Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimée Kuester.
Hi Aimée, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a fine artist and certified massage therapist with my own practice, Myosanctuary Bodywork.
I was raised in New Mexico immersed in the southwestern art scene, both parents fine artists & musicians. When I was a child, they left the stability of illustrating in Detroit to freelance full-time in the desert. There I was exposed to Plein air painting trips, reference photoshoots, figure drawing sessions, gallery openings, art fairs, jazz jam sessions and eccentric artist soirée’s. My upbringing was unconventional, navigating their career-driven yet frugal lifestyle was a powerful formative experience. Skirting the lower middle class informed many aspects of my character and beliefs. Parts I’m still working to unlearn, but in other ways it fostered imagination deep appreciation, humility and a drive for creative expression.
In my early 20’s, I came to California in search of lusher land and the thriving art community. My transition from simple desert life to the big city demanded a serious capacity to hustle. I’ve worked my ass off to stay here, consistently holding 2-3 jobs at a time. I worked an array of customer service jobs from restaurants & hotels to retail, most were a soul suck knowing I was meant for more. However, the art community, friends and adopted family I’ve made are invaluable and make L.A feel like home.
I’ve always made art in tandem- sometimes I’d do illustration or design gigs, but I was most inspired to create work for shows or render portraits. To avoid the financial pressures I felt growing up, I have created art mostly from desire instead of necessity.
My favorite medium is dry pastel and charcoal, the messiness feels like playing and getting my hands dirty is the best. Intentional images slowly emerging from the chaos is like magic. I also occasionally paint in oils, make 3D assemblages, sculpt or take on certain special requests. I continue to always learn by attending drawing groups + painting workshops. I accept private commissions and occasionally make work for group shows at Galleries. I really connect with animal energy in general, so naturally pet portraits (often memorial work) has become my specialty.
The pet pieces shared below are my little monsters!
Along my journey, I’ve developed a profound desire for human connection and helping others. Aside from art, I’ve explored another talent, of touch. I was told frequently I could be massaging professionally, but I didn’t give it much weight until later in life. A dear friend (also an artist & bodyworker) encouraged me for years to cultivate my passion and go make a career helping others heal.
One day it hit me that I had to try- and it’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made. When I’m in flow state, my intuition takes over and I become a conduit. It feels really meaningful, making a measurable difference for people. Bodywork is a curative dance between spirits in material cages.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I imagine smooth roads are rare in life and easy to take for granted. Struggles and pain make for dynamic, adaptable humans. I’ve been through hell in my personal life and my business Myosanctuary has been a North star in the darkest of times. Everything that’s happened prepared me for what came next and my current struggles pave the road to what lies ahead.
My path has certainly not been linear. I began my new career by deciding to go back to school… I found the perfect place, was accepted, paid the deposit, bought books and supplies. Then a few weeks before my full-time classes were about to start, my Father suddenly fell ill and I knew it was serious so I got on a plane. It ended up being a very traumatic experience for us both and 10 days later, he was gone. I was forced to postpone until the next semester and several days before classes started again, Covid hit. The school closed for months and after then 25 years, my job shut their doors. Not long after, I endured the worst heartbreak of my life. Crushed by grief and uncertainty, my foundation of home was shaken.
It felt like the universe was pushing me to step into my purpose and worth. Harnessing my grit like never before, I pushed forward in blind courage until I had a breakthrough- and finally integrated my inner warrior. I wasn’t going to let anything rob me of my future a third time.
I gave it my all and graduated, passed the national exam and hit the ground running. A few years into my practice, I’m fueled by ambition and gratitude, excited for where my dreams + manifestation will take me next!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Myosanctuary Bodywork?
I specialize in intuitive, integrative therapeutic sessions. I have a layered, multifaceted approach to the body- using various techniques and tools. Underlying somatic wounds are discovered and tended to in collaboration.
My artistic background paints the scene for my bodywork. My eye for detail and creative thinking lends to problem-solving in real-time. I strive to bring clients safely back into their bodies with a greater understanding and compassion. I believe my history of complex life challenges have amplified my empathy, further informing my therapeutic abilities. I’ve experienced myself how trauma can be stored in the body and the effect the nervous system.
I never give the same massage twice. Everything in and around us is ever-evolving, so our needs are always changing. I believe listening hands lend to a unique freshness and cookie-cutter massage can’t repair the way a guided journey through your body can. My goal is to make every single session in my care feel transformative, so clients can sink into the comfort of their core. There’s nothing like seeing a huge smile rip across a client’s face and hearing, “I had no idea massage could be like that!”.
I offer additional therapies like Gua Sha, topical CBD, percussion therapy and cupping options (including heart shapes) at no extra charge. I love to create an immersive sensory experience.. yummy products and scents, soft textures, healing crystals, weighted eye pillows, etc.
My studio space is Downtown Montrose, and I also offer in-home sessions across LA. It’s been great to collaborate with other folks in the wellness community, doing chair massage at events like sound baths, athletic clubs, retreats, yoga studios and private parties. If you want to gift a treatment to someone you love or work with, Myosanctuary eGift cards are available and linked below.
What role has luck played in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck anymore but I used to feel like bad luck followed me everywhere. These days, nurturing my authentic self has revealed how my subconscious choices and patterns play a huge part in fate. With growing self-acceptance and consistent inner work, I’m developing a powerful sense of agency in my future. Alongside an emotional rebirth, I feel so fortunate for the tremendous support and kinship from a few key loved ones.
All in all… I’ve owned my evolution and stepped into a new chapter of life and business, feeling more alive and resilient than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aimeekuester.com/home.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MyoSanctuary/ https://www.instagram.com/aimee_k/?hl=en
- Other: https://linktr.ee/aimee_k http://www.myosanctuarybodywork.com
Image Credits
Ben Stoll Kelly Castillo Sara Haase Brelinda
