We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.
Jamie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I’m not sure if I have quite yet!! Haha . How I’ve dealt overcome imposter syndrome, or am continuing to, has been a fun journey. After having opened my “micro-spa” only just over a year ago, there were many perceptions I had patterned in me that needed some looking at before I was able to achieve opening my small business. Just after starting my 19th year of being a licensed massage therapist, I gave myself a goal that I would be working more for myself or open my own space by the time I hit 20 years, so by Feb 2024. It was daunting, but I knew I would have the whole year to make it happen. Little did I know that within a couple of weeks, my landlord from my then apartment, had listed my dream property for a live/work space which followed with meeting to tour the space. My dream space I had been dreaming of for years, wondering how I could ever live there.
The price seemed “do-able” but high, the goal seemed challenging, but possible and like anything we want, the attachment to it working out in my favor, was hard to ignore. I was intimidated. I know that things in life that scare us, tend to be some of our most favorite memories. I applied, I was accepted! I was moving within two weeks of that meeting, and needed to get construction/renovation started as soon as possible to start making money for this new rent. After a month of learning new skills I had never done before, (IE: installing/taping/sanding drywall, picking out and installing wood flooring, making every design decision along with all the finishing touches by hand) it was done.
At points, I was running on adrenaline & caffeine, forgetting to eat until end of day, but grounding when I could, while laughing and giggling with excitement for what was taking shape. A place to work, born from the creative space in my brain, coming to life. I had no idea that was possible. I had support & help along the way. I had encouragement everywhere I turned. People were excited to watch this place come to be. The project was about done before I started thinking, “Is this really happening?”, “Am I really a business owner”, ”Did I do this right?” “Did I do this wrong?”, “Who do I ask for help?”. The questions still continue to be raised, but there always seems to be an answer that shows up. I’m surprised it took me 20 years of experience to “lean in” to the idea that I could handle this and be confident enough to be wrong sometimes, or not know the all the answers, but I will find out what I need to learn.
Showing ourselves that we are capable of small tasks, reminds us that we can try & learn new things and be successful. In my line of work, there is never going to be two massages that are the same, no two practitioners that are ever the same. The feedback I would get from clients helped me trust more in myself and my work, my ability. I began to answer people who asked “You’re a massage therapist, are you any good?” with “Well, I’d hope so after 20 years! If not, I probably shouldn’t still be practicing” . There will always be someone to compare ourselves to. There will always be someone out there “better than you” . But how do we define “better than”? What if there’s a successful version of every person, that is compatible for every stage of job. Once I accepted that some other therapist will have more anatomical education than me, I don’t need to be the best. Some other therapist will have more energetic intuition than me, I don’t need to be the best at that too. I can be great at what I do and still be “successful” as I have defined success to myself.
My grandfather lived to be 101. Somewhere around age 99, I asked him if he had advice to share. He said “Don’t compare yourself to others. If you keep comparing yourself to your Self, and try to be a better version every day, you’ll always be ok”.
Imposter syndrome keeps us stunted from growth as we compare to others who are on a different trajectory than us. As long as we move with integrity about what we have to offer in our lives, we are being authentic, and can define what success looks like, what experiences can look like, and in turn, trust ourselves and our abilities to keep on keepin on’
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi there!I built Pueblo Luna to have an intimate space to connect with clients one on one.
The massage studio holds all of the lotions, potions & healing tools we need to curate a custom treatment. Just outside, you’ll find the relaxing infrared sauna, which assists in increasing circulation while reducing inflammation. A garden soaking tub is tucked away in a cozy, private nook, making the entire experience that of your own tiny getaway.
Body work has been my craft for over 20 years, and it brings me so much joy to continue to connect with my clients.
Pueblo Luna also loves to focus on building community thru gatherings, workshops and events. Looking forward to sharing some space soon!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I feel like looking back on my career as a whole, there are a few qualities that stand out.
Ability to listen. I feel that what makes a great practitioner, is the ability to listen to what a client needs. Sometimes we get swept up in how we want to preform, or get set in our own ways. I often remind clients this is their massage, it’s not up to me what they want to focus on, talk/not talk, etc.
Being able to pivot. This can relate to adjusting to client’s needs, but in all aspects, being able to pivot is so important. Often I think I am heading one direction, and life re-directs me. Opening a small business, problem solving, scheduling, managing, the list goes on. The less I am attached to the way things develop, and trust that they always will, the happier I am.
Gratitude. This is a common thread thru all aspects of life, but especially with work. It can be easy to fall into the mundane of every day life while working. But how cool is it to have a job? How lucky to be able to do something you have passion for? How grateful you get to meet new and interesting people along your journey? And if not, may be it’s time to shift some things. But gratitude helps me stay motivated, excited and looking forward to the next day.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’d love to grow Pueblo Luna into a small business that focuses on community, creative flow & the ability to connect with others in an effortless, inclusive way. We’ve hosted nights that involve gathering for crafting/making, drinking & laughing together. Meeting new friends, as adults, can be challenging for people as we all have routines we can tend to stick with. Collaborations can be with other wellness practitioners, yoga teachers, herbalists, estheticians, coffee makers, vintage sellers, musicians, poets, or anyone with a passion or craft they’d like to share. Pueblo Luna’s container is not yet limited to anything, so it will be fun to watch what shape it takes in the coming years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.puebloluna.com
- Instagram: @pueblo_luna
Image Credits
Katie Mauro
