Meet Jessica R.

Jessica R. has been a massage therapist for nine and a half years. Eight of those have been at a Massage Envy franchised location. Since she's been at her location, she's loved helping a variety of clients reach their wellness goals – from professional athletes to nine to five warriors. She's passionate about developing her craft and always takes advantage of the free continuing education offered through Massage Envy. Outside of work, Jessica is a workout fiend and big-time sports fan! Go Cavaliers! 

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. 

When did you decide to pursue a career in massage therapy? 
I knew toward the end of high school that massage therapy was always something I wanted to do. I was getting ready to start my undergraduate degree in physical therapy and massage therapy was something I knew would complement my training well.

Describe your experience at massage school. What did you like about it?
Massage school came very naturally to me. I already had a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology and the massage training was awesome! I had an amazing teacher who went above and beyond to expose us to as many different disciplines of massage techniques as she could. I did my training in Ohio, so at the time, the state medical board only focused on Swedish massage and an in-depth knowledge of Kellogg for the massage portion of the exam. Our teacher was really into deep tissue and myofascial release. She also was an esthetician, and had worked in numerous settings like a spa, chiropractic office, etc. She was able to give us an idea what it would be like to work in those different types of places.

What excites you most about working at a Massage Envy franchised location?
I'm most excited about the different types of people I get the honor of working on every day. My franchised location is really close to Cleveland, so occasionally we will get some professional and semi-professional athletes in. We also see weekend warriors, senior citizens, young adults who do competitive sports, and normal everyday working people, prenatals, health care providers, and more! My work schedule is always varied and changes daily based upon the clientele I have booked for the day.

"I feel like as a therapist, you should always want to develop and evolve in your craft and free continuing education helps me do that."

Massage therapists have access to 12+ free CEs each year at Massage Envy franchise locations. Have you taken any of the free CE courses? 
Yes, I have taken the free CEs offered through Massage Envy and I've loved every one of them! I feel like as a therapist, you should always want to develop and evolve in your craft, and free continuing education helps me do that.

What excites you about the next couple years of your career?
I love how Massage Envy is adding new enhancements or new techniques like Total Body Stretch. I'm curious to see what they have in store for us because it only makes our jobs more exciting and versatile in the market.

"Massage Envy provides so many different opportunities to enhance your career beyond any other place I've ever worked at."

Why should somebody consider working at a Massage Envy franchised location and building their career there?
Massage Envy franchised locations provide so many different opportunities to enhance your career beyond any other place I've ever worked. They provide continuing education, the ability to learn from other therapists, they give you the tools to educate your clients and so many different techniques to help your clients feel the best they can through your massage, enhancements, and services.

What's the best part about living in Ohio? Tell us something about it that others living outside the state might not know.
I live in Medina, Ohio, about 45 minutes from downtown Cleveland. It's so great! We get a nice change of seasons. We are located close to the professional sports team stadiums! We have many lovely state and county parks. Cedar Point is close to us, which I love because I'm a big roller coaster fan. Lake Erie is a short trip away, too. 

What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work?
I am an avid workout fiend. I try to read as much as I can and I love spending time with my family and friends! I am also a big-time sports fan.