We were lucky to catch up with Renata Skoupy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Renata, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Originally from Brazil, my 20+ year career in massage therapy began in women’s salons working exclusively with women, eventually I moved on to carve my own path providing out-call services exclusively to female clients. After moving to the United States, and having to perform a “reset” by going back to school, and obtaining my USA massage therapist’s license my initial move was to get my foot in the door by again working for others. I was recruited out of massage school by a national massage franchise, as well as a chiropractor specializing in prenatal services.

Having worked for 2 decades exclusively with women, and now having to work on males, it didn’t align with my natural feminine approach to massage & client care. After just having built up a consistent client base & professional network we moved! Arriving in our new home area I again was off to pursue employment, but after my brief stint working with co-ed clients, I knew I wanted to resume focusing only on females. I sought employment requesting to work exclusively with female clients, but the opportunities available were not too keen on that idea, after striking out a handful of times because of my preference, the cross road presented itself: Compromise on your preferred work environment, or take the more challenging route into the unknown, and attempt to start my practice from scratch here in the Pinellas county area. Start from scratch it was! With my husband, and friends support and encouragement, I began down the path.

Renata, 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?

I’m Renata, originally from Brazil but now proud to call the USA my home since 2018. I work as a massage therapist, mainly focusing on women’s well-being. But my journey into this field was a bit of a surprise.

Before I ever thought about becoming a professional therapist, I used to play pretend masseuse as a kid, giving massages to my parents and friends just for fun. Life took me in a different direction, and I worked in admin roles until 2003 when I unexpectedly lost my job. Feeling a bit lost myself, I remembered that people always seemed to feel better as a result of massage.

So, I took a chance and signed up for a short massage course to see if I’d like it. Not only did I like it, but I fell head over heels for it with every new course I took. My journey started with quick chair-massages in a shopping center, and then I found my true calling in a women’s beauty salon, where I worked for eight years. Over my two decades in this field, I’ve had the privilege of helping nearly 10,000 people, including pregnant women, post-surgery patients, kids, and seniors. And I’m still counting.

In 2021, I decided to go back to school here in the USA, even though it had been 15 years since I was last in a classroom. I was learning in a new language and culture, which made the first few weeks pretty tough. But I stuck with it and achieved something I never expected – I got my massage therapist license in February 2022 after passing the national test!

As a passionate massage therapist, I have a unique approach to my practice. I firmly believe that every woman deserves to feel pampered and well-cared for during a massage. It’s not just about addressing knots and tension in the body; it’s also about creating a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.

I take the time to understand each client’s specific needs so that I can tailor every massage to their individual preferences. My gentle touch is both calming and invigorating, and I’m skilled in using a variety of techniques to release tension and improve circulation.

My specialization lies in treating pregnant women, who often experience discomfort and pain due to the physical changes of pregnancy. My techniques focus on reducing swelling and enhancing circulation to make my clients feel more comfortable and relaxed. Additionally, I have expertise in lymphatic drainage massage, a gentle and rhythmic approach that improves the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body.

I am also passionate about educating my clients on the importance of self-care and stress management. I believe that massage therapy is just one component of a healthy lifestyle, and I encourage my clients to prioritize their well-being both inside and outside of the massage room. My dedication to helping women feel their best is unparalleled, and my clients consistently leave my sessions feeling renewed, refreshed, and ready to take on the world.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I truly believe my genuine empathy, and the heartfelt care I provide to my clients has generated the strong word of mouth referrals, and goodwill I’ve built. I’ve sought out womens networking groups, and have been actively engaged in them, planting a seed at a time. I continue to pursue potential relationships with complimentary businesses, it’s a win-win when two entities connect to provide beneficial services to their clients. Rome wasn’t built overnight, and a woman’s work is never done.

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

I would absolutely choose the same profession again. Massage is hands-on, and heart-on for me, connecting with my clients holistically. I love being able to help people step away from the pains and stresses of their lives even if only temporarily. Being a provider is so much more than simply performing a task, it’s a way of caring for, and nurturing a person to enhance their physical and mental state. It’s extremely gratifying for me to know my client feels: better, relaxed, or rejuvenated after a session; that was my goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hertouchmassage.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hertouch_massage/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hertouch-Massage/100092516021564/
• Other: 70 (5) STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hertouch+Massage/@27.8362135,-82.7907399,17z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x677a16cc2ba8227d:0xd596284dcd8add12!8m2!3d27.8362088!4d-82.7881596!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F11stvlgx8s?entry=ttu