Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Anello
Hi Erin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The journey began when I briefly worked the front desk at a massage envy. I started getting massages all the time and realized “I could do this.” I quit the receptionist job and enrolled in a local massage therapy school. I graduated a year later and went back to work at that same Massage Envy. But this time, as a licensed massage therapist. It was there that I learned the things I did and didn’t want to do in my practice. I enjoyed helping people and working with them to help take away their pain. I also found out rather quickly that I didn’t want to perform another sugar foot scrub for the rest of my life. Decided to pivot and leave the corporate world of uniforms and spa sounds and focus specifically on deep tissue massage (with good music). I went on to work for another massage therapist. They taught me a lot. A lot of what I wanted to learn but also, that I needed to be on my own. So I made the leap into entrepreneurship and created Deep Works Muscle Therapy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Plenty! It’s scary as hell starting your own business. Going from always having a boss to being your own boss can make you feel like a fish out of water. I wasn’t just a massage therapist, I was wearing all the different hats. Navigating all the different aspects; business licensure, commercial leases, build outs, taxes, lawyers, accountants, buying furniture, etc. This can all be so overwhelming. Especially doing all this while not knowing if you will ever have financial security again. You have no one to count on but yourself to make it happen. But once I made the choice to go out on my own it was sink or swim. And I swam.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Deep Works Muscle Therapy specializes in Deep Tissue massage. Most Deep Works’ clients don’t refer to our sessions as a massage, but muscle therapy. If you are looking for a relaxing full body Swedish massage, Deep Works may not be the place for you.
At Deep Works, we specialize in the treatment of chronic and acute pain, using a variety of techniques including- myofascial release, stretching, cupping and structural alignment. We believe that there is an art to performing deep tissue massage and strive to provide clients with consistent deep pressure- but never with force. Muscles cannot be rushed. We work slowly and patiently for muscles to release.
One of my biggest accomplishments in my career thus far that I’m most proud of is bringing on my first employee, Lily. She came to me straight out of massage school and I trained her to approach the body as I would. Now, two years later she is booked almost two months out and all new client referrals are given to her. I’ve truly loved watching her grow and learn.
How do you define success?
I would define success as having a goal and working your ass off to achieve that goal. Never giving up and loving what you do along the way. Financial success is great, sure. But I’d say happiness is the ultimate form of success. I love what I do. Not only do I love anatomy but I love helping people. My career brings me more joy than it does stress, so I’d call that a success.
Pricing:
- 50 min: 100 or 130
- 80 min: 150 or 200
- 110 min: 200 or 280
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deepworksmuscletherapy.com/
- Instagram: Instagram.com/deepworksmuscletherapy
