Business: Melissa Davey Massage
Owner: Melissa Davey
Website: www.melissadaveymassage.com
How did you get started with your business?
I guess you could say that I went from the ‘creative arts’ to the ‘healing arts’. I had been in the design and photography field for about 10 yrs. and was laid off at one point. I took it as an opportunity to explore the health and wellness field, which I had a growing interest in. I’ve always had an interest in nutrition, but also started doing a lot of yoga. I came across a great massage program at the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, MA and attended their complimentary introduction class. I signed up for school the following week. I thought it was something I would do on the side, maybe part-time, but I absolutely fell in love with massage and have been doing it, mostly full-time, ever since.
Tell us about the business:
I offer therapeutic massage including: Swedish, deep-tissue, sports and injury work, Thai table stretching, and pregnancy massage. I’ve been a massage therapist for over 7 yrs., and have had a private practice in Orleans for almost 4 yrs. I collaborate with my clients to find the best combination of techniques to address their issues.
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up just outside of Des Moines, Iowa and attended college at Drake Univ. in Des Moines. I moved to Boston after college in 1991, and lived there for 17 yrs., before moving to the Cape in 2008. I’ve been a New England-er for almost 21 yrs. I’m continually balancing both the small-town/ Midwest girl in me, with the urbanite. I really enjoy walking city streets and taking in the architecture, riding a crowded subway car and people watching, and getting my fix of cultural diversity. Yet, I also love walking in the woods, swimming, the peace and tranquility of being in a natural setting, gardening/digging in the dirt, and the slower pace of a rural life. It’s all about balance. I’ve been with my partner, Dave, for over 5yrs. We have a Norwegian Elkhound dog, Grady, who loves getting a massage as well.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nature. I’m fairly outdoorsy, and I find nature a spiritual place where I can unwind and connect with my own body. I always feel refreshed and awakened after my journeys.
What do you love about your business?
The one-on-one connection with people, and working first hand with the amazing healing process of the human body. I also love creative problem solving, so when someone comes to me with an ache or pain, I really enjoy working, collaboratively, with my clients to solve their issues. I also like how my job keeps me active; it’s very physical, so I need to stay in shape.
What are some ways that you promote your business?
I occasionally send out email correspondences that include some kind of special or coupon. I also sometimes attend networking meetings, and recently joined the Orleans Chamber of Commerce. My business relies so much on word-of-mouth, so my best promotion it to get my hands on as many people as possible, literally, and let them spread the good word.