Hidden Gems: Meet Desirée Lee of Stretchqueen | Stretch and Mobility Coaching

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desirée Lee.

Hi Desirée, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I consider the seeds of my career starting with one event in my early teens when I had more or less a random awakening and instant inclination to take dance classes. Luckily for me, my parents obliged and I danced ballet until I auditioned for college programs, got accepted, and was introduced to modern, as well as jazz, Bharatanatyam and dance for camera. This foundation in movement propelled me into fitness education and eventually stretch, mobility and bodywork practices. After losing many teaching positions during the pandemic, I discovered a deep love for sharing stretch and mobility methods. And following my first few years working in the field I opened up my own bodywork practice under the epithet Stretchqueen.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The years have flown by and within this time I continue to develop my practice through online learning and certifications, in person training and classes. I have integrated techniques from other methodologies such as acupressure, massage, myofascial release, mobility work, fitness, cranial sacral therapy and of course my BA in classical dance.

Sharing knowledge and experiences I have with clients is priceless. I owe what I have to those that place their trust in my work and themselves. But it doesn’t always come so easily. Imposter syndrome affects me more than I’d like to admit. And in a world where information is always present, with trends flying around, I find that I feel my very best when I sit down to address client questions by researching and writing on my own about them instead of turning to social media.

We’ve been impressed with Stretchqueen | Stretch and Mobility Coaching, 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?
My brand was developed with a few online streaming communities even before I started working professionally. No matter if someone is hundreds of miles across the world interacting through a screen, or standing in front of me, I enjoy relating with others in the form of movement and mobility. I embody Stretchqueen because it symbolizes what I need in my own personal development (ie: practice what you preach) and it also tells a story of how I am providing for others in my field. I take into consideration that not one person’s needs are the same, tailoring each bodywork session with markedly sought after discernment.

Other than training and knowledge, listening is the top quality for a great bodyworker. In my opinion, listening means one of two things: listening in a physical sense and in an energetic sense. For example, you can certainly take someone’s leg up in the air and feel where their muscles get tighter and start to resist. But can you discern where they start to feel a resistance and where they can breathe through the movement? Is there a progression with each breath they take?

Do they have the understanding themselves of when their body is ready (or not ready) for a deeper stretch? Are they able to discern when their muscles are resisting versus their nervous system? Are they in fight, flight or freeze mode? Do they have a tendency to hold their breath and keep tension in their face? Is their body sinking into the bench they lay on or are their limbs loose and in your control? Can they relax a bit more by talking or do they need moments to themselves?

Will we take our time with a restorative, therapeutic practice or move into an energizing session that prepares them for their day ahead? And do they need more direction and command, or a soothing guidance from my voice?

These are all questions that are to be addressed, especially during the first session when I am still getting to know a client. Many people in the similar industry recognize that energy can change within a single moment if someone allows for it. There are times when a client can be stubborn and hold negative feelings. Each time is different than the last, but for the most part, listening is key to a positive experience for both client and bodyworker.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a bit of a bookworm, quiet and shy. I didn’t really have too many friends, and I felt much like an outsider, and most times, a nerd. I enjoyed playing piano, baseball and drawing for a time. There wasn’t really too much going on in my life other than homework before I began to dance in high school.

Pricing:

• Full Body – 1 Hour Intro Session – $100
• Mothers and Veterans – 45 Minute Session – $85
• Group Classes and Demo Sessions – $75 / hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dot.cards/stretchqueen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchqueen_coaching?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stretchqueen?si=bJF8xQ1jUGpXYBHY
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
*Pictured on table: Celéste Lanuza, Dancer, Actress, Singer, Teacher