We recently connected with Roberta Hejde and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Roberta, thanks for joining 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 decision to open my own practice was born out of a deep desire to create a space where I could genuinely connect with clients and offer truly personalized care. After years of experience in clinical settings and extensive learning in physical therapy and specialized massage techniques, I realized there was a gap in the market for holistic and customized wellness services that address both physical recovery and emotional well-being.

The early days were a mix of excitement and challenges. One of the most important steps was identifying my niche: women’s health, with a focus on post-operative care, prenatal and postnatal massages, as well as lymphatic drainage. From this foundation, I began to build a clear vision of the type of practice I wanted to establish: a warm, welcoming, and human-centered environment where every client feels cared for, heard, and fully supported.

However, turning this vision into reality was not easy. Beyond defining the services I wanted to offer, I had to face the challenges of starting a business in a different country, with rules and processes distinct from those I was familiar with in Brazil. It was a period of intense learning, planning, and adaptation. With the invaluable support of my family and friends, I was able to organize every detail, culminating in the creation of a space that reflects my values and mission. Today, I am proud to say that I have built an environment where people find not only physical relief but also a place of care and transformation.

Advice for Young Professionals
For those considering starting their own practice, here are a few recommendations:

Invest in Your Skills: Continue learning and growing in your field. Your expertise is your greatest asset.

Plan and Prepare: Take the time to create a solid business plan. Understand your market, your ideal client, and what makes your work unique.

Start Small and Grow: You don’t need to have everything perfect from the start. Begin with what is feasible and expand as your business grows.

Build Relationships: Networking is essential. Collaborate with other professionals, join local business groups, and never underestimate the power of referrals.

Stay True to Your Vision: Your authenticity and passion will resonate with clients. Focus on creating a practice that reflects your values and offers genuine value to your community.

Starting my own practice has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. It’s a journey of growth, learning, and connection, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

It’s a pleasure to share a bit about myself and the journey that brought me here. My name is Roberta, and I am a licensed massage therapist with over 20 years of experience in physical therapy and a specialization in Dermatofunctional Therapy in Brazil. Today, I dedicate my practice to personalized wellness and body treatments designed to empower women and address their unique needs. My work focuses on manual lymphatic drainage, post-operative care, prenatal and postnatal massage, facial massage, and other techniques that prioritize both physical recovery and emotional well-being.

My journey in this field began during my time in physical therapy school, where I discovered my passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies and achieve a better quality of life. Since then, I’ve been committed to deepening my expertise and offering care that combines technical precision, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail.

What truly sets my practice apart is my dedication to personalization and genuine care. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to meet the specific needs of every client, considering their goals, health history, and lifestyle. My aim is to create a welcoming space where clients feel heard and supported. Whether assisting an expectant mother with pregnancy discomfort, helping a new mom recover postpartum, supporting post-surgical recovery, aiding in the management of lipedema or lymphedema, relieving stress-related tension, or simply providing moments of relaxation, my mission is to ensure that each person leaves feeling lighter, more balanced, and deeply connected to themselves.

Transforming lives is, without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my work. Witnessing my clients regain confidence and well-being inspires me every day and reinforces the purpose behind what I do.

For those considering my services, I want them to know that my practice extends beyond physical benefits. It’s about creating an experience that nurtures the whole person, promoting balance, vitality, and self-confidence. I invite everyone to discover the power of therapeutic touch and holistic care to achieve a healthier, more radiant version of themselves.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and my passion for this work. I look forward to continuing to help others on their journeys toward wellness and transformation.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in my market has been the result of several key factors that I have prioritized throughout my career.

Personalized Care: From the beginning, I focused on tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of every client. I always ensure that my approach is individualized and aligned with the client’s goals and well-being. Clients appreciate feeling seen, heard, and supported, which naturally fosters trust and loyalty.

Expertise and Continuous Learning: I make it a point to stay updated with the latest advancements in my field. This commitment to professional growth allows me to offer innovative and effective treatments that set my practice apart.

Word of Mouth and Client Results: The most powerful marketing tool has been the results my clients achieve. Whether it’s a noticeable reduction in swelling after lymphatic drainage, relief from tension, or a smoother recovery after surgery, the tangible benefits of my services lead to enthusiastic recommendations and referrals.

Building Relationships: I’ve always believed in the power of genuine connections. I take time to build strong relationships with my clients, as well as with other professionals in the community. This network has been essential for growing my practice and establishing trust in my market.

Creating a Welcoming Space: I work hard to create an environment where clients feel comfortable and well cared for. From the moment they walk in, I want them to feel like they’re in a safe, supportive space where their well-being is the priority.

Passion and Authenticity: I love what I do, and I believe that passion shines through in my work. My clients often mention that they feel my genuine dedication to their health and well-being, which helps build a lasting connection.

In summary, my reputation has been built on a foundation of expertise, personalized care, and a deep commitment to helping my clients achieve their wellness goals.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would undoubtedly choose the same profession and specialty. The journey I’ve taken in the wellness and therapeutic field has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. What motivates me most in my work is the ability to make a real impact on people’s lives. Helping my clients achieve better physical health, emotional well-being, and a sense of harmony in their lives is something that inspires me every day.

Choosing to specialize in women’s health was, without a doubt, the right decision from the start. This choice allows me to work with women at different stages of life, addressing their specific needs and helping them feel more confident and balanced in their bodies. I am incredibly proud of the work I do, and the deep connections I’ve built with my clients have made this journey even more enriching and meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://robertahejdemassageandwellness.godaddysites.com
• Instagram: @robertahejde.massagekc
• Facebook: Roberta Hejde Massage KC
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/roberta-hejde-29a3707a