by Pallas Hutchison Last March, I introduced two product lines to my business. They both integrate easily into a massage practice. Becoming a distributor means that Oasis Massage earns commission on product sales, which provides an additional income stream. Low initial cost makes them even more attractive. I’ve hit a snag with this however. Retail products need to promote what I want my business to promote. To know if a product is a good fit, I have to spell out what I want my business to represent. The first product line is Young Living essential oils. Objectively, they provide an easy up-sell opportunity as an add-on for services and a retail item for clients to use on their own to improve their health. Subjectively, I have been studying and experimenting with essential oils since 2005; selling them at my business gives me access to wholesale pricing for personal use. I look forward to introducing classes on essential oils to share their uses and benefits as well as teach people to make their own products. Clients have shown interest and overall, I consider this a successful endeavor. The other product is the ItWorks body product line. Over the years, I’ve had many people ask about skinny wraps or cellulite treatments. I’ve always been hesitant to offer them. For one, they seem pretty hokey. For two, I’m not sure they fit with my business. The simplified concept behind the body wrap product, the most popular item in the product line, is botanicals remove waste products stored in fat calls resulting in a slimmer target area. I like that they aren’t intended as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle; rather they enhance one. To my surprise, they actually work. I tried one on my “mommy-tummy” and saw enough results that people began commenting. My concern isn’t in the product itself. It’s in the message that the product seems to be sending. It’s taken two months to fully identify why I haven’t been comfortable promoting this product. Other distributors kept offering suggestions on how to use other products in the line to create new services or promotional ideas to let people know that Oasis Massage was offering this great new product. The word ‘skinny’ kept coming up. Skinny is not synonymous with healthy. The other distributors appeal to vanity, not health. I’m not comfortable selling ‘skinny.’ I’ve mentioned previously that my sister had a hard time with body image as a child. Society, the media, the ballet community, and her siblings taught her that her body was not beautiful, that she was not beautiful, because she was not skinny. These two photos are of my little sister. The first one shows us together (she’s on the right) in Oregon in 1989. The other was taken in California in 2009. I won’t speculate as to her current feelings about body image but I will say that she has grown into a beautiful and outwardly confident woman. Promoting this product line makes me feel like I am passing judgement, like I am saying to my friends and clients “You’re fat; you need to lose weight.” Additionally, I am teaching my children this lesson indirectly as well. I want to heal people, not bring them down, not add to whatever insecurities they have. The question becomes how can I, as a business owner, promote a product that could put someone in that same head space? I can’t. I won’t.
What started out as a practical business decision, income diversification, has turned into a moral and ethical dilemma. What do I – and, by extension, my business – stand for? Writing this blog has reinforced my certainty. I won’t sell ‘skinny’ to my clients. Health isn’t a number on a scale or the size of a waistband. Health is the body working, as it is supposed to, to achieve homeostasis. Health incorporates all aspects of life and includes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the being. By teaching my clients about self-care and promoting self-awareness, they can make informed choices about their lifestyle. The links below are provided to show how body image gets distorted for men and women. Most links are videos that show some inspiring projects about self-image. Recommended Links:
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3/5/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2014January 9th: Video Update! Check out our Facebook page to see our first video update! January 21st: Continuing Education Spring semester at Cape Cod Community College has begun. Pallas is back to the grind. Chemistry should help her learn and be able to explain not just how essential oils can benefit your health but why they impact the body the way they do! Elementary Statistics could help if she decides to contribute to the research side of massage therapy - however math has never been her strong suit. February : Valentine's Day Special! We'll be running a Limelight deal for new clients to try us out (link will be posted when it goes live). Existing clients are invited to enjoy our in-house special of 10% off all gift certificates from Feb 1st-Feb 14th and 10% off all couple's massage sessions booked during the entire month! We used a mushy name generator to create a fun promo code. Which do you like best: smoochiepoof, snuggyboo, or wuddlykins? Connect with us on Facebook to vote! April : New Space Coming This Fall! We've signed a lease for a new, bigger space beginning November 1st and there is a lot to do between now and then to get it ready. Let the renovations begin! October 1st: New Staff & New Services! We've added Reiki to our list of services and two new staff members: Catherine & Deb. Bios and photos coming soon. October 31st: The Renovations New paint, fresh tiles in the bathroom and back doorway, remove built ins, install built in... Lots of work but in the end, everyone had fun and the resulting space feels welcoming. November 1st: Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Several clients, family members, friends and even the Dennis Chamber of Commerce came out to help us celebrate our new location. The weather didn't hold out for us but we did have fun. Champagne, hot cocoa, chair massage and gigantic scissors - what's not to love? Window decals and a handing sign out front are coming soon! September: Continuing Education Because the Massage Institute is a vocational school, Pallas's prior anatomy courses don't count towards her degree nor do they fulfill prerequisites. Anatomy & Physiology 1 is required for Nutrition so she's got a semester of anatomy review, along with Human Communication (more like public speaking) so this semester is not as much fun. December 6th : WDMA Holiday Stroll Nicole has banded our neighboring merchants together and organized a fun, family-friendly event. The weather didn't hold out for us but the few who braved the elements enjoyed great entertainment and free goodies. 2/26/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2013Feb 3th: Online Special Oasis Massage is teaming up with Groupon to offer an amazing deal just in time for Valentine's Day. Call 508-280-4242 for details or to schedule. May 14th: Continuing Education Pallas has completed her classes at Cape Cod Community College for the spring semester and is looking forward to taking the summer off! Pathology for Massage Therapists and English Composition 2 have been checked of her course list. June 29th: Cape Cod Getaway A bike race to benefit the National MS Society. For the fourth year, Pallas will be at the Mass Maritime Academy, along with a few other massage therapists, working with Team Velox Rota. Visit link for more information or to donate. http://bikemam.nationalmssociety.org Sept 2nd: Continuing Education Pallas has begun another semester at Cape Cod Community College. Two more courses towards her Bachelor's degree. She has officially been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honors Society! Oct 11th: Update for Clients I opened Oasis Massage in 2005. As a new massage graduate, I set my prices on the low end of the industry average for Cape Cod at that time. The past eight years have brought tremendous success. As Oasis Massage continues to work towards expansion, we will adjust our rates for the first time to accommodate the increases in overhead as well as to reflect the experience and expertise acquired over the years in business. The first price increase will go into effect on November 1st. All rates will be re-evaluated quarterly and adjusted as needed. All active clients may "lock in" our current rate through package purchases or by signing up for our monthly massage program. Our spa services have been restructured and are now only available as add-ons to any massage service. The posted rates reflect this change, which is effective immediately. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this transitional period. Below is a chart that illustrates the price change and how we compare to other businesses. Please don't hesitate to call with any questions. Sincerely, Pallas Hutchison (Owner/LMT) *Average based on advertized rates of seventeen comparable businesses within a 25 mile radius. **Unlike other massage practices, Oasis Massage offers most styles of massage at the same rate. The lower rate represents Swedish/Relaxation massage; the higher rate represents Deep Tissue massage. November13th: Online Scheduling & Gift Certificate Purchases With the help of the Spa Booker team, we have learned the basics of the software needed to add online scheduling and online gift certificate purchases. Nov 30th-Dec 15th, 2013 We're running our first special through our new software. Use promo code "KICKOFF2013" to save 25% on gift certificates for the holidays. Dec 30th: Continuing Education Grades are in for the fall semester. Pallas passed Marketing, General Psychology and Piano with a 3.98 GPA. She is enjoying a few weeks break before the spring semester when math and chemistry classes start. 2/19/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2012Feb 7th-12th: Online Special
Oasis Massage is teaming up with Limelight to offer an amazing deal just in time for Valentine's Day. Buy your sweetheart a 1-hour specialty massage, get one for yourself free! Limited availability for couples' sessions. Call 508-280-4242 for details or to schedule. April 2012: Our first interview/write-up! Copied and pasted from Zeel.com "Pallas Hutchison, a licensed massage therapist based in West Harwich, Mass., is committed to sharing her expertise in both relaxation and therapeutic bodywork techniques, such as Thai massage and hot stone therapy. Pallas says that becoming a mother opened her eyes to her unhealthy lifestyle and unfulfilling career. “I knew I had to make some changes,” she says. 10 years later, Pallas is now a licensed massage therapist with her own practice, Oasis Massage, located in Cape Cod. “I want to empower other people to make the changes within their lives that will lead them to their own happiness and success,” she explains. Oasis Massage offers both relaxation and therapeutic massage, as well as spa services such as facials, scrubs and wraps. Pallas says her clientele varies as much as her services, and includes athletes, chronic pain sufferers, post-operative recoveries, and individuals who simply want to relax. Regardless of their unique conditions, Pallas believes that many of her clients underrate the power of self-care. “It's amazing how many clients come in with chronic pain but are unable to identify the cause,” she says. That’s where Pallas comes in. “Through the intake process, I try to help them identify potential triggers. Sometimes the answer is as simple as rearranging their computer set-up or replacing their 15-year-old mattress.” Pallas is proud of the high level of competence she maintains at Oasis. “We have the tools to meet our clients’ needs. We consistently enroll in continuing education courses. We update our services frequently,” she says. “Our clients appreciate it.” " May 2012: We've Hired a New Massage Therapist! Oasis Massage is pleased to announce the addition of a new massage therapist: Danielle Gincauskis. We will now be offering extended hours on Wednesdays and Fridays! Danielle's journey into the alternative healing will be integrated into this timeline. A bio and photo will be posted soon. June 26th: Cape Cod Getaway A bike race to benefit the National MS Society. For the fourth year, Pallas will be at the Mass Maritime Academy, along with a few other massage therapists, working with Team Velox Rota. Visit link for more information or to donate. http://bikemam.nationalmssociety.org Aug 1st: Our Last Newsletter Our newsletter has been discontinued due to no ROI. Articles will continue to be shared via Facebook and directly with client's that request specific information. Sept 3rd: Continuing Education Pallas is officially a college student again. For her first semester, she is taking Kinesiology, Intro to Complementary Healing, and Business Ethics for Massage Therapists at Cape Cod Community College. Final goal: Bachelor's Degree in Complementary & Alternative Health from Ashford University. Sept 12-17th: Online Special Limelight is offering 50% off a 1 Hour Massage. Purchased deals expire March 16, 2013. Call ahead to reserve your time. Nov 7th: Business After Hours Co-hosted with Greg Wright Chiropractics, this networking event is free for Harwich Chamber of Commerce members. Limited space so register now. To RSVP or for more information, contact Chris Perry at chris@harwichcc.com or 508-430-1165. There will be no evening appointments on this date. (Turn-out wasn't great due to a mini-hurricane that night but we tried.) December 22nd-30th: Closed for Vacation No appointments available during this time. Gift certificates will be available for the holiday season until (TBA). 2/12/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2011January 25th: Continuing Education
Pallas took a Discovering Myofascial Release e-learning course offered by ABMP teaches how to define, assess and release myofascial restrictions. January 29th: Continuing Education Pallas took a Massage for Fibromyalgia e-learning course offered by ABMP explains what fibromyalgia is, how it is diagnosed and treated, the positive impacts massage can have when incorporated into a pain management program, as well as how to safely and effectively treat clients who have fibromyalgia. May 14th: Open House at The Woodlands 2 PM - 4 PM February 4th: Continuing Education Pallas took a Essential Ethics for Massage and Bodywork Professionals e-learning course offered by ABMP detailed the evolution of ethical standards in healthcare and the values that shape them. April 14th: Continuing Education Pallas took a Client Loyalty through Customer Service e-learning course offered by ABMP highlights ways to provide better customer service to clients beyond giving a great massage. April 21st: Continuing Education Pallas recieved CPR/AED & First Aid certification through American Health Care Academy via an online course in CPR (adults, children, and infants) Automated External Defibrillator & First Aid. Certification valid through April 21, 2013. April 21st: The Woodlands at Pleasant Bay A meet & greet was the first step towards providing therapeutic massage to members of the wellness center as well as residents of The Woodlands, an assisted living facility located in Brewster. Sessions become available as of next week. May 15th-17th: Online Special Oasis Massage and Groupon teamed up to offer two great deals! 50% off your choice of either a 1-hour Hot Stone massage or a 90-minute Relax & Renew Spa Package. The feature was a huge success. Thank you and welcome to Groupon clients. To redeem your groupon, please call 508-280-4242 to schedule your service. Please bring your printed groupon [the part with bar code & redemption code on it] to your scheduled session. Haven't check out Groupon before? Groupon negotiates discounts with businesses to give subscribers 50%-90% off great services, products, classes, and activities! Check it out here. May 25th: Continuing Education Pallas took a Conducting High Impact Client Interviews e-learning course offered by ABMP teaches communication skills that allow a massage therapist to identify clients' expectations, indications, and contraindications for bodywork and then integrate this information into a safe and effective massage and bodywork sessions. June 10th: New Service! Now offering candle massage! Combining ultimate relaxation with ultimate moisturizing, this unique treatment uses a multi-function candle instead of traditional massage oil. Take the remaining candle home with you after the session! See Spa Treatments for a full description and pricing. June 25th: Cape Cod Getaway A bike race to benefit the National MS Society. Pallas will be at the Mass Maritime Academy, along with a few other massage therapists, working with Velox Rota, one of the bike teams. Visit link for more information or to donate. http://bikemam.nationalmssociety.org July: Online Special After joining both the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Harwich Chamber of Commerce, Oasis Massage teamed up with TryItLocal.com to offer a 30 minute massage for only $15! Please bring your coupon with you to your session. For clients that wish to upgrade their coupon, a full hour session is available for an additional $30. Aug 22nd-30th: Online Special Cape Cod Daily Deal is offering $35 for a One Hour Specialty Massage. Check out all offers through Cape Cod Daily Deal here. Aug: Meet Our New Office Manager! Oasis Massage is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole Poor. Nicole will be the voice on the phone when you call to make an appointment. Her background managing private practice physicians makes her a perfect addition to our holistic massage practice. Nicole's bio and photo will be posted soon. Sept 15th: Cape Cod Young Professionals' Back to Business Bash 2011 Held annually at the Rectrix Aerodrome in Hyannis, the Back to Business Bash is the years largest & most vibrant networking event on Cape Cod! Oasis Massage will be handing out flyers with valuable coupons as well as doing free 10-minute chair massage for the event! Oct 15th: Second Annual Open House 12 PM - 4 PM Oasis Massage invites clients to come meet the new staff, enjoy light refreshments, and enter to win a Pearfect Body Polish ($50 value). Book an appointment at the open house and receive 15% off! We also will be officially unveiling our new massage program, designed to give our regular clients convenient monthly billing on top of valuable savings. Nov 4th-11th: Online Special Cape Cod Daily Deal is offering $45 for a One Hour Hot Stone Massage. Check out all offers through Cape Cod Daily Deal here. Nov 12th-13th: Continuing Education Pallas completed the first of six weekend seminars in Manual Trigger Point Therapy, a manual therapy technique designed to alleviate pain through the deactivation of active and latent trigger points identified by analyzing posture, body mechanics, and pain referral patterns to isolate specific muscles. Known techniques will be integrated into sessions to suit clients' needs. Trigger Point sessions will be available upon certification. |
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Pricing current as of January 1, 2024 ; subject to change without notice.
Pricing current as of January 1, 2024 ; subject to change without notice.