Today we’d like to introduce you to Rusty Corcoran
Hi Rusty, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a retired junior high school assistant principal. I loved helping students, parents, and teachers. Becoming a massage therapist is my second chapter. I was drawn to massage therapy because during the chaos of life, it always helped me focus. In addition, I was drawn to the field because as a massage therapist, I can make someone’s life better in an hour (or the length of their session). I believe that everyone is a life-long learner. I am continuing to learn and hopefully make a difference in people’s lives.
I have cerebral palsy, which in my case means I walk with a bit of a limp. Thus, I know that massage therapy can help with range of motion and functional mobility from my own personal experiences. To some, the connection between assistant principal and massage therapist was not readily evident, but to me, it was a natural connection.
I initially did not intend to open my own business. I worked for a big, chain massage therapy franchise. I became frustrated when I would see clients come in and I would not be able to do all I could for them, because they did not pay for an upgrade. (I completely understand that businesses have to make money to stay in business, but it was still frustrating.)
When I started thinking about opening my own business, doors seemed to open, so I took this as a sign. Two office spaces that I was considering seemed promising but fell through. On a whim one day, I saw an advertisement for a beautiful building in the heart of The Woodlands. I did not have an appointment; I just went to see the building. It so happened that the manager was in the building and was able to show me the space. (Usually, the building manager works out of a Houston office.) She showed me the space and I completed the paperwork the next day. I signed the lease at the end of the week. This indeed is a much better location for me than the previous offices I had seen. I took this as a blessing and moved forward. I have learned in business, that if it seems you are having to force something, it’s not a fit that you should necessarily keep pursuing.
This is where the life-long learner part really kicked into high-gear. While I was confident in my massage therapy skills, the business owner side was new to me. Figuring out advertising, social media (at age 54), and putting myself out there as a business owner has been exciting, fun, and daunting at times. Basically, all the emotions. I can be a shy person by nature, until I get to know you. So, putting myself out there as a salesperson with a service to promote was not initially in my comfort zone. However, now I see this as a service that can help people enjoy a better life. I had one client tell me that I had given him back relaxation and mobility. Given that, I now view it as a disservice if I do not tell people about what massage therapy can do for them. So, if you are a shy person thinking about opening a business, perhaps this nugget of gained experience will be helpful.
I have been very blessed with great clients. My clients are really appreciative of what massage therapy has been able to do in their lives. To this point, I have 33 five-star reviews (Massage Book and Google combined).
My goal as a massage therapist is to help my clients achieve their goals. I use my educational background to continue to learn, grow my skills, and to make a difference. I do not believe in up-charges. If you need heat to make muscles relax, we use Himalayan Salt Stones, If you would like aromatherapy, you get it.
Membership packages also allow members to make self-care a regular part of their health-care. Members can choose membership packages that work best for them (session length, preferred massage technique (relaxation, Deep Tissue, Himalayan Salt Stones…). Length of session is also a client choice (60, 90, 120 minutes). If a member needs an extra massage during the month, that session is half price. In addition, if I do not have back-to-back appointments, members get an extra 30 minutes free added to their session. Because of the value of the memberships, most of my clients are members.
June 20th was my first-year business anniversary. I have learned so much in a year’s time. I am grateful to my clients for their appreciation and support. I hope to continue to become better and better and make a difference along the way. Life is an adventure!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been exciting and blessed, but it has not been smooth. I can be a shy person at first, until I get to know you. I have had to overcome this. I had one client tell me, that I had given him back relaxation and mobility. That was such a compliment. And, that is why I do what I do. So I had to re-frame my thoughts. I am doing people a disservice if I do not tell them what massage therapy can do for them. How, they can enjoy life. How regular self-care is regular health-care.
Also, learning how to effectively use social medial at age 54 has come with some learning curves. I was so excited and proud to open my business that I was nervous when I gave my first two client massages. I was able to tell them that I was excited and nervous, and I gave them a free session to come back in and get the massage session they deserved. They have both returned multiple times now. I learned to admit when something needs to be fixed and do your best to make it right.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hands With A Heart Massage Therapy is both the name of my business and my philosophy. I care about you. My goal is to use massage therapy to help you achieve your goals. I do not believe in up-charges. If you need a technique, it’s included. If you need Himalayan Salt Stones for heat to make muscles relax, we do it. If you would like aromatherapy, you get it. There have also been times where I have not been able to get the muscles to relax in the manner that I am totally satisfied with. (If it is a chronic condition, a few sessions may be required to get the desired results.) In those cases, I have given follow-up sessions at reduced rates. It really is about doing what is best for you. As far as business, my aim is to build a business one satisfied customer at a time.
I believe that education is key. I continue to intentionally learn something every day. After completing an extensive course (82 lessons) and hands-on training, I will be adding sports massage to modalities offered in September.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
That I can be shy. People who know me are surprised by this. In business and in any leadership role, you have to bring your best. This could mean at first your are pulled out of your comfort zone. However, little by little, your comfort zone expands to include your new set of skills.
Also, when I was little, I met Dolly Parton. Maybe it was a business sign that I would be working 9 to 5 (or longer hours).
Pricing:
- 60 Minute Massage Session: $70.00
- 90 Minute Massage Session: $100.00
- 120 Minute Massage Session $130.00
- Deep Tissue adds $10.00 to the above sessions.
- Memberships: 1. Select Session Lengths from Above. 2. Extra massages during the month are $50.00. 3. If I do not have back-to-back appointments, members get an extra 30 minutes free. (I cannot honor this perk if it is a last minute booking and I already have back-to-back appointments.) 4. Prices may increase in the future, but membership prices are guaranteed for two years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.handswithaheartmassage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcorcoran2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rustycorcoran
Image Credits:
Rusty Corcoran
