We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Livezey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
When people ask me where I get my resilience from, I often chuckle and tell them a story about a broken finger and a “9-finger discount.” But the truth is, resilience isn’t just about handling physical setbacks; it’s also about how you adapt, innovate, and persist in the face of challenges. My journey as a massage therapist and business owner has been a testament to this, with a few twists and turns that taught me valuable lessons along the way.
Last year, I had an unfortunate accident with a door that resulted in a broken finger. As a massage therapist, this could have been a significant setback or career ending injury. But instead of letting it derail my work, I turned it into a humorous and motivational opportunity. I began offering a “9-finger discount” to clients. It was my way of keeping spirits high, re-opening even amidst the injury, and showing that even with a little adversity, I was still fully committed to providing top-notch care.
This experience wasn’t just about overcoming physical pain; it was about maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating that resilience isn’t just a personal quality but a professional asset. It’s about facing challenges head-on with creativity and a touch of humor.
When bookings started to decline and business didn’t seem as robust as it had been in my first year as a solo-preneur, I knew it was time to innovate. I didn’t let the slow times get me down; instead, I viewed them as an opportunity to rethink my approach and explore new avenues.
One significant innovation was creating a niche in infant and pediatric massage. I recognized a gap in the market and saw an opportunity to provide specialized services for children and their families. By offering tailored treatments that addressed the unique needs of infants and children, I was able to attract a new client base and create a meaningful impact in the community.
Another major change was transitioning to a tip-free environment. I wanted to ensure that clients could focus solely on their experience and not feel pressured about gratuities. This approach simplified the payment process and fostered a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, which in turn enhanced client satisfaction and loyalty.
I have also made a conscious effort to become more community-focused. During these challenging times, I have introduced “pay what you can” days. This initiative allows individuals who might be struggling financially to still access massage therapy services. It is a way to give back to the community and build stronger connections with clients, regardless of their financial situation.
This community-centered approach isn’t just about offering discounted services; it is about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. It helps to build trust and demonstrates that my business is committed to the well-being of the community, not just financial success.
My journey as a massage therapist and business owner has taught me that resilience is about more than just weathering the storm; it’s about using adversity as a catalyst for growth and innovation. From the “9-finger discount” to niche services, tip-free policies, and community initiatives, these experiences have shaped my approach to both my profession and my personal life.
So, when I talk about resilience, I’m not just referring to the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It’s about embracing challenges with a sense of humor, thinking creatively to find new solutions, and staying committed to making a positive impact on the community. Resilience is not a destination but a continuous journey of adaptation and growth.
In the end, resilience is a blend of creativity, humor, and unwavering commitment. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities and finding ways to keep moving forward, no matter how many fingers you have left to work with.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey into Avodah Massage Therapy started with a strong desire to make a real difference in the well-being of families. It all began early in my career when I experienced firsthand the powerful impact of touch on health and healing. This personal revelation sparked my passion for holistic health and led me to explore massage therapy as a way to provide comfort and support.
Seeing how touch can address both physical and emotional needs, especially in my own family, inspired me to seek specialized training in therapeutic techniques. I wanted to understand how massage could positively influence early development and build emotional resilience in children, as well as benefit adults.
As I deepened my practice, I realized the importance of a family-centered approach. This insight drove me to establish Avodah Massage Therapy, where I could merge my expertise with my belief in compassionate, purposeful care. At Avodah, my goal is to create a space where every family member—whether infant or adult—can enjoy the holistic benefits of thoughtful touch and advanced therapeutic methods.
One of the things that sets Avodah Massage Therapy apart is its focus on affordability and accessibility. I’ve chosen to eliminate gratuity charges, just like you wouldn’t tip a doctor or chiropractor. This decision reflects my belief that therapeutic care should be straightforward and equitable, free from any financial uncertainty. Additionally, I accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments to make it even easier for clients to access the care they need.
I’m also dedicated to ensuring that every treatment and tool used at Avodah is based on solid research and personal effectiveness. I take great care in selecting new methods and products, only integrating those I’ve personally vetted and found to have positive outcomes. This careful approach ensures that every aspect of my practice contributes effectively to my clients’ well-being.
Avodah Massage Therapy represents a holistic and thoughtful approach to wellness. From keeping services affordable and accessible to employing advanced therapeutic techniques, everything is designed to provide meaningful and effective care. My commitment to quality, personal connection, and client-centered service ensures that each individual feels truly valued and well cared for.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, the ability to innovate, and a community-centered approach. These traits have been crucial in shaping my practice, and I believe they can be highly beneficial for anyone just starting out.
Resilience has been fundamental in overcoming obstacles and maintaining momentum. Whether it was managing a broken finger while continuing to work or dealing with periods of slow business, staying resilient helped me stay focused and find solutions.
Advice for the Early Birds: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and keep moving forward, even when faced with setbacks. Reflect on each experience, learn from it, and use it to strengthen your approach moving forward.
Innovation has played a key role in keeping my practice dynamic and relevant. When faced with declining bookings, I looked for creative solutions, such as developing niche services like infant massage and implementing a tip-free environment. Innovation allows you to address challenges proactively and find new ways to enhance your services.
Advice for the Early Birds: Stay open to new ideas and be willing to experiment. Look for opportunities to improve and adapt based on feedback and market trends. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and creativity to keep your practice evolving and responsive to changing needs.
A community-centered approach has been essential in establishing meaningful relationships with clients. Initiatives like “pay what you can” days have allowed me to give back and engage with the community in a supportive way. It’s about making a positive impact and fostering trust.
Advice for the Early Birds: Focus on understanding and serving the needs of your community. Build relationships and seek ways to contribute positively. Being actively involved and supportive of your community will help strengthen connections and enhance the overall impact of your practice.
Resilience, innovation, and a community-centered approach have been pivotal in my journey. For those starting out, cultivating these qualities will provide a solid foundation for navigating challenges, evolving your practice, and building strong, supportive relationships with your clients.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has had a significant impact on my development is Massage is Weird by Ian Harvey. It’s a gem for anyone in the massage therapy field, offering both practical advice and a refreshing perspective on the profession.
When I first picked up this book, I was looking for ways to avoid burnout and reignite my passion for massage therapy. Harvey’s insights were like a breath of fresh air. He tackles the quirks and challenges of the profession with a blend of humor and wisdom, which not only helped me navigate the complexities of my practice but also reminded me why I fell in love with massage therapy in the first place.
A few key takeaways from Massage is Weird stand out as particularly impactful:
The Importance of Boundaries: Harvey emphasizes the need for setting clear professional boundaries to avoid burnout. This advice was especially valuable for me. Early in my career, I struggled with overextending myself, often putting my own needs on the back burner. Learning to establish and maintain healthy boundaries has been crucial in preserving my energy and enthusiasm for my work.
Embracing the Quirks: The book has a great section on embracing the unique aspects of the massage profession—like its inherent weirdness. Harvey’s perspective encouraged me to accept and even celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the field. This shift in mindset helped me approach my work with a lighter heart and a renewed sense of enjoyment.
Practical Professional Advice: Harvey offers practical tips and advice that I wish I had when I was starting out. From managing client relationships to handling the business side of things, the book is full of nuggets that have helped me refine my practice and avoid common pitfalls.
Overall, Massage is Weird provided me with a much-needed boost of energy and perspective. It helped me navigate the ups and downs of the profession with a better sense of balance and a clearer vision. If you’re in the field and feeling a bit worn out or just looking for some sage advice, this book is definitely worth a read. It’s like having a wise, witty mentor guiding you through the wonderfully weird world of massage therapy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avodahmassagetherapy.com
- Instagram: @avodahmassage & @theholisticfamilyLMT
- Other: email: info@avodahmassagetherapy.com
Image Credits
Lydia McCaulley & Chelsie Boyd
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