We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erica Hawes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Erica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Some of the biggest trends that I see in my industry are there more lymphatic massages taking place. As Cosmetic Surgeries are on the rise so are the need for post-operative Lymphatic massages. Unfortunately they are not enough licensed therapists that are trained in Lymphatic Drainage massage and in many cities, and clients are getting care by Unlicensed and or untrained therapists for their post-op needs.

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

My journey as a Massage Therapist started in 2009. I graduated high school in May and entered into massage therapy school in September 2009. My ultimate goal was to become a licensed massage therapist to pay my way through college to pursue a doctorate as a Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, or Alternative Medicine. I knew I wanted to pursue a doctorate in some form of Alternative Medicine since my 9th grade year. I also knew that it would be a long journey ahead with the years that it takes to complete that degree. I am independent, so I decided that I would become a massage therapist to work to support myself while attending college.

After College I knew I wanted to practice Massage therapy full time and work with different clients with various different body types and muscular complaints or goals ie just to destress and ease their mind. Before I knew it my specialty was Spa Massage , just as sleep massage to help with sleeping at night, facial massages, with hot and cold stones as well as prenatal massages. But I was always finding myself with clients that had a lot more going on than the typical relaxation, that when I’ve started taking Neuromuscular techniques classes(NMT) . NMT and sports massage helped me help address different body issues just as tennis elbow, tight trapezius , locked or Frozen shoulder, and etc. I liked learning from other Massages therapists veteran or beginner because therapists always have a unique touch on things. Presently since the pandemic, I’ve started doing Medical Lymphatic massages for Post-op clients lately and that in itself is very satisfying, because I get to assist in the healing process of a cosmetic procedure that others rely on me. What an awesome experience that me and my Partner of 4 years old that’s been working together to help the Dolls in the surgery world. Love my Career!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I’ve met my Business partner about 4 years ago when we both were a contractor for a Wellness Spa. I worked there 1 year previously before she arrived. She was absolutely talented in addressing issues dealing with orthopedic massage, the insight she would use along clinical deduction and reasoning that stems from asking her clients specific questions and or just observing when they walk into the wellness spa. I knew she had a knack for massage therapy even though she was new with less then 3 years experience at the time, but a natural. Later when she was wrongfully terminated, I shortly left the wellness spa, and decided to become business partners and focus on our own business, that we finally thrived. No looking back.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’m not a social media guru or anything, but I know social media is highly important in the massage therapy field like other businesses. But I’ll tell you this, you don’t need a lot of followers to make sells, just consistency in posting on whatever social media you working on. But remember Don’t over Think it. Just remember you have a solution to someone problem, just tell your audience you’re here.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.GAMassageSpa.com
• Instagram: Gamassagebyerica
• Facebook: GAMassageSpa
• Linkedin: Erica Hawes

Image Credits
Erica L Hawes