Meet Gina Agassini

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gina Agassini. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gina , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Hi, I’m delighted to be here sharing my experience. Overcoming impostor syndrome has been an ongoing journey. When we opened Botica Spa in 2016, it was a dream come true, but insecurity always lingered. My wife, Maria, has been my greatest support and believed in me even when I doubted my own abilities. To counter that insecurity, I adopted a series of habits that helped me focus on what I love to do: giving massages. Firstly, I learned not to listen to negative external voices and to focus on my work. Additionally, I incorporated regular exercise to keep my mind oxygenated, a balanced diet for physical vitality, and psychological therapy to understand myself better. Audiobooks also became a valuable tool.
After the pandemic, I became a bit more antisocial, but I found a new appreciation for quality time with the people who truly matter in my life. Now, I prioritize quality in all aspects, from relationships to daily habits.
I believe impostor syndrome is rooted in our fears, and the key to overcoming it is nurturing the body, mind, and soul. It’s crucial to be conscious and confident in what we do. For me, congruence between what I do and what I think is essential, and that’s a work I do every day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My life is entirely immersed in well-being. I love offering that special moment to people, caressing the body, and providing relaxation to the mind. I also seek to create that environment of well-being for both myself and those around me. When I started my career as a spa therapist in hospitality, I performed between 5 and 8 massages a day, interacting with around 40 different bodies each week from all over the world. This experience has been the true essence of my career. Understanding muscle tension, grasping physical and emotional pains, and learning the body’s language are what I’m most passionate about: connecting with diverse energies and responding to the body’s pain with love and healing through my hands. Although I’m not a religious person, I believe in the power of energy and infinite love.
Working in hospitality was intensely demanding, with 10-hour shifts, sometimes without rest or food. However, it was there that I truly honed my profession. When I decided to become independent and open my own space, many fears and uncertainties arose. I’ve been with Botica for 8 years, and although there are always obstacles and doubts, true happiness comes when someone leaves a massage and expresses their gratitude emotionally. In those moments, fears and impostor syndrome vanish.
The most exciting thing for me is witnessing the transformation in people after a session at Botica Spa. It’s not just about relieving physical tension but providing a space where they can release emotions and find inner peace. The authenticity of these reactions is what makes my work so rewarding.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe it’s crucial to master all facets of your profession. Due to twists of fate, I’ve traversed various paths in the spa and wellness world. I worked many years as a spa receptionist, then as a therapist, and now as an owner. I’ve had to learn everything from new massage techniques and legal aspects to using TikTok. Staying updated and continuously learning is essential. I’m also a massage enthusiast, always seeking out new spas and massages worldwide. This contributes significantly to my knowledge. Thanks to this, I’ve encountered and experienced various techniques, and even from less-than-stellar massages, there’s always something to learn. Never trust a massage therapist who claims not to enjoy receiving massages.
My personality is peaceful and energetically calm. For this profession, you have to feel it. You can learn about administration and numbers, but for this profession, you must possess some kind of gift. Not everyone has the touch to comfort. I once read, “Conscious Touch is needed in today’s world because love has disappeared,” and I wholeheartedly agree. Giving massages is an act of love.
Remember, success in this industry goes beyond monetary gains; it’s about creating a positive impact on the lives of those you touch. Stay passionate, stay curious, and always approach your craft with love.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
It might sound simple and mundane, but a significant part of my personality and confidence is owed to them. My dad gave me those wings to dream and believe in all my dreams, no matter how wild. My mom, on the other hand, bestowed upon me the gift of love for others and natural healing. They both granted me the freedom to do anything, to fall as many times as necessary, and be spectators, always knowing they would be there to lift us up together. They provided me with that assurance that nothing is weird; it’s better to be different and free than conform to the societal expectations of unhappiness. Their unwavering support gave me the confidence to explore my individuality and forge my own path. So I can say that the most impactful thing my parents did for me was gift me freedom and unconditional acceptance, creating a solid foundation for my personal and professional development.

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Image Credits
Atocha Crespo y Maria Wignall

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