We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vicky Khamvongsa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vicky, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

After a decade of honing my craft as a massage therapist, I found myself wanting to create more personalized approach to healing. There were moments where I thought the care could have been better but was stuck having to follow the routines that were set by whoever I worked for at the time. After starting my own practice, I was able to curate a serene environment, personalize treatments, and flexible scheduling. Some of the main things I had to focus on included determining my target market, services and setting pricing. I had to make sure my certification was up-to-date, secure location, sign the lease, set up a booking system, and manage marketing. Some key challenges I faced were the financial demands, building a client base, and juggling a work-life balance
Knowing what I know now, I would have sought out more mentorship in the beginning of my career. I wish I would have asked more questions from those who had more experience than me. Although a lot of my techniques come from years of experience with a wide range of body types.
My advice to anyone trying to start their own practice is to develop your listening skills. Being a good listener is key to understanding your clients’ needs and providing the best care. Listen actively, show empathy, ask clarifying questions, and be present in the moment during conversations to build trust and rapport with your clients.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Vicky and I’ve been a massage therapist since 2012. I’ve always loved helping others and through years of experience I believe through touch and compassionate care. In 2023, I started Knot Kneady Massage so I can help clients reconnect with their bodies, alleviate physical and emotional tension, and promote overall well-being. I aim to create a safe and nurturing space where clients can relax, heal, and restore balance, fostering a holistic approach to health that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. My practice is guided by principles of empathy, respect, and the belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself when given the right support and care.

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

Yes. If I were to reflect on my career as a massage therapist, I really enjoy the ability to help others, the satisfaction of seeing tangible results, and the joy of making a positive impact on people’s lives. Additionally, I can’t imagine myself finding as much fulfillment and enjoyment in any other profession due to healing touch and the deep connections built with clients.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from training and knowledge, building strong communication skills, developing empathy, having a positive attitude, being able to adapt to clients needs, maintaining professionalism, and network within the industry, “It takes a village” doesn’t just apply to raising children. Networking within the massage therapy industry can be crucial for expanding your client base, learning new techniques, staying updated on industry trends, and finding job opportunities. It can also help you build relationships with other professionals, receive referrals, and gain valuable insights from experienced therapists.

Contact Info:

• Website: knotkneadymassage.com
• Instagram: @kneadme_