Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Larson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Who knew a trip to Costa Rica in my late teens would set me on a path to health and wellness! It was in Costa Rica that I experienced my first massage. The relaxation I felt and the experience of massage was so healing and beneficial for me, I set out to learn more about becoming a massage therapist when I returned home. As they say, the rest is history! I have been a licensed massage therapist for ten years – first in Columbus, Ohio and now, in Decatur, GA. I offer traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue, prenatal, Thai Yoga, and sports massage. I always cater each massage to the needs of my client, and while doing so, educate them on the benefits of regular massage and understand the role of the mind/body connection.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Heck no! All good things take time, energy, and dedication to get into that sweet spot. In Columbus and Decatur, I have had my own spot with Salon Lofts – but being self-employed in the bodywork business takes time to develop connections with clients and constantly working to spread the word. People often see massage a luxury so it takes relationship building and constant education to shift from something that happens on occasion to a regular part of a wellness routine. Massage is so beneficial to your overall well-being – it reduces stress, allows your blood to circulate better, eases muscle tension, and so much more.
Another struggle was moving to a new city. I had called Columbus home for most of my life so uprooting and setting my sites on Atlanta and Decatur was a challenge. I had to reestablish myself in the community and build new relationships.
Please tell us about Collective Bliss – what should we know?
For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in some kind of sports team or group that is based around fitness, so my business has gravitated toward those involved in an active lifestyle or trying to focus more on overall health and wellness.
One modality I love is Thai Yoga Massage and I offer this type of massage at my studio. Thai Yoga Massage is a more interactive form of massage that is done on a floor mat. The client remains fully dressed in comfortable, flexible clothing. During Thai sessions, the body is compressed, stretched, pulled, and rocked with the use of the therapist’s hands and feet. Thai Yoga Massage is relaxing with the benefits of deep tissue massage along the way. I have taken several Thai Yoga Massage training and even had the opportunity to travel to Thailand for extensive training in 2018!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
“It takes a village” couldn’t be a more true statement. If it wasn’t for my amazing clients, I would not be in business! Their repeat business and dedication to their health and wellness is the reason I do what I do and I am grateful that they speak highly of me within their communities and send more clients my way.
I have had many teachers along the way but my teachers through Thai Yoga massage have given me lessons and endless encouragement along the way. If it was not for Elizabeth Miller of Reden Yoga in Columbus, Ohio, I would have never even known what Thai Yoga massage was all about. My teacher Michael Sitzer of Asheville, NC gave me the opportunity to travel to Thailand to continue learning, experience and appreciate a new culture and introduced me to the late Master Kam Thye Chow.
In the four and a half years I have called Atlanta home, I have been lucky to be part of some amazing communities. Being active is part of my regular routine that has helped me maintain balance and keeps me strong for my physically demanding career. Highland Yoga and November Project Atlanta have been major supporters of Collective Bliss. The values of these organizations, health, wellness and a strong foundation in the community, align with my personal values and have allowed us to work side by side to bring the importance of self-care to the forefront.
Most importantly, my friends and family have been a constant pillar of strength as I continue to grow and develop my business. They are the ones who have been with me from the start and are constantly reminding me to keep working toward my goals.
Pricing:
- 60 Minute Massage $90
- 75 Minute Massage $105
- 90 Minute Massage $120
Contact Info:
- Address: Located inside Salon Lofts Decatur Marketplace
2570 Blackmon Drive
Suite 440
Decatur, Ga 30033
Loft #12 - Website: www.the-collective-bliss.com
- Phone: 614-578-1588
- Email: julia@the-collective-bliss.com
- Instagram: @collectiveblissbodywork
- Facebook: @collectiveblissbodywork
- Other: www.salonlofts.com/julia_larson
Image Credit:
Tabitha Maegan Nelson
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