Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Roberts.
Hi Sandra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story started with my favorite childhood playtime: School! I would leave school and run home to play school. My three younger male cousins were my students. An empty room with real school desks inside my grandmama’s big old Saint Louis Northside home served as my classroom. So, I became a teacher! I would have accused you of blasphemy had you told me I would one day trade my teacher’s desk for a massage table! But now, I easily see how my steps were ordered and led to this career path. My effective classroom management evolved around keeping a beautifully decorated and peaceful space. Regardless of what was happening outside my classroom, I wanted my students to feel safe and respected at all times! I played jazz and used mindfulness and yoga techniques before it was actually cool to do in urban schools with predominantly Black children.
But even before teaching, I think my ease with touch has something to do with my mother’s affection. I definitely come from a touchy feely home where every phone call and separation closed with: I love you! So definitely! My mother is indirectly responsible. Although she still can’t see how I’m able to touch strangers for a living.
Furthermore, I had already earned a Bachelor’s and Master of Arts in traditional studies. And quite honestly, I had grown bored with reading, analyzing and critiquing the works of dead people. I needed to work with my hands. I also desired a skill that afforded an on-site means of earning a living quickly. Lastly, I had grown tired of giving persuasive speeches all day and every year! You don’t have to talk many people into getting a massage, but convincing students that classic literature is relevant to their future…well now…that’s a different story (pun intended). Overall, I craved a space where I could still work alone and facilitate positive changes in a safe and serene environment that did not require more degrees and tuition debt. So, I became a massage therapist!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle about becoming a massage therapist was having my closest family and friends to take my choice to pursue it full-time, seriously. For years, people questioned my reasons for even choosing the profession. Actually, many considered it a step down from teaching. I was treated as though I was going through some kind of middle career crisis. My massage therapy career was considered, at best, a hobby or phase. At worst, it was deemed a joke! But finally, I’m respected as a massage therapist who no longer teaches. Instead of, a teacher who is doing a massage thing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Having worked at other massage franchises and spas, I am afforded the wisdom to take the best of my training and leave the worst. The irony of working in an industry where relaxation and pampering is the ultimate goal for clients, the workers providing such services are oftentimes stressed, underpaid and overworked. It is quite challenging to mask unhappy employees . Their work dissatisfaction will eventually negatively impact paying customers. Definitely not a good look or feel in an industry where helping others to escape and feel relaxed are the goals. I take great measures to ensure my clients feel nothing but good vibes from the very moment they enter my business. Regardless of what they’re going through, I feel it is my job to help them put it on pause and not feel guilty about it.
As far as modalities, I am mostly known for deep tissue and sports massage. But now having worked over ten years in the field, I am considering returning to the modality that I thought would be the focus of my practice when I first started my massage journey: Mayan Abdominal. My next chapter may involve using massage to assist with healing fibroids. It helped with healing mine!
Regardless of which specific modality I choose in order to offer my hands and body relief from mainly doing deep tissue, I plan to continue offering a spa experience where time is on your side! I am notorious for giving clients extra time. My spa menu uses price in relation to minutes because that is what people normally ask, “How much do you charge per minute?” But I am working hard to change clients thinking around the whole paid by the minute norm. As a matter of fact, if you are short on time, you might want to wait until you can carve out least two hours for yourself. Usually, the hands of the clock dictate a massage service instead of the hands of the therapist. Well, not on my watch!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people would be surprised to know that I am shy and sensitive. My strong opinions tend to give the wrong impression. LOL!
Contact Info:
- Email: sandrarobertslmt@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.massagebook.com/me/sandra-roberts
- Instagram: mymassagespa
