[AT WORK]
|
STACEY SAWYER >> I think of myself as a professional angel -- that's what some of my clients call me. As a licensed massage therapist, facialist and manicure/pedicurist at the downtown day spa, Heaven on Earth, I'm often told I'm the highlight of someone's day. Masseuse
Stacey Sawyer finds satisfaction
in reducing the stress of others
Star-Bulletin StaffI enjoy working with the downtown crowd. I meet all kinds of people, from CEOs and attorneys to bank tellers and maintenance workers.
People walk in here carrying all kinds of stress. They're juggling lifestyles that include work, marriage, children. Our spa services give them the chance to escape and do something for themselves for a change. They immediately relax when they smell the aromatherapy and experience the calm atmosphere.
I find that clients tend to choose -- and return to -- a therapist based on not only the style of service offered, but also the personality of the therapist. Some clients need a good listener, while others prefer complete silence. I like to get to know my clients by discussing their sleeping habits, posture, exercise, diet and skin care regimens. We are able to enhance lifestyle choices rather than just perform a task. Our owner, Lora Nakai, encourages us to offer clients gentle advice and tips so they can maintain wellness beyond our doors.
Although I have experience in many forms of massage, I generally tell clients that I give the type of massage that I would like to receive, which is mostly Swedish. I start clients with a heat pack on their back, and almost all respond, "Ohhhh, that feels good." I focus on the neck and back because these areas are typically where our downtown clientele carry their stress.
If my clients can't make it down to see me, I can even bring a massage chair to their conference room or cubicle for in- office therapy.
It's gratifying to have a career that allows me to make a difference in people's lives. I reduce the level of stress in the world one person at a time, one hour at a time.
"At Work" is a weekly feature that shows and tells what people do for a living in their own words. Send comments and submissions to business@starbulletin.com