We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Radomski recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I’ve been a Massage Therapist since 2008 and always wanted to have my own office. When the pandemic hit, I was actually grateful I hadn’t ventured out on my own, but it did make me realize that I really wanted to go for it. I was planning on waiting until my daughter’s were a little bit older, but the idea of being my own boss just kept growing inside my head. I would be able to set my own schedule, accept or deny any appointments, and just have a bit more freedom in choosing. So, I started perusing ads for rooms to rent and even went to look at a couple locations. I came across an ad for a room in an already established health company. I rented that room for a few months while slowly moving my clients over there. But, the owner turned out to be a bit shady, so I had to move on, and quickly, unfortunately. I was able to find an office that was actually closer to my home and the landlord is the opposite – an amazing guy. So, I signed the lease. For the first few months at my new location I still worked at the franchise, but right before Christmas that year, I decided to pull the plug and go all in. It was too much going back and forth. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. At my old job, I didn’t have to do anything but show up (well, and clean and do some side work stuff). At my own office, it’s all me. I decide.

Looking back, I would’ve sought more guidance from the start. I did everything on my own, but an accountant or lawyer guiding me would’ve made things so much smoother and less stressful. While I’m making it work, I’m not business savvy, so it would’ve helped out a ton in the beginning.

Kimberly, 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?

When I was a kid, my Grams was into Reiki. Reiki is a form of energy work. It was my first introduction into the holistic world. I honestly didn’t think much of it when I was a kid. When I had growing pains my Mom would massage my legs. Sometimes when my Dad got home I would massage his shoulders after a long day. I went to our local community college after high school, but I changed my focus nearly every semester because nothing completely fit. After I got married, we moved to North Carolina and I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. The local college had a Massage Therapy program so I went for it. Looking back, I think it was just always a part of me, without me even realizing it, because it was the best decision. It just fit.
I also went to Denver several years ago and was taught Reiki by the same guy who taught my Grams, and am now a Reiki Therapist as well.
I provide all sorts of massage techniques -swedish , deep tissue, myofascial, trigger point, stretching. I offer hot stones, and sometimes use them as spot treatments on certain clients if needed. I also offer strictly reiki sessions, but I do incorporate reiki into every massage session. My clients have a multitude of issues/problems/nuances. From neck issues, to shoulder issues, to hip issues – I’ve seen and worked on it all. Every single session is tailored to exactly what they need. Sometimes the session will be half swedish and the other half we’re doing some stretching or myofascial work. It depends on what the client has going on. I have clients who just want to relax so they’ll just stay quiet throughout it and others like to talk because that’s their way of decompressing (and/or sometimes getting through the rougher portions of the session). I’ve been able to help a client with her shoulder so she didn’t have to have surgery. I’ve worked on clients post-op. I give my clients advice and stretches to do at home and we adjust them when needed. I’ve also helped those struggling mentally, just by creating a calm, safe space for them to relax and decompress.
I’m so proud that I’m able to make my clients feel comfortable. I’m there to help them in any way they need, physically and/or mentally. The smiles, relief and relaxed looks on their faces after a session is one of the greatest things about what I do. We live in such a fast-paced chaotic world these days that I just want to be able to provide a space for people to heal. Whether it’s physically or emotionally, or both. I love helping others and this is my way of doing that.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I would absolutely choose the same profession. Being a massage therapist you have to attend a certain amount of continuing education classes to be able to renew your license. So, if I could go back, I would choose to attend some earlier than I did and not do some others. I also would’ve attended a getaway class, somewhere tropical, before we had our kids. That would’ve been amazing. I’ll for sure do that, but, once my girls are older.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Because this is a very physical job, several years ago I developed a ganglion cyst in my right wrist. So, that was great. It would come and go for a while, and then, finally, it stayed. I had to have surgery to remove it. Everything went great and I was back at it after about a month. However, because of that, my left side had to take over a little bit, and since I’m right handed, it took its toll on me more than I realized. I then developed another ganglion cyst, but this time on my left wrist. Once my surgery was scheduled I actually really struggled with what to do. I started contemplating a different career path. However, after my surgery I realized that I just love what I do way too much, and that began my thoughts of owning my own business. That way I could set my own schedule – give myself breaks when I needed them, take days off whenever needed, etc. After starting my own business I also had more time to focus on my own general health. So, even though I now have matching scars, it helped me come to some realizations about my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HandsWithHeartTM.com

Image Credits

Erika Pavelko