Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Dudley.
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am 31 years old and have lived in St. Louis (Ballwin) my whole life. I am a single mom of two beautiful and amazing girls. I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2012. I worked at a franchise for 8 years. It was a great experience, but I knew I could make a better living as an independent massage therapist.
I decided to become my own boss so I could spend as much time as possible with my kids. At the end of 2020, I decided to make the leap of faith to start my own massage business and in January 2021 St. Louis Prenatal Massage was established. I have really enjoyed helping so many moms during their pregnancy journeys and beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business has not been easy. I started St. Louis Prenatal Massage in January 2021, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, transitioning from quitting my job at a franchise where I did not have to get my own clients to having to market my services and build my clientele has been a challenge.
Setting rates, enforcing policies and boundaries, building my ideal clientele, having overhead, trying to figure out the best way to market, rebranding, technology, and more has all been things I needed to overcome all while being a single mom of two girls.
We’ve been impressed with St. Louis Prenatal Massage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Before going to massage school, I went to a community college for three years and completed my Associate’s Degree in General Education. My favorite class was Anatomy and Physiology, which is one reason that led me to become a massage therapist.
I was a massage therapist at a franchise for 8 years before and after having my two daughters, which made me realize there are only a few massage therapists who specialize in prenatal care. I received a few massages while pregnant, but none of them gave me that “wow” feeling.
It became my mission to help as many pregnant women as possible after going through my own pregnancies without a knowledgeable and supportive prenatal massage therapist. I took continuing education classes to be trained in prenatal and also being a business owner. I will continue to educate myself as my practice grows.
I chose to specialize in prenatal massage because I know how hard it is to find someone who is comfortable and actually knows how to work with pregnant women safely. I use orthopedic body cushions, specifically designed for massage, that allow pregnant clients to lie face down during all stages of pregnancy.
Over the last year, I have helped many pregnant women decrease pain and increase relaxation during pregnancy making their lives a little easier. My goal is to make pregnancy as easy and comfortable as possible. I want to help pregnant women to be able to enjoy the journey of growing a tiny human.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Having a very understanding, nonjudgmental attitude and listening are two very important characteristics of a prenatal massage therapist.
Listening to the client’s wants and needs is essential in helping to give the client the best experience possible. Some clients tell me about their birthing plan. There are many different birthing options a mom can choose.
How a mom chooses to give birth can be a touchy subject for some, so just listening to a client and supporting her in her choices helps her feel comfortable.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@stlprenatalmassage.com
- Website: stlprenatalmassage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlprenatalmassage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STLPrenatalMassage
Image Credits
Brittany Gail Smith
