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

Alright, Joy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

The main steps I undertook I had recently moved to a new city and while waiting to be licensed I scheduled service appointments with other professionals in the beauty/wellness industry. This helped me know where my niche would be in this competitive market. Hindsight I would have worked longer as an employee until my business was busy enough to before jumping all in. My advice to any other person is to utilize all opportunities to market your business, collaborations with other like minded individuals, social media is important so be creative and let your future clients/customers get to know what’s special about you.

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

I was a professional student by this I mean I worked many dead-end jobs from Los Angles, St Louis and finally Las Vegas that enabled me to attend college without much success. Till finally I settled on applying for the nursing program at CSN (College of Southern Nevada). I would talk to any one once I found out they were an RN. My direction changed when I visited my niece who had her son. The RN doing rounds came in to check on my niece. We started talking and I shared how I was enrolled at CSN and taking classes to apply in the spring the following year. She told me she loved her job but would not recommended nursing. In her opinion I would make a better massage therapist. She didn’t feel like I had the ability be objective to take on the pain, death and hard job of being and RN takes. She told me all the opportunities of being in massage therapy i.e chiropractic offices, resorts, post surgery massage, hospice, opening my own business etc. It was disappointing to hear but I finished out the semester. After researching I decided to pursue massage therapy. I thank that RN everyday for her opinion helped me find my passion. Its been 7 years Ive been a Licensed Massage Therapist. My career helps me assist when I can to relieve stress, chronic pain, acute pain in my clients. The last 4 years I have my own practice. What sets my apart is my availability I work evenings, weekends and all holidays. Except for my birthday I take off as a holiday. I’m proud I still look forward to seeing my clients. My days are long and there are times I work more hours than I should. But I love what I do. I’m also most proud of my business name Koala Koi Massage the inspiration came from living in Las Vegas known as the 9th Island. I wanted a name that sounded like a place in Hawaii at the same time representing Yen & Yang. So I combined my favorite land animal a koala with my dream pond filled with koi.

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

1. GOOGLE- listing is vital potential clients search for services more now the ever

2. Instagram- reels of me demonstrating services on clients has instantly scheduling. All at the same time people see me.

3. Sandwich Boards- these are visible A-frames that help with brand recognition for walking and driving traffic

4. Uniform- I wear scrubs with my logo to work and my name printed. Its professional and easy for clients to identify me

5. Business cards- Always have business cards on hand potential clients will request them

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

You must be a people person. This is a profession that my clients share personal experiences about themselves. There is a therapist-led nuance in some massge sessions that can be part of relaxing for a client.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.koalakoimassage.com
• Instagram: Koala Koi Massage
• Facebook: Koala Koi Massage

Image Credits
The Milk Lady LLC, Megan Macy