We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaTosha Tervo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaTosha below.

Hi LaTosha, thanks for joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

While Massage Therapy always comes through and provides for me financially, the most value I’ve gained out of my work is what I’ve done for free. I’ve participated in many volunteer events and each has changed me into a better, more humble person. Every group I’ve had the opportunity to work with and serve has left a lifelong imprint on me.

A particular event will always stand out as a significant marker in my life, solidifying my resolve to be a healer and body worker. When I was fairly new to massage therapy, I was asked to join a small volunteer group that would offer massages at a retreat for people who were living with HIV/AIDS. It was located at a camp site on the top of a forested mountain and it was a beautiful day out, perfect weather. When my group arrived we were immediately welcomed in and offered breakfast. There could not have been a happier group of people, the positive atmosphere was palpable. Every single client I had that day was so excited to see me and expressed their gratitude for another person’s touch. While I worked, many shared their stories, detailing how other people (including friends and family members) were now afraid to touch them. While it broke my heart to hear, I found myself feeling uplifted by each client’s attitude towards life. Each one was so grateful for THIS day, THIS moment. My perspective shifted. They all thanked me more times than I could count, and I left with so many thoughtful gifts that I still have and cherish to this day. I will never forget that group of special people, and what that day taught me. Safe touch is something we all fundamentally need as human beings. It is a gift, a way to heal others and ourselves.

LaTosha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I was 26, I received my first massage. I was a decade into retail and ready for something new. I stumbled on the local massage school campus and decided to inquire, they gave me a tour and a free massage from a student. I couldn’t believe I’d waited that long to receive body work! I signed up that day and never looked back.

I want everyone to feel like I did the first time I received massage therapy. The journey to heal looks different for each client that walks through my door. My main goal is to encourage people to “check in” with their body and to provide a safe place where they can truly leave the rest of the world outside for an hour.

I make it a point to have plenty of time to chat with my client when they come in, to see where they’re at mentally that day and hear out their needs. That may look like a slow, relaxing hot stone massage with a soft guitar playing in the background and the client snoring on the massage table… Or, it may look like two hours of cupping and trigger point therapy with us communicating through out. One of my favorite things about massage therapy is that it comes in so many different forms, there’s always something new, another tool to add to the box. I will never stop learning.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Number one, word of mouth! Clients are typically very happy to take the opportunity to share their experience with others.
When I started out, a lot of my work was strictly volunteer and networking. I took business cards and handed them out to every person I talked to. I met a lot of great people, who told others about me, who told others. To this day, my business grows due to my client recommendations.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life is constantly full of pivots, and change has always been a scary thing to me. The thought of leaving stability behind for the unknown goes against every fiber in my being. But, over time I’ve learned to appreciate it as an opportunity to grow and develop. A significant change I decided to make for myself was becoming self employed. A few years into becoming a massage therapist, I was working as an employee at a well established practice in town. I really enjoyed working there, but I constantly felt this “tug” to go out on my own and create my own business. When I left my stable job, it was definitely scary and there were quite a few times where I didn’t feel as secure as I would have liked. Now, I have my dream career. I work alone and hold myself accountable, I make my own hours, I charge what I believe I’m worth and my office space says “Tosha” through and through. Even now, my business is constantly changing. It grows as I grow. Each person is different and we each thrive in our own unique work structures. I’ve created a structure where I thrive, and I’m so glad I was brave enough to go for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: latoshatervomassage.as.me
• Instagram: latosha.tervo.lmt
• Facebook: LaTosha M. Tervo LMT