Today we’d like to introduce you to Samyra Patryce
Hi Samyra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
With over 15 years of practicing, the Holistic Healing Garden was born with an abundant gratitude to ASHA – the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts for the extensive hands on training, wealth of knowledge and expansion of my belief in the healing power of touch. Something I was attuned with from a very young age.
The healing attributes of touch had personally been witnessed many times before my initial “formal/professional” experience which was just an introduction; but soon came to be the confirmation that massage therapy would be one of my gifts to the world. A confirmation that would be used as a conduit to assist others on their journeys to wellness… and most importantly to self.
Needless to say I was moved in such a way that I choose to embark on this journey that aligns professionally and personally. As a child I was fascinated with helping! Helping in the house, with my little sister, helping the bird with the weird wing, helping the ants along… shuckx as an adult I’ve allowed bees to crawl onto my finger to take them to a flower, cradled butterflies with damaged wings and have rehabbed dehydrated/displaced birds.
In the professional world upon working my way into management I took that opportunity to be there to inspire/inform and advocate for others until they could do so for themselves. I’ve always believed we should look out for one another and if we can help we should. Those beliefs of course went hand in hand with serving in the capacity upon which I am now in my journey. Assisting with increasing mobility, pain management and creating spaces of rest and restoration for my guest to heal themselves naturally and radically!
I was introduced to massage therapy through energy work from a beautiful fellow MT named Ebony who has been a sister friend of mine for decades. She then asked to practice on me in clinical and the seed was planted in my massage garden. Many many moons later when I decided to leave the professional world massage was one of three things in my passion pocket that I had to choose from.
Upon crossing the threshold into ASHA… energetically I felt home. It felt like a welcoming! Somewhat of we have been waiting for you. I was dedicated and devoted to that and it paid off. It was challenging, enlightening and honestly rewarding. It felt like we were being equipped to make a change with those we encountered.
It seemed from there after graduation I was constantly being connected with whom I was designed to to propel my career and craft. I have been aligned with some of the most beautiful souls. People I would have otherwise never encountered.
I started off at a private day spa, then a locally owned franchised spa, worked with my beloved classmate Meiko, afterwards a big local spa and whew the fast pace and drives to the city in traffic were not in alignment with my pace. I like to take my time and create connections with my guests so they are assured their goals are considered as a priority and their time is valued. It was evident it was time for me to invest in myself.
Although I kept a contract I kept nurturing my garden. With a nudge from another therapist named Carrie and an experience in losing my father earthside; I finally stepped out on my own and created the Holistic Healing Garden!
You see, many moons before I became a therapist my great aunt Mabel was very ill and had fallen in a coma by the time we reached north. But once I walked in the room and touched her right foot she began to stir as if she was attempting to speak. Of course this excited the family. Although we both held a special place in one another’s hearts I didn’t know what was going on but obliged in trying. Shortly thereafter the charge nurse expressed she had gained her wings and although breathing she was making her transition soon. During my last moment with her I took some lotion and massaged her hands… right hand first.. placed it on her chest then left hand and placed it on the other and said “you are all better now” and she stopped breathing… scared the you know what out of me. I began looking around to make sure I wasn’t standing on anything but there was nothing to have been standing on. I wasn’t quite sure what had happened at that time but I then experienced the same thing again when my father transitioned.
The power of touch is healing in such a way that the nervous system is free to know peace, stillness, slowing down, regulated breathing and lastly permission to enter tranquility. I have seen many transformations over the years! Grateful to be a conduit… a channel to guide others to themselves be it through massage, reiki or events of like minded individuals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say perfectly smooth but it certainly hasn’t been a struggle. I would say it’s been ordained. Even if something came up everything always worked out in perfect alignment! For example there may have been times where my schedule was light but it was necessary in hindsight because I needed to rest or one of my children needed me to nurture them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Wholistic Licensed Massage, Wellness & Reiki Practitioner Specializing in Inspiring & Facilitating Balance Through Integrative Therapeutic Massage & Alternative Modalities of Restorative Treatments.
I am most proud of never giving up on myself, being committed to the evolution of learning self, others and growth.
What sets me apart from others is my devotion. My spectrum of compassion. And the ability to hold trusted space for others.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Seek the knowledge you are drawn to but challenge yourself to do something new. Then APPLY IT!
Nothing is by chance so pay attention to patterns to be sure you are doing your part to proceed in evolution.
Honor your body just as you instruct your clientele. This means respecting your craft and not over working yourself in an attempt to gain an extra dollar. Body Mechanics Matter! Grounding Matters! Compassion Matters!
One thing I wish I knew upon starting out was that it takes time to build. Creating your niche and cultivating the space to welcome your demographic. So please keep in mind you may need to have a couple of contracts while collecting your 10,000 hours of bodywork.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holistichealinggarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistichealinggardenwellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/massagegardenatl
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holistic-healing-garden-ellenwood
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@holistichealinggarden
