We were lucky to catch up with Morgan Macklem recently and have shared our conversation below.

Morgan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 started massage school in 2017 and I knew that one day I would have my own business. It was my dream to move to Colorado and have my own massage practice. The only thing I knew for sure was that I would find a job in Michigan after graduating and work there for a solid year. I figured a year of experience would open up more opportunities in Denver when I moved.

Fast forward to January 2022 when I was sick with covid. Things were shifting a lot at my place of employment and I was no longer happy there. I had planned to leave probably about 6 months later to give myself time to plan. However, that didn’t happen and I ended up leaving that job in February of 2022. YIKES. I had serious work to do! I had to find a room to rent, figure out what days I would work, pick a name for my business, and figure out what clients would come with me. At my previous place of work, we were allowed to bring clients with us because my boss knew that they would probably find us anyway. So I was able to send an email out to my regular clientele. I had no idea who would come with me. Everything was so up in the air and I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was it was time to start.

Everything started to fall into place even in my sheer panic. I secured a room, my days, my business name The Golden Aura, and the clients meant to stick with me did. I would definitely recommend more time planning before leaving your full time job. If you’re good under pressure, you might do just fine though! My intuition was guiding me the whole time. I also would have hired a business coach from the get go to take some stress off. I recommend having a nice chunk of savings as well.

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

The Golden Aura is the name of my practice. I chose this name as it resonates deeply with me. I have been on the path of enlightenment since about 2017. I have been working to alchemize my trauma and hurt into my super power. It has been a journey! The gold aura represents enlightenment, wisdom, spiritual guidance. That aura is the energy I want to bring into each session. I want to be a facilitator in healing for people going through their own journey. I will always meet people where they are at. As a kid, I always wanted to help people and as an adult I am so grateful to work in a field that does just that. I love being able to help people feel lighter, euphoric, and release what is no longer serving them.

My massage is therapeutic in nature. My goal is to always reach your intention for the session. Whether it be pain, tension, stress, or somatic-emotional healing. I have a unique background in athletic training, personal training, working in PT clinics, and as a stretch practitioner. I typically will use a blend of techniques depending on what you ask for. Most of my clientele love deep work so that is a lot of what I do. I also perform cupping therapy, myofascial release, craniosacral, reiki and stretching techniques. Each body is so unique and I tend to follow the tissue in a meditative way. I’d say I’m pretty versatile. I really enjoy having different clients with different ailments. I think having the range from working deep to being gentle with craniosacral is what sets me apart. Being able to do both in a session is what I love. Yes, lets go deep over there, but lets also be gentle over here. There is room for all of it!

If you’re struggling, feel burned out, or cannot regulate your nervous system- I’d love to connect with you. The healing journey isn’t meant for the weak, but it is BEYOND rewarding! Myofascial release and craniosacral are both techniques meant for that somatic healing. These techniques are not massage. They are different holds that are POWERFUL.

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

My first year with my business was a roller coaster. I was busy my first couple of months after making the jump. Then it started to get quiet. As we know, money is a necessity in this world. I needed to keep that momentum to survive out here. I ended up picking up shifts at a chiropractic clinic to fill in my time. They decided they wanted to hire me! I was so happy with this, because I just wasn’t cutting it with my business. I never gave up on the business though. I moved to different rooms a couple times in that first year. I kept hustling at the chiropractor office and hustling my own business. Eventually, in the fall I decided it was time to put all my focus on my business. So I hired a business coach who helped me get things organized. Best money I have spent so far. I’m really proud of not giving up. I’m proud I didn’t just go find another full time massage job and forget about my dream. Running a business is HARD, but it is so worth it. I’m on my craniosacral path currently to attend all of the trainings. I’m excited for what is to come! This is just the beginning.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think the most helpful thing in massage therapy is learning how to properly take care of yourself and knowing your boundaries. I learned this the hard way. This work is very physical, but it’s also so energetic. Learning your max amount of hours per shift is important and what kind of breaks you need throughout the day. Learning to say no to an extra day if you’re already feeling exhausted. Hydration becomes crucial. Making sure you stay on top of getting enough water per day plus fueling your body with the right foods. Rest is another important piece. Everyone is different. For me, a 4 day work week is typically what I can handle. Being my own boss, I have more control of that. I also put 30 minutes between each client, whereas a lot of places you get 0-15 mins. So it’s constantly on the go. The first year you will learn. It’s kind of hard to know until you go through it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thegoldenauramassage.com
• Instagram: thegoldenauramassage

Image Credits
Bethany Kicz