Conversations with Leticia Alvarez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leticia Alvarez

Hi Leticia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From ages 16-22, I had a very tumultuous upbringing and as I entered adulthood it became clear that I was no longer safe. Eventually, I reached the point where I knew I needed to leave. With no family in Los Angeles, no car, and no apartment, I walked away from my parents’ home with just five plastic bags of belongings, a job as a hostess, and the love of friends who opened their homes to me while I figured out my next steps. That period shaped my journey and set me on the path to where I am today.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to help people, but I had no idea it would be through massage therapy. I had just received my first massage and thought, ‘What a great service to give people.’

At the time, Burke Williams had a massage therapy program that\ not only provided an income while in training, but also guaranteed a job once I completed the program, and passed state licensing requirements. So, I studied massage Monday through Friday and drove for Lyft on the weekends, hustling to make my way in life.

For a while, I saw massage as just a job—a stepping stone until I figured out what my career would be. I even attended Santa Monica College, searching for my next goal. But something shifted. As I worked with more people, I began to see the impact—how massage could provide deep relief, how people carried stress and tension that wasn’t just physical but emotional too.

I reflected on my own healing journey and the power of releasing what we hold onto. That’s when massage became more than just a job; it became a way to help people reconnect with themselves and find peace—something I had to learn for myself.

Over the years, I’ve worked in spa environments, in physical therapy, and now in a holistic establishment, where I meet some of the most genuine and kind-hearted people. Massage is no longer just what I do—it’s helping me discover who I am.

Now, eight years into this career, I can truly say that massage saved me. It sounds cliché, but it not only gave me financial stability when I had absolutely nothing, it also helped me find the peace I so desperately needed.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges in my journey was learning to trust and value myself. I lost my support system, and for almost a decade, I carried pain and resentment from that experience.

At the time, I didn’t realize it, but I was in survival mode—pushing through without stopping to process. I had to figure everything out on my own, and while that built resilience, it also made it hard to believe I was worthy of more than just ‘getting by.’

Early in my career, self-doubt often held me back. I struggled to charge what I was worth and questioned my abilities, even when clients expressed gratitude for my work. But over time, I started to recognize the impact I was making. Massage wasn’t just a service—it was a form of healing, and I had a gift for helping people feel better. As I gained confidence, I realized that valuing my work wasn’t just about financial stability—it was about recognizing my own worth.

Looking back, I see how every challenge has shaped me. I learned that healing and growth go hand in hand, that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined and that success isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible friends and partners who supported me along the way, but the most important lesson I’ve learned is how to show up for myself. That mindset has allowed me to dream bigger and step into the life I once thought was out of reach.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating a deeply healing and intuitive experience for my clients. My work goes beyond just physical relief—I help people reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and feel a true sense of relaxation. I’m known for my ability to read what a person’s body needs. Clients often tell me I apply the perfect amount of pressure, and that they feel like they’re completely melting on the table. It’s not just about technique; it’s about creating a space where their nervous system can fully reset, and they can let go of stress they didn’t even realize they were holding.

What sets me apart is my intuitive approach. I listen to each person’s body and energy. Every session is intentional, designed to provide exactly what my client needs at that moment. I take pride in the fact that my work doesn’t just offer relief—it creates an experience of deep healing that stays with people long after they leave the table.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe massage and all forms of bodywork will continue to shift from being seen as a luxury to being recognized as a necessity for overall health. As more people become informed about its benefits—both physically and mentally—we’ll see stigmas fade and participation increase. The connection between emotional and physical health is becoming more widely understood. As our society prioritizes mental wellness alongside physical well-being, the demand for massage therapy will grow. I also see more integration of massage into healthcare settings, like collaborations with physical therapists, mental health professionals, and holistic wellness practitioners, reinforcing its role in preventative and therapeutic care. Hopefully, more workplaces will also begin prioritizing massage for their employees, recognizing that regular bodywork can improve productivity, reduce stress, and contribute to overall workplace well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://massagemonarch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massagemonarch/reels/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Massage-Monarch/61569659547777/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Philip Williams