Question:
Hi everyone.
I have been qualified in massage/aromatherapy for 2 years but have never had the confidence to use it to any extent apart from on family/friends and the odd client.
I have low self-esteem but love to help other people and really really really want to put my massage skills to use.
My sister in law has asked me to do a massage evening a her home. I have lots of ideas going around in my head but not sure how to get going.
I thought about just having about 6 people and doing a short relaxation tape and then taking each one to another room and doing a should/neck massage or hand massage if they prefer for about 15-20 mins. The things I am unsure about are:
1. How much to charge each person
2. What kind of consultation shall I do as my consultation sheets are far too long for a massage evening and will take too long to fill in.
I would welcome any ideas from anyone.
Also any ideas how I can overcome the fear and gain more confidence - I really want to do this but when it gets near the time I get myself so worked up I end up cancelling.
I have got my Rescue Remedy to hand.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this message
Love and best wishes
Ah Rose, that's a great idea. What area are you operating in? There seems to be a growing market for pamper parties. I really hope it gives you some confidence in your abilities, anyway.
I really don't know about the price but for a 20 minute session do you think 10-15 pounds would be OK? And could you do this with a therapist friend to offer slightly longer sessions and not wear yourself out?
Regarding the consultation sheet, you could give it to the people attending for them to fill out in advance. I know quite a lot of therapists do this, then go through the questionnaire with the client before the session. If you did shorten it in any way you'd want to keep things like contra-indications for treatment wouldn't you?
I'm dying to hear how it goes, do keep us posted. All the very best,
Thanks for your reply. Yes the more I think about it the more excited I get - I just hope I will have the nerve to go through with it.
I think I really do undersell myself - I was going to charge about 5-7 pounds (hubby thinks I am mad) but when I think of the work involved and the towels that I will have to wash I think 10.00 is ok. I was going to do a 13 minute relaxation first (just tried the tape out while I was laid in the bath and it sound ok).
My sister also qualified at the same time as me so she is going to do the evening with me. I think I might take your advice and let the people fill in the consultation sheet and then I will go through a checklist with them.
I will let you know how I get on (not doing it until week on Friday though.
Take care and best wishes
hi Rose,
I did something similar as part of a charity fundraiser..we called the sessions tasters and each lasted 15 mins , we charged £5.00 which I personally think was too low.
I got my ladies to complete the consultation form while they waited their turn and just did a quick verbal check with each of them (
best of luck
Rose, don't forget to use this as an opportunity to get yourself some more clients.
Take with some leaflets, with a list of prices and your diary.
Best of luck.
Lesley
If you are still looking for volunteers I would love to put my hand up and be considered. I will probably by doing the massage course that WLSTM offer as discussed in a previous thread so am taking any oportunity I get to learn more and get some tips. Good luck with your idea.
Jim.
Hi Rose, have done a few taster days etc. Here is my advice if it helps.
Don't bother with the consultation form. You have a slip of paper that they sign as a disclaimer, saying something like "i have agreed to a taster session of aromatherapy massage with Rose and have disclosed any possible medical conditions that may be contra-indicated." When I do tasters I always ask them quickly "have you got any serious medical conditions?" Have you got any allergies - diet or other?" "Have you got high or low blood pressure?" Have you had any recent operations, accidents or injuries?" "Could you be pregnant"? that about covers the major stuff. Stick with safe oils that aren't contraindicated.
I think I would charge them £10 each for about 20 mins. Have done them for less, but you are going to be setting the whole thing up yourself and using all your own stuff, travelling etc.
Don't use a clean towel each time - I used to, but don't anymore. A quick back massage on a (hopefully) clean person means that the towel can be re-used. Use couch roll over the couch cover and change it each time.
Now onto the self-esteem bit! I think we all suffer from this when we start off and I know I did. The fact is, you will only get your experience from working on people so you have to be brave and just do it! Remember, the people you are doing can't give massages, so if you are really nervous, you are still better at it than them and I am sure they will be very pleased.
This could be a really good opportunity for you and if you miss it you will always wonder what might have come of it.
Plan it all out time-wise and stick to your timings, so you need a watch or clock with you so you don't run over. Go for it! AND ENJOY IT!
;)
Thank you all so much for your help on this I really appreciate it.
Be brave Rose! I'm sure it will be a great success and you'll enjoy it too. Who knows how many of those people will want to book more treatments with you too, or buy a voucher for their friends and relatives. Do you do vouchers? I designed one on my computer and if you're interested I can send it to you - just email me.
Hi
I have read this post with great interest and really feel that you and the others have given excellent advice and encouragement. I too am hoping to have "taster" sessions - perhaps limit it to maximum 10 people although that may be too much.
I am in the process of designing vouchers too and I would be grateful if you could give me any other ideas.
Many thanks
Alka
Good luck Rose and Alka (let us know how it goes!)
I too have done taster sessions. About this time last year my friend and I started doing "holistic parties", we did taster treatments, gave advice and answered questions for everyone who attended and also bought in some candles/oils/crystals and stuff like that to sell. I really enjoyed doing them but it was so nerve wracking at first - and very tiring when you have a lot of people to work on, so don't overdo it. Limit your numbers and if you get a lot of people interested, then split them up and do a few evenings at your leisure.
Hi Gillian - I am having 8 people at the massage evening which I am doing on the 29th - I must admit I am very nervous and wondering if I am doing the right thing.
Of course you're doing the right thing! I'm sure you'll sail through it once you get going.
Best of luck, I hope it goes really well for you. Don't forget to let us know how it went.
Many thanks Gillian - I need all the encouragement I can get.
I have been qualified in massage/aromatherapy for 2 years but have never had the confidence to use it to any extent apart from on family/friends and the odd client.
I have low self-esteem but love to help other people and really really really want to put my massage skills to use.
My sister in law has asked me to do a massage evening a her home. I have lots of ideas going around in my head but not sure how to get going.
I thought about just having about 6 people and doing a short relaxation tape and then taking each one to another room and doing a should/neck massage or hand massage if they prefer for about 15-20 mins. The things I am unsure about are:
1. How much to charge each person
2. What kind of consultation shall I do as my consultation sheets are far too long for a massage evening and will take too long to fill in.
I would welcome any ideas from anyone.
Also any ideas how I can overcome the fear and gain more confidence - I really want to do this but when it gets near the time I get myself so worked up I end up cancelling.
I have got my Rescue Remedy to hand.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this message
Love and best wishes
Answers:
Ah Rose, that's a great idea. What area are you operating in? There seems to be a growing market for pamper parties. I really hope it gives you some confidence in your abilities, anyway.
I really don't know about the price but for a 20 minute session do you think 10-15 pounds would be OK? And could you do this with a therapist friend to offer slightly longer sessions and not wear yourself out?
Regarding the consultation sheet, you could give it to the people attending for them to fill out in advance. I know quite a lot of therapists do this, then go through the questionnaire with the client before the session. If you did shorten it in any way you'd want to keep things like contra-indications for treatment wouldn't you?
I'm dying to hear how it goes, do keep us posted. All the very best,
Answers:
Thanks for your reply. Yes the more I think about it the more excited I get - I just hope I will have the nerve to go through with it.
I think I really do undersell myself - I was going to charge about 5-7 pounds (hubby thinks I am mad) but when I think of the work involved and the towels that I will have to wash I think 10.00 is ok. I was going to do a 13 minute relaxation first (just tried the tape out while I was laid in the bath and it sound ok).
My sister also qualified at the same time as me so she is going to do the evening with me. I think I might take your advice and let the people fill in the consultation sheet and then I will go through a checklist with them.
I will let you know how I get on (not doing it until week on Friday though.
Take care and best wishes
Answers:
hi Rose,
I did something similar as part of a charity fundraiser..we called the sessions tasters and each lasted 15 mins , we charged £5.00 which I personally think was too low.
I got my ladies to complete the consultation form while they waited their turn and just did a quick verbal check with each of them (
best of luck
Answers:
Rose, don't forget to use this as an opportunity to get yourself some more clients.
Take with some leaflets, with a list of prices and your diary.
Best of luck.
Lesley
Answers:
If you are still looking for volunteers I would love to put my hand up and be considered. I will probably by doing the massage course that WLSTM offer as discussed in a previous thread so am taking any oportunity I get to learn more and get some tips. Good luck with your idea.
Jim.
Answers:
Hi Rose, have done a few taster days etc. Here is my advice if it helps.
Don't bother with the consultation form. You have a slip of paper that they sign as a disclaimer, saying something like "i have agreed to a taster session of aromatherapy massage with Rose and have disclosed any possible medical conditions that may be contra-indicated." When I do tasters I always ask them quickly "have you got any serious medical conditions?" Have you got any allergies - diet or other?" "Have you got high or low blood pressure?" Have you had any recent operations, accidents or injuries?" "Could you be pregnant"? that about covers the major stuff. Stick with safe oils that aren't contraindicated.
I think I would charge them £10 each for about 20 mins. Have done them for less, but you are going to be setting the whole thing up yourself and using all your own stuff, travelling etc.
Don't use a clean towel each time - I used to, but don't anymore. A quick back massage on a (hopefully) clean person means that the towel can be re-used. Use couch roll over the couch cover and change it each time.
Now onto the self-esteem bit! I think we all suffer from this when we start off and I know I did. The fact is, you will only get your experience from working on people so you have to be brave and just do it! Remember, the people you are doing can't give massages, so if you are really nervous, you are still better at it than them and I am sure they will be very pleased.
This could be a really good opportunity for you and if you miss it you will always wonder what might have come of it.
Plan it all out time-wise and stick to your timings, so you need a watch or clock with you so you don't run over. Go for it! AND ENJOY IT!
;)
Answers:
Thank you all so much for your help on this I really appreciate it.
Answers:
Be brave Rose! I'm sure it will be a great success and you'll enjoy it too. Who knows how many of those people will want to book more treatments with you too, or buy a voucher for their friends and relatives. Do you do vouchers? I designed one on my computer and if you're interested I can send it to you - just email me.
Answers:
Hi
I have read this post with great interest and really feel that you and the others have given excellent advice and encouragement. I too am hoping to have "taster" sessions - perhaps limit it to maximum 10 people although that may be too much.
I am in the process of designing vouchers too and I would be grateful if you could give me any other ideas.
Many thanks
Alka
Answers:
Good luck Rose and Alka (let us know how it goes!)
I too have done taster sessions. About this time last year my friend and I started doing "holistic parties", we did taster treatments, gave advice and answered questions for everyone who attended and also bought in some candles/oils/crystals and stuff like that to sell. I really enjoyed doing them but it was so nerve wracking at first - and very tiring when you have a lot of people to work on, so don't overdo it. Limit your numbers and if you get a lot of people interested, then split them up and do a few evenings at your leisure.
Answers:
Hi Gillian - I am having 8 people at the massage evening which I am doing on the 29th - I must admit I am very nervous and wondering if I am doing the right thing.
Answers:
Of course you're doing the right thing! I'm sure you'll sail through it once you get going.
Best of luck, I hope it goes really well for you. Don't forget to let us know how it went.
Answers:
Many thanks Gillian - I need all the encouragement I can get.
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