Michelle DiGaetano shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Michelle, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity.
I want people to see and know me as an honest, fair, and trustworthy person both personally and professionally. I am a very reliable and loyal person that people can count on. I go through each day making decisions that I can be proud of whether it’s in my favor or not. Even though life isn’t fair, I always do what I can to treat people fairly.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been a licensed massage therapist for 21 years. I’ve worked in various aspects of the massage therapy industry including chiropractic offices, wellness clinics, athletic clubs as well as at The Spa at Four Seasons in Atlanta.
In 2010 I established my business, Turn 2 Massage. We are a corporate and event on-site massage service provider. Our goal is to bring stress relief to the workplace and hopefully show employers the impact even a short chair massage can have on the overall productivity and camaraderie between employees that comes from the experience. We also provide this service for numerous types of events including trade shows, conventions, sporting events and private events. We bring joy and stress relief to anyone, anywhere.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, I was raised in a middle class blue collar family. My father worked in construction his entire life and I remember him always coming home exhausted from the day. We lived in the north and his job required him to work in extreme cold and intense heat. I think he took 1 week off all year and that was when we would go camping in the Adirondacks. My mother also worked full time in various clerical positions while also raising 3 kids. Time off was rare for them. Even though they didn’t make a lot of money, they worked very hard every day to provide for us. During my childhood our biggest vacation was a trip to Disneyworld. They saved for that trip for years. All I’ve ever known was that you work hard and do your best every day.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I grew up a couple blocks from Lake Ontario. Anytime I was sad I would walk to the lake and sit on the rocks under this one specific tree. Just looking out at the endless water always brought me peace. I feel that way to this day and when I go back there for visits now, I still go by that same tree and remember how much time I spent there.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I am a huge fan of Pink and admire her very much. Yes I love her music, but what I love more is how real she is. She isn’t afraid to show everyone she is a strong woman both physically and mentally. But she also shows vulnerability when talking about her family life growing up and the pain she experienced during that time. Her beliefs are a lot like mine when it comes to letting people be who they are, without judgement, and sticking up for people that we feel are not being treated fairly.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What pain do you resist facing directly?
Knowing that the time I have left with my parents is very limited. It’s hard for me to face that fact. They are 82 and not in good health. We live very far apart and our time together is limited. I can’t seem to prepare myself for that even though I know that it’s part of life. It’s still something I can’t prepare myself for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://turn2massage.com
- Instagram: @turn2massage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/turn-2-massage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turn2massage
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/turn-2-massage-atlanta-5
