Today we’d like to introduce you to Stan McDonald.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Houston from San Diego as a Recruiter for an Express Package Service company in August 1997. After being here for two and a half years, my mother took ill and I left the company to help my family with her care. I was unemployed and I kept seeing the billboard sign off the 45 freeway with happy smiling faces from students at the Health Masters School of Massage. I interviewed with the director and I was hooked on the whole process. I especially like regular massages twice a week. I received my first massage in San Diego and I was prepared to give it a try.
In order to make a living at it, I knew I had to do more than give massages. Towards the end of my courses and into my internship, I received a cancer diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November of 2000. I had already purchased a massage table and I wanted to continue. I placed my massage table at the front door of my sister’s living room and it gave me something to look forward to after each round of chemotherapy. One of my classmates drove me to Austin to sit for my massage therapist exam in 2001. This gave me a break from radiation therapy. I managed to pass my exam and became cancer free in June of 2001. I spent 10 years giving back by volunteering at the Legacy Community Services Clinic as a Licensed Massage Therapist and helping to fundraise for many organizations. I began teaching at the Houston School of Massage in 2003 and I started Stan’s Hands Massage. A close friend (Umar of Beautybyumar.com) convinced me in January of 2016 to step outside my comfort zone and open a massage studio in his hair salon. I have been here a year and I am enjoying this collaboration. Stan’s Hands Massage and Wellness continues to support the community by helping people eliminate the stress from their lives.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth ride. I had to regain my energy from the chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Getting the finances together to get things going and keeping them going.
The loss of my mother and my eldest nephew made things more challenging.
Overcoming the fear of running a business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stan’s Hands Massage and Wellness – what should we know?
My business is a massage and wellness business. I specialize in a variety of massage modalities which include Swedish/Relaxation massage, Swedish Massage with Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Couples Massage Training.
I am a Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor and a Licensed Continuing Education Provider for massage therapists. I am known mostly for my Deep Tissue and Sports Massage. I am most proud of my business success in helping people feel better and participating in their rehabilitation and care. I am proud of Stan’s Hands Massage and Wellness’ success in working with clients in home healthcare and other clients with disabilities by providing adaptive massages.
What sets me apart from others is my patience and my ability to listen to and address the needs of my clients. I accomplish this by using a personalized approach with each client and working together with them to design their treatment.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I owe a lot of credit of my success to training at the Health Masters School of Massage Therapy. I owe a lot of credit to my eldest sister Yvonne for encouragement and motivation in every venture and her help in my accounting and bookkeeping efforts and keeping me grounded. I owe my other three sisters for their constant words of encouragement and support. My best friends, doctors and nurses for their care and helping me study for my state exam. My classmates who encouraged me, studied with me and drove me to Austin to take my exam. My friends, mentors and teachers at the Houston School of Massage. My business partner and friend who helps encourage me. Legacy Community Health Services for the encouragement and support.
Beautybyumar.com for inviting me into their space and motivating me. One of my internship clients for helping me with a company name.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1617 Westheimer Road ( Inside beautybyumar.com)
Houston, Texas 77006 - Website: www.stanshandsmassage.com
- Phone: 832-526-6520
- Email: stanshands2000@yahoo.com
- Facebook: stan’shealinghandsmassage@stanshealinghandsmassage
- Twitter: @stanshandsmassage.com
- Yelp: stanshandsmassage.com
Image Credit:
Thanks to the Stan’s Hands Massage and Wellness MS 150 team, the Team to End Aids, Sister’s Network and walk for Breast Cancer, Live Strong Relay for Life Team, beautybyumar.com, Efrain Garcia for some of the photography, Glenn van Gaalen for some photography, Aldine Family Hope Center, Legacy Community Health Services, Tom Rye, artist.
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
