Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Reese.
Alisha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey in the field of massage therapy began back in 1999! I attended Nova Institute of Health and Technology in West LA. I was always fascinated by anatomy and valued the power of human touch. My training and education taught me so much more than I expected to learn. When I started the program, my mind was set on relaxation massages but toward the end, I had developed a strong interest in sports massage. The course was approximately nine months and covered a great deal of hands-on training in Shiatsu, Pregnancy Massage, PNF Stretching, Conditioning and Rehabilitation Massage, Aromatherapy and Kinesio Tape…yes KT Tape was a thing back then! After graduating and receiving my license and permits, I started my mobile massage practice; and also landed a position at Skin Essence Clinic in Carson. I enjoyed working as a Massage Therapist and receptionist at Skin Essence and also enjoyed my flexibility working for myself. Both experiences taught me a lot about business.
Has it been a smooth road?
The journey has presented plenty of ups and downs, it’s been rewarding, it’s been challenging, as well as scary and full of uncertainties! When I started my career, the licensing requirements were unrealistic and pricey. As a female therapist offering mobile massages, I had to be very selective and cautious when scheduling new male clients. Being a young woman in this profession was a challenge. I eventually stopped being mobile all together and worked in various spas and chiropractors offices’. Social media wasn’t around when I started; nor was I marketing my business effectively. Today, I understand the importance of marketing and branding.
Over the years, technology has changed the game completely. Not just social media but equipment and tools geared towards sports and recovery has become a big thing. There are plenty of businesses that offer “recovery” but not all of them have bodyworkers or professionals with the knowledge, skills and ability to properly access and or provide manual therapy. I’m all for advancements but think that machines and tools alone are not sufficient, qualified people are still very much needed!
Staying grounded, staying informed and educated has been critical for me as a professional. It’s important to network with your peers and know how to stay in your lane! Practice within the scope of your profession. Lastly, in January 2020, I had just opened my sports massage location in the LAB Elite Sports Facility and closed it in early March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I haven’t seen a client since early March and I’m not sure when Massage Therapists will be practicing again. This by far, has been the most challenging experience as a business owner. I miss my clients so much. Thanks to other Massage Therapists like Robert Torres for keeping the positive messages and group chats going!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Body And Mind Soulutions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Body And Mind Soulutions (BAMS), is one big umbrella that offers many different services for health and wellness. I kept the exact same acronym that my parents had when they were business owners. Their business name was Black Arts Music Society AKA BAMS many, many years ago. They were the first entrepreneurs I admired.
My company is mobile! We travel to homes, offices and sporting events. BAMS provides Corporate Chair Massages throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We’ve participated in many different health fairs, employee appreciation days and private events, including the 2020 La Marathon with Sagely Naturals (thanks again Rob)! Our Therapeutic Massage practices are located in the South Bay and I operate from a space in West Los Angeles, with one of the best Aestheticians around, Erica Carey, owner of Derm7 Skin Care (by appointment only). As mentioned earlier, I opened a Sports Massage location (DBA, Athletic Sports Recovery) inside of a basketball facility in the city of Carson. This location strictly deals with athletes and active people as a whole. The treatments offered include sports massage, stretch therapy, cupping, Normatec Compression, BEMER Therapy, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation and Kinesio Taping. Additionally, BAMS facilitates wellness workshops and self-care guidance.
As a Certified Massage Therapist with the CAMTC, I specialize in Sports and Relaxation Massage Therapy. In the last two years, I’ve taken an amazing stretching and flexibility class with Pain Posture Performance (PPP), continued education courses for Sports Massage, Self Care, and Essential Oils. Last month, while under the stay-at-home orders, I took an online course with RockTape using their Rock Blades! I have experience working with athletes of all levels, mainly basketball players. Being able to offer a variety of quality, affordable options that focus on improving body, mind and spirit in some form is what sets my company apart.
Wow, I can honestly look back over the years and say that I’ve had plenty of proud moments but the one I’m most proud of manifested in May 2020, during the stay-at-home orders. I had my soft launch for BAMS Therapeutic on the 17th, offering all-natural, plant-based self-care products to my clients. I felt it was necessary to provide therapeutic products they could use at home to help alleviate stress and pain. A few years back, I started making salt scrubs with essential oils, but I never moved forward with my ideas. The current times definitely motivated me and the demand grew outside of just my clientele! I’m having a really fun time creating amazing blends with pure essential oils, botanical bath salts, massage oils and more! I’m also enrolled in an aromatherapy course for Massage Therapists and I’m learning a lot of valuable information. Selling products was never my thing so I’m very much excited and proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and holding myself accountable. I also picked up a new mentee this year, Trina Morgan! I’ve definitely enjoyed giving back and having her around.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The city of Los Angeles is a big city and full of diversity. There are so many business opportunities out there. It’s just a matter of tapping in with the right people. I’ve found that many people in the city are becoming interested in creating healthier lifestyles by eating plant-based and also practicing self-care that includes massage therapy and stretching. That really makes me happy. I grew up in the city of Carson where Athletic Sports Recovery is located! Carson is a beautiful, thriving city with a lot of small businesses, entrepreneurs and talented athletes. I love the energy in both places and just hope to see more young people getting more sports recovery and therapeutic massages.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bamstherapeutic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: _bams_massagetherapy
- Other: IG: athleticsportsrecovery
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