Hello! I’m Eva from Australia. I have just completed my studies and am a qualified (licensed) Spa Beauty Therapist after 25 years as a Freelance Hairstylist and Makeup Artist. I have signed up for a further remedial massage course in 2025 to beef up my skills and knowledge. Working as a freelance bridal hair and makeup artist during COVID I took time to nurture my soul studying Permaculture, living on a 40 acre farm with my 6 rescue horses, blind dog (pictured) and 20+ sheep. This combined my love of nature and animals but I knew I was meant to massage since I was young. After high school I was accepted into Massage school but my father forbade me studying a “red light” profession and I had to withdraw my application….but after 27 years I am now qualified, in love with the modalities I have learned especially Ayurvedic Head massage, hot stone, lymph drainage and aromatherapy massage. I am so happy to be here in this community and in this stage of life.

We made this resource just for LMTs who need a little support breaking through the emotional barriers to getting started, or accelerating your in-person practice. Please comment if you are dedicated to growing through these early challenges, for you, and for All your future clients!

Hey everyone, I’m Justyn, but you can call me Doc! I’m based down in Southern WV on a homestead nestled in the Appalachian hills, where I combine nature-based healing with a solid foundation in digital know-how. As a master gardener and permaculture practitioner, I’ve got over a decade of experience on my 30+ acre homestead (Mavis Farmacy), where I grow food, raise animals, and help folks find balance by reconnecting with nature. In my coaching, we dig deep—sometimes literally! I’ve guided countless people through gardening as a form of therapy, helping them find calm and purpose while working with plants. I also offer unique experiences like forest bathing, where we get out into the woods for some restorative, tech-free time, and my Bee Aware meditation program, inspired by the gentle, mindful rhythm of bees. Both practices are designed to help people slow down, refocus, and reconnect to the present moment. Another favorite of mine is stick work, an ancient practice rooted in movement and meditation that connects us to the environment and eases stress—especially helpful for those of us wired a bit differently (ADHD folks, I see you! Wait, I'm you!). On the tech side, I’ve spent years working with AI, hardware, web design, and ethical hacking (PEN testing). I use these skills to create tools that help clients navigate the digital world in a mindful way, bridging the gap between tech and nature. Excited to be here and to share more of my Appalachian healing practices alongside my digital expertise! Sometimes, you’ve just gotta unplug, step outside, and literally touch grass—like, go introduce yourself to a tree or something!

Massage Therapists need to get reviews! Here's how to stack up credibility proactively without feeling pushy: (best tip last!!!) - Make sure your Google Business Page is up to date (Google has not been replaced by AI for clients looking for massage therapists). - Find the link on your Google Business Page to "ask for reviews" It's in the icon list right under your business name when you're viewing your own business. - Copy your link. Write up a little message to your recent clients, and TEXT it to people you've treated in the last 2 weeks. This can say something like "Hey [name], I'm so glad you made it in for that last appointment. I'd really appreciate if you could help more people with [client's main concern] find me... would you please follow this link to leave a review?" - Also drop the link in the footer of your newsletter so that you're regularly reminding people. - Be consistent about gathering reviews from all the clients who are particularly delighted with your work. They want to help you! and the big one! - Make up a QR code that goes to your Google link. Print it out, and keep it visible on your desk. When you finish working with a client and they are all relaxed and delighted, let them know how much you'd appreciate their review. You can say something along the lines of "Can I ask you a favor?" pause (they love to help). "I'm doing a challenge to collect more reviews to stabilize my business and help others find me. Would you mind taking a few moments to drop a few stars for me, or write a few reflections on your session if you have time?" They agree to do it. "This QR code should take you straight to the link. Is that working for you?" Bonus points if you can give them a little tea or sample of some kind that helps them slow down and settle into the waiting room while they write. You can totally change sheets while they work on it ;)As soon as a new review comes in, screenshot it and use it on social media, newsletters, etc. Here's an example of the image we made up to use reviews on Instagram:

I hope you had a chance to check out the resources we've posted in the last few weeks: "Hypnosis for Anatomy," (in Courses) and "Overcoming Impostor Syndrome," (PDF pinned in feed). Next we're coming out with a huge checklist for those just starting new practices, with an overview of the absolute most important steps to turning your training and expertise into a sustainable lifestyle business. ✨ And before we start the next resources, I'd love to get your opinion! Based on the suggestions I've gotten so far, I have a few ideas. Which would be most helpful for you? Answering this poll helps me prioritize the resources you need most ✨ Thanks so much! I look forward to hearing from you all!