Today we’d like to introduce you to Responzia Burks.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2012, I was faced with one of the toughest decisions in my life. After serving eight years in the United States Army, I had to decide whether I was going to continue serving my country or become a full-time civilian mother. As a single parent, the decision was a no brainer; I choose my son.
Therefore, I retired from the military, but I continued to work jobs that mocked that which I performed while serving. However, the professional satisfaction was no longer there. Considering this, I did a little soul-searching. I referred to who I was before enlisting in the military which was a natural caregiver, a person who loved hands-on activity, a provider, a great listener, and an empathetic all around people’s person.
With these things in mind in 2014, I resigned from my job in Riceboro, GA, I returned to my home state and enrolled in the Massage Therapy program at Medical Training College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was nervous. I wondered if I’d made a mistake giving up such a good paying job to return to school. I cried day in and day out wondering if I would be able to sustain the lifestyle I’d introduced my son to. Most importantly I prayed and remained focused through all of the negative thoughts and obstacles. As fate would have it, I was a natural! Instructors, peers and clients alike agreed. My confidence along with encouragement and accolades from others proved I had made the right decision. Nine months later, through all my trials and tribulations; I graduated! Unfortunately, I found that the only opportunity for a massage therapist was either to work at a spa for minimum wages at maximum hours, or start my own business, of course I chose the latter.
Immediately I learned that location meant everything for entrepreneurs in particular career fields. Baton Rouge, LA was not the demographic for me and massage Therapy was not my final trade destination. As a result, I packed up once again and I relocated to Atlanta, GA, to attend The Elaine Sterling Institute where I received my certification as an Esthetician. By 2016, I was a dual licensed professional and business owner. My goals had finally come to fruition. Responzia, the girl from New Orleans who grew up in a dysfunctional family and then became a single mother herself escaped the statistics. I survived two tours in Iraq, took a chance on my natural God-given talents and became massage therapist and Esthetician to some of the most amazing people known to mankind.
Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth road… what’s that? I’m a product of a dysfunctional family, an unstable environment, and many personal mistakes along the way. Success for me without struggle would be the equivalent of being born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth, inheritance so to speak and honestly no one in my family had anything to pass onto me. I was and still remain to be one of the few individuals in my lineage who escaped the struggle of being born into a family that lacked the financial stability or mental know how where generational blessings are concerned. Overall, the truth of my misfortune would end up being my motivation.
I wanted to break the vicious cycle of governmental dependency. Therefore, I aimed to create a different outlook for the generations after me and especially for my son. These things considered I suffered hungry nights in more aspects than one where I had to sacrifice self for the well-being of my child and my clients. These sacrifices were all worth it because the universe saw fit for me to be placed in the lives of individuals who would not only make me as a household name but also provide exposure to many others who not only needed the exceptional services I provide; but they also knew others who were in need of me as well.
The calling on my life has provided a path of success that words alone cannot explain. To describe my struggle in specific detail would be far too much so I’ll sum it up in my favorite scripture “To whom much is given; much will be required” and I’m more than willing because no challenge is too great!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Responzia’s Hands is a Mobile Massage and Aesthetics Company. I specialize in creating spa-like environments and delivering immaculate services at any location at any time. The services I offer include, but are not limited to massages, facials and body treatments.
Many people ask why I haven’t opened the traditional brick and mortar spa. Honestly, it’s because I prefer not to exert the overhead associated with traditional business ownership. More importantly, my business concept was to step away from the norm where massage therapy and aesthetics is concerned. What I realized early in my career was that “traditional” companies don’t compensate accordingly neither do they provide a quality service.
In a traditional setting, clients are treated poorly. There’s no time to develop a professional therapist/client relationship and services are rushed. From start to finish, the client is hurried along the experience and the therapists are overworked. Seven days a week, eight hours a day therapists are expected to work their fingers to the bone and clients are not getting their monies worth. Not only does this contribute to extreme wear and tear on a therapist’s body, but it takes away from the art.
In a nutshell, I felt there was no opportunity that matched my desired output as a result; I created the opportunity. In the shadows of companies such as Soothe and Zeel, I marketed myself as a 100% mobile massage professional. One who instead of waiting for clients to come to me, I go to them!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
In my opinion, Houston is an exceptional location for businesses like mine. It’s a demographic where massage and esthetics are treated as a health necessities. Whereas in many other cities that I’ve been to treats it as a luxury. I find it very unfortunate that other locations minimized my skill set to a sense of affordability, but I’m much appreciative to the city and state of Houston, Texas for embracing me with opened arms!
For the short period of time that I’ve been here, it has been proven on a daily basis that my relocation choice was not a mistake and that there’s growth potential both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I cannot complete this section without specifically mentioning my son Tyriq T. Thompson (my Monster) and my partner, Paul D. Morris (my Puddin’) because I wouldn’t be here in this specific location without them. Their love, support, and encouragement is the reason I continue to provide exceptional service to my clients and maintain my position as an entrepreneur as well as a mother and a life partner. They both play a pivotal role in me being both the woman and professional that I am right now and will continue to be for years to come here in the great city of Houston, Texas.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.responziashands.com
- Phone: 4042687534
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @trustthesehands
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