Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Rodriguez.
Hi Andrea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a private and celebrity stretch, lymphatic drainage and buccal face massage specialist based on Los Angeles focusing on muscle release, mobility, lymphatic drainage, detoxifying, shaping and overall balance within the body and face. I founded my own unique method, my Signature Stretch Lymph Method, which is a favorite among my clients which includes a growing list of supermodels, athletes, actors, musicians, among other A-listers -and all through word of mouth. I was also a former stand-up comedian and actress for eight years – pre-pandemic. A lot to handle, I know.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I started off as a model at the age of 12. After realizing that Texas life wasn’t for me anymore, I graduated high school early, studied business in New York and modeled in Asia before moving to Los Angeles. I fell into the comedy and improv world almost immediately and began training at Lesly Kahn, Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings School. I eventually booked a role on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which led to more roles on Two and A Half Men and the NBC series, Growing Up Fisher. My comedy experience and bookings soon led to stand-up comedy in 2014. I began doing mics and shows every night and eventually began opening for comedy greats such as Jeff Garlin (who is also a regular client of mine now) and Jamie Kennedy. Then, the pandemic hit and changed my life altogether …..
Writer, Elinor Drue de Milo, goes into detail about what happened next….
Who would have predicted that the bold, hilarious, Asian female stand-up comedian riling up audiences at the comedy clubs in Los Angeles and New York would become one of the most sought-after practitioners to detoxify and beautify the bodies and faces (as well as the minds and souls) of the rich and famous?
For Andrea Carlisle Rodriguez, a by referral-only lymphatic drainage, buccal/facelift massage specialist/stretch therapist, the transition from hungry comedian to luxury wellness business owner was natural. Having spent nearly eight years hitting auditions during the day and the stage at night, this expert knows firsthand the toll hustling and performing takes on the body, not to mention the joy and importance of looking and feeling your best. Her clients, which include supermodels, athletes, musicians, and actors, among other A-listers (all through word of mouth), reap the benefits of her signature practice, The Stretch Lymph Method, that extend beyond just the physical.
She emphasizes that a stagnant body with poor circulation is the root cause of all disease: “unresolved trauma, negative emotions and toxins are stored in the body for life if not released properly. Anything that is not released will inevitably manifest in the body and cause issues.”
A healer at heart, accustomed to bringing crowds that necessary release through laughter, the pandemic presented an opening for Andrea to employ her intuitive talent on a more personal level and follow what she’s certain is her true calling.
“I grew up instinctively using stretching as a form of healing my body and mind,” she shares, “and prior to the pandemic, I would see friends and family constantly injuring themselves from life and I always told myself – if only they stretched properly, none of this would be happening.”
It started with two clients in the middle of lockdown. Those two grew to a handful, at first mostly focusing on stretch therapy, which is a form of deep resistance stretching that targets the full body and any specific areas that need special attention to help with muscle tension and recovery, injury prevention, mobility, circulation, flexibility, aging in reverse and overall longevity. The word spread and Andrea was working nonstop by the end of 2020. Spending more time with her clients, she realized the results they were seeing were undeniable, as was her deep sense of satisfaction from working with them. Utilizing her certifications in yoga, barre, stretch and lymphatic massage therapy, developing her own technique was the inevitable next step.
The Stretch Lymph Method, which combines specific techniques of both resistance stretching and lymphatic drainage, is not only physically healing but also emotionally and spiritually effective, allowing it to be one of the most anti-aging wellness practices you can do for your body. Clients report physical and spiritual results including:
– Reduction in water retention, bloating, inflammation, and swelling
– Smoother, leaner overall body shape
– Tighter, firmer skin
– Stronger immune system and fewer illnesses
– Fewer side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and cosmetic surgeries
– Faster recovery time from post surgeries, injuries, trauma and burns
– Boost in overall energy and mental clarity
– Help in opening up any blocked chakras in the body
Andrea credits her own journey into receiving lymphatic drainage with curing the side effects of coming off hormonal birth control. After being on the pill for a year and a half and then stopping, she developed acne breakouts, severe bloating/water retention, depression/anxiety, and fatigue – none of which she’d experienced before. Her symptoms were stubborn and frustrating; when she began the lymphatic massage, not only did they go away, but her immune system became stronger and she stopped getting sick altogether. She is committed to her method and passionate about bringing others the benefits she’s experienced. The Stretch Lymph clients are equally as committed; celebrities will book appointments pre-filming as part of their camera-ready routine, out-of-towners often fly to LA specifically for their appointments, and many simply maintain regular sessions are part of a healthy lifestyle.
With her finger on the pulse, Andrea recently expanded her repertoire to include the wildly popular Buccal Face Massage. The treatment is an internal face massage that is done from both inside and out of the mouth and face. This method helps release tension and negative emotions stored in the face and mouth muscles, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, naturally plumps the lips, stimulates lymphatic drainage, improves the posture and contour of the face, snatches the jawline, eases TMD and eases sinus discomfort.
The holistic approach to beauty is key. Andrea understands this philosophy to its core: “We hold so much emotion and stress on the inside and outside of our faces and for our whole lives, that part of the body has been absolutely neglected. It deserves to be loved and cared for as much as the rest of our body.”
Sessions are private and by referral only but feel free to follow her on social and DM her with any questions – @stretchwithandrea. Or contact via website: https://www.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! The eight years of comedy and acting before starting my business definitely had lots of ups and downs – physically, mentally and financially. I was auditioning during the day and doing stand-up at night while also working odd jobs. I actually felt kind of relieved when the pandemic hit and there was no pressure to do anything. I had no idea I was going to eventually start a wellness business, and even that took some time. I started out doing stretch therapy on two clients which eventually led to more through word of mouth and people I knew, but it did start off slow due to the pandemic. It was a whole new world to me so I was taking everything day by day and learning along the way.
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 am a private, celebrity Stretch Lymph specialist in Los Angeles specializing in stretch therapy, lymphatic drainage massage and the new buccal face massage. I am known for my signature method, The Stretch Lymph Method, which combines the healing techniques of both stretch therapy and lymphatic drainage.
I went from being a somewhat struggling and hustling stand-up comedian to being one of the most sought-after private body and face specialists in Los Angeles who founded her own method in the process. I think that alone sets me apart from other wellness practitioners.
I think I am most proud of how much I have built for my business since starting with two stretch clients at the height of the pandemic. I started out just practicing stretch therapy which eventually led to lymphatic drainage massage and the buccal face massage. I then combined certain techniques together, making each service unique and different from others. I have to admit – I never imagined in a million years that I would have my own business like this. Before the pandemic, I thought I’d be in entertainment for the rest of my life! And I’m so glad it went in this direction instead.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
All of it! I had a really great childhood and I am so thankful for it. I think about my childhood a lot and always remind myself to never neglect my inner child and remember that life is supposed to be fun! Don’t work too hard; enjoy the special moments and stay present!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andreacarlislerodriguez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchwithandrea/
Image Credits
Professional photos by Roberto Valenzuela
