Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Rangel
Hi Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began massage school in the fall of 2019, and got delayed due to the pandemic. What was meant to be a 10 month program turned into a 12 month program. The pandemic caused so many issues with schooling, we had to self teach some of the most important topics and complete internship hours. It was so difficult with the protocols, protective wears and the anxiety behind it all. Once I finally graduated, I wasn’t able to pass my licensing exam until about a year later because we lost so much classroom time.
I immediately started offering mobile massage services. I would even offer some of the sessions for free if my clients let me try new things on them. I was doing all sorts of things, some with formal training, others without. I think there was a time where everyone was sick of me trying to touch them, try a new stretch, or use a new tool. I was fortunate to be able to fully put my time into my practice. I protested establishments or being an employee. I did work alongside a gym owner, and a chiropractor for a short time each and they were both so important to my journey as a massage therapist. Anyways, consistency was key. I’d always show up, I’d make it to every appointment and give the best massage my body could handle. The driving and lugging around my equipment was getting draining. And just around the time I was getting fed up, a local esthetician reached out asking if I was interested in sharing her space. It was such a major change and nothing I dreamed of, but I agreed.
Consistency again, one client after the other, my name was spreading like wildfire. A gift, an art, whatever it is, I was proving it true. I rebranded and got official, online presence, logo, booking site, and all business stuff. Almost two years later, I began needing more time than given in the room I shared with the esthetician. It was time for yet another change.
After casually looking for new spaces that met the space and value I needed, I found this little house in a pocket of country still left in my rapidly developing town. I toured it and was blinded by it’s potential. I could not see it for all the work it would take. Until, I was there for a week straight pulling up carpet, sanding walls, painting, scrubbing, and picking up furniture all over Houston. I had only a few days of overlap. I had to start working soon. I don’t think I hardly slept. Well we made it, and since then I have proving massages and bodywork to student athletes, those with under and overactive lifestyles, or even just people who are looking to treat themselves. I am a growing brand and couldn’t be more grateful to serve the very community I was raised in.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I have had to put every inch of my comfort and security on the line for a chance at success. And even then, there is no certainty you will prevail. The biggest struggle would have to be riding the waves of clients. People’s lives are ever changing. You will have consistency from clients that you begin to rely on that will suddenly disappear for long periods, if not forever. So from month to month you can go from 80% occupancy to 50%. So you have to keep your marketing fresh to keep rolling in new clients. And from there, you can only expect 1/5 to be regulars. I
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Skill is definitely essential in this line of work, especially being independent. I believe that everyone should have access to quality care. Massage therapy should not be a treatment only experienced on a vacation or special occasion in one’s life, and it should be effective enough to where the benefit is undeniable. My specialty is those with over and under active lifestyles. I deeply relate to the 9-5 person, who grabs takeout before coming home to binges their favorite show just to wake up and do it over again. The average person lacks touch and movement on the regular. Incorporating massage therapy into their life makes them more aware of their body and encourages healthy change. I also deeply relate to the go getter, pushing themselves, sometimes beyond their capacity in their sport, or training with a strict diet and hyperactive nervous system. Bodywork not only prepares their body better for training, but it gives them a chance to reset their nervous system. What set me apart is that I live amongst the community I serve. I am not a corporate machine wringing out cookie cutter massages. Each session is deeply intentioned and intuitively catered to every client that walks in the door.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I talk a lot about consistency and I really think that is it. Consistency has allowed me to continuing exploring the many avenues of massage therapy and continuously showing up for my clients. I think it’s the hardest trait to stick by when running a business.
Pricing:
- Therapeutic Massage 60 Min / $100
- Therapeutic Massage 90 Min/ $140
- Temporomandibular Joint Massage / $60
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage 60 Min / $100
- Youth Sports 30 Min / $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ourangelbodyworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.angelbodyworks/
