson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/domcarson

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Shoott & Green Leaf and Pebble Med Spa