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Meet Michelle Barefield

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Barefield.

Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I worked in corporate America for over 25 years. At the time of my career change, I was a Grievance and Appeals Rep at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. I often would get up and massage some of my co-worker’s shoulders while they were on calls. I also had a friend going through a chronic illness that started getting massages and was telling me how effective they were and how much her health had improved. She bought a massage for me, and I was hooked. I went once a month and became intrigued by not only my results but how my overall mood was better. I started asking the therapist a question about how she got started and her journey. I was always fascinated by the body and how it worked. During this time, Blue Cross had a major lay off that took me by surprise. Although I was given a severance packet, I was still at a loss for my next move. I had been in the insurance and customer service arena for a long time. At this time, there was a program in place for Veterans to make a career change; it was exactly what I needed money wise and time wise to complete the massage course. So I took a chance. I was the oldest in the class. Many of the students had just finished high school I was really in a different world.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. During that time, I had to help raise my oldest grand daughter, and I didn’t have a steady income coming in, but we got through it. I have wanted to quit and give up on many occasions, worked for management that didn’t value me. I have struggled financially and fallen behind, paying my bills. I have had to be my biggest cheerleader and motivator. I was always taught to fight for what you want. The biggest challenge is finding clients that value your work and don’t try to discount what you do and for you not to fall prey because you need money to devalue yourself just because the bills are due. Keep pushing, no matter how it looks. The right people and opportunities always appear at the right time. Keep a smile on your face and always show kindness, no matter what. The goal is to provide a service that is helping people and providing value to their lives.

Tell us more about the business.
I think my quality of service and excellent customer service and attention to detail sets me apart. I have learned it is important to listen to the needs of your clients. My business is currently a one-woman massage show. I specialize in deep tissue massage, elderly massage, lymphatic massage, and oncology massage. I am known mostly for my deep tissue massage and stretches. I am proud that I can call the majority of my clients family when they come into my studio they enter a calm and relaxing space that offers them a few moments to rebalance and recharge themselves to conquer the next task for the week.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe that the massage industry will play a big part in health and wellness over the next five years. Many will see and enjoy the benefits of massage and how it gives longevity to the body and overall well being. I hope to see that many more companies will embrace it and offer it as an incentive to their wellness plan to their employees.

Pricing:

  • 4 60 minute therapeutic massages for $195
  • Regular 60 minute relaxation massage $75
  • 60 minute deep tissue massage and stretch $85
  • New Clients Special $55

Contact Info:

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