MENU
SEARCHBeatrix Jenness loves what she does. Contrasting with statistics that place the average career in massage therapy between two and seven years, Jenness has been a massage therapist for 18 years, licensed in two states and currently based in Great ...
Beatrix Jenness loves what she does. Contrasting with statistics that place the average career in massage therapy between two and seven years, Jenness has been a massage therapist for 18 years, licensed in two states and currently based in Great Falls, Montana. Physically, the job is demanding. But emotional stresses may be the tougher hurdle.
“Nearly every day I have to contend with stereotypes that range from ‘the flaky masseuse’ to ‘the prostitute,’” Jenness says. Although she’s been married for four years, a previous boyfriend couldn’t resist from joking about the “massage” confusion that comes up a lot. She broke off that relationship. In social situations, responding to the simple inquiry about what she does for a living inspires men to shoot back a “cute” remark, and Jenness has given up on Yellow Page advertising altogether. Then there’s the guy who lies on his back stark naked with the sheet off. Local massage therapists have compared notes, and no one takes appointments from “the flasher” anymore.
“Recently someone posted my name, phone number, business address and email address on a local website called ‘Naughty Reviews,’” Jenness reports. “Someone who saw my name there came in as a new client and handed me a fistful of $20 bills wrapped artfully around a condom. I handed it all back said, ‘I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding. I don’t do erotic massage.’ That’s about as calm as I’ve been able to be in any situation like that. The gentleman was embarrassed, but I’m getting really sick of this kind of thing.”
Jenness continues in the profession because she enjoys the rewards of giving someone a great therapeutic massage. In addition to maintaining a private practice, she has worked at an oncology facility and a fitness facility. To handle the snide comments, Jenness networks with colleagues and occasionally vents to an online social group. She also has strategies for keeping herself in good physical shape:
Study with the best. Jenness had two teachers, both in their 70s. “They’d been doing massage for 40 years, so I felt that their instructions would help me to have a long career,” she says.
Posture. “A big part of doing the job right is body mechanics—knowing how to hold your body,” Jenness says. “You don’t have to be big and strong to put a lot of pressure on one muscle, but you have to learn how to use your body so that you’re not just squeezing with your hands.”
Yoga. Jenness confesses that she has to force herself to do yoga, since she doesn’t really enjoy it. “Yoga reminds me to use good posture, and it helps with flexibility,” she says. “When you’re working in the same position all the time, yoga helps to stretch everything out so you don’t just always fold into that same position.”
Massage. The obvious: Jenness makes sure she gets a monthly massage for herself! She trades out with other local massage therapists to perform the service for each other. The other perk of this is that the “client” understands that a massage therapist is an educated, licensed professional who doesn’t appreciate lame jokes about “related” occupations.
Anny VanDriel, owner of Be Rosie Salon and creator of Pricing Isn’t Personal, volunteered to share a pricing presentation to beauty school students a year ago, and ended up learning more than she expected.
From the launch of the Ulta BeautyArtist Collective to the evolution of Trendspiration, celebrating stylists is what The Salon at Ulta Beauty does best.
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty
With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.
Beauty professionals should evaluate each service based on its popularity, profitability, and alignment with current trends. Conducting client surveys and analyzing booking data can provide insights into which services are in demand and which might be phased out.
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
