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

Hi Yolanda, thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

One of the most important lessons I learned from my previous jobs is the value of taking calculated risks to maximize my personal gifts and talents, the power of networking, and not getting caught up in the ups and downs of my current position. Allow me to share the backstory of how these lessons shaped my professional career.

After completing my education in massage therapy, I was eager to start building my own business rather than working for a spa where I might become complacent and not focus on personal growth. Instead, I decided to work as a security professional for high-end residential rentals.

During my time there, I had the opportunity to interact with the residents. In casual conversations, I would often discuss with them how they could optimize their health through massage therapy. It was during these interactions that I began verbally advertising my mobile massage business. Given the existing rapport and trust I had built with the residents, they didn’t hesitate to take me up on my offer.

As I started providing massage services to these residents, I received nothing but positive responses and reviews from my clients. Encouraged by their satisfaction, I even pitched the idea of incorporating massage services into a residential spa. This further expanded my client base and reputation.

Eventually, I made the decision to leave my security job and work for myself. Although I didn’t have a social media presence or a dedicated website, I was able to build a large clientele in various properties solely through word-of-mouth and personal networking.

This experience taught me several crucial lessons. Firstly, by taking a calculated risk to work in a different industry, I was able to leverage my talents and turn my passion into a successful business. Secondly, I realized the power of networking and building relationships with clients, which not only brought in new customers but also created opportunities for growth and expansion.

Lastly, this experience taught me to stay focused on my long-term goals and not be swayed by the temporary emotions and challenges that come with any job or business venture. By remaining resilient and adaptable, I was able to overcome obstacles and shape my career according to my vision.

Overall, my journey from working in security to establishing my own thriving massage therapy business exemplifies the importance of taking calculated risks, networking effectively, and maintaining a determined mindset. These lessons continue to guide me in my professional career, ensuring that I make the most of my skills and seize opportunities for growth and success.

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 Yolanda, and I am the proud owner of The CBC Brand. Our company operates in multiple locations, including ATL, Florida, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York. As a licensed massage therapist with nine years of experience, I have dedicated my career to providing exceptional massage therapy services.

While I specialize in sports massage, I offer a wide range of sessions to cater to the unique needs of each of our clients. Over the years, my team and I have had the privilege of working with major artists, Pro athletes, and at major events. We take pride in customizing each session to ensure the utmost satisfaction of our guests not matter the location or guest.

The journey of being a business owner has had its share of ups and downs. However, I am proud to say that I never gave up and remained steadfast in my commitment to our core values, which revolve around healing the mind, body, and spirit. Being able to do what we love every day and thriving financially is a testament to our dedication and hard work.

At The CBC Brand, we strive not only to assist in healing but also to educate our clients so they can achieve overall wellness long after their sessions with us. Our approach is heartfelt and comes through in the skillful touch of our hands.

I am excited about the opportunity to connect with future clients and want them to know that our primary goal is to work with them to achieve their wellness goals. We believe in providing a holistic experience that goes beyond the massage table, ensuring that our clients leave with a deeper understanding of their own well-being.

Thank you once again for considering me for this interview.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

One of the important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to do everything myself. Initially, I had this notion that I would be a solo act and that I alone would be responsible for growing my business. As a result, I found myself overworking, trying to handle all aspects of my business, and neglecting important tasks.

I was constantly engrossed in multiple sessions, leaving very little time to focus on the business aspects. Consequently, my business remained stagnant, unable to experience any significant growth. It was a frustrating and overwhelming experience.

However, everything changed when I connected with one of my therapists. Through our discussions, I realized the value of collaboration and seeking support from like-minded individuals. My therapist helped me see that in order to grow, I needed to delegate certain tasks and responsibilities to others who could handle them effectively.

With my therapist’s guidance, I gradually began to trust others and share the workload. This newfound approach allowed me to prioritize and focus on the essential needs of the business, while my therapist and other team members took on specific roles and responsibilities. As a result, my business started to grow at a much faster pace.

The lesson I had to unlearn was that doing everything myself was the only way to succeed. I discovered that by surrounding myself with talented individuals and forming a collaborative team, I could achieve more and create a more sustainable and successful business. It taught me the importance of seeking support, trusting others, and leveraging the expertise of those around me.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would definitely choose the same profession and specialty without any hesitation. Despite experiencing challenges in my business at times, I have always arrived at the same conclusion: this is what I am meant to do. Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing I am assisting someone in healing from physical pain, discomfort, or even relieving their stress. Throughout my life, I felt that I lacked someone who could help me overcome the pains and difficulties I faced. Through massage therapy, I am not only able to listen to my clients’ needs, but also provide them with a sense of being seen and understood while helping them feel better. There is nothing else I would prefer to be doing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Thecbcbrandllc