What Going on Hiatus Means for Me, an Austin Bodyworker and Massage Therapist.

So… It's time for a little update on what's been going on with me, a bodyworker and massage therapist in Austin. In a world dominated by Instagram and social media, I've noticed a lack of conversation about how bodywork affects us, the massage therapists. Burnout, stress, and entrepreneurial struggles seem to be commonplace, but where's the support for those of us who take care of others?

I've had my share of challenges, especially during the pandemic (referring to those challenging years when the world was in distress) and some personal relationship changes that threw me for a complete loop. However, these experiences pushed me to pursue further education and explore my inner curiosities as a lifelong student. Not too bad of a turn given the shake to what I felt was my most rooted self.

In 2019, I attended a transformative Tantra Training that ignited my spirit and brought a sense of settling and belonging within myself. I was taken under mentorship in other traditions and have since been fortunate enough to share space with elders of smoke and paste medicines. This newfound energy also reflected in my work as a seasoned Yoga Teacher and Trainer, where creativity and community vibes thrived. My classes were packed with powerhouse people and smiles like sunshine. I was able to connect with beautiful people in a very short amount of time, mostly unaware of the auric toll it sometimes takes on me, if I don’t have a plan of release. So I stopped classes and workshops. Don’t worry, Rising Goddess and Yintimacy Classes will be back! Just give me some time to cultivate what my spirit truly desires.

Seeking to deepen my understanding of the body and soft tissue work, I enrolled in Massage School at Lauterstein Conway. While I enjoyed the experience, some of the information felt outdated and didn't resonate with me and my classmates. Having relatable and ego-free instructors is crucial in this journey. Thank goodness for my previous learnings and the continued education with ATLTantra, Goddess Amina Peterson. 2021 was a foundational year for me. I'm forever grateful for the community I've gained.

After graduation in 2020, I hit the ground running, offering Tantric sessions, Massage, and assisted stretching to clients and exploring new places through extensive travel. However, the pandemic lockdown delayed our return to the workforce as bodyworkers, and it made me realize the need to settle down and work from a singular space. So….

I started my practice at The Vortex in 2021, a small room in an old dentist's office on the West Side of Austin, Texas, that I completely remodeled. Despite initial excitement, landlord issues, safety concerns, and other vibes led me to close this space and search for a more suitable location. There was a sense of reclamation of being on this side of town. If you know the history of the ATX, well…you know.

In 2022, Enter The Portal – a magical space where sisterhood thrived. While mixing sisterhood and business had its ups and downs, I've learned the importance of authenticity and cultural sensitivity. Being a queer black woman in Austin's healing community can be challenging, but I strive to meet people where they are and stay true to myself. The lack of authenticity with Portal members created a triggering space for me, so the Portal was no more. Finding sacred space in this city is hard, and I decided that I would stop so I could just BUILD my own, at some point.

The demands of the entrepreneurial duties take a toll on my health – stress manifested in various ways, from body pains to fatigue. I had to learn to listen to my body and take better care of myself. Therefore, a hiatus was needed. I refuse burnout.

The hiatus from the business of touch allowed me to reflect and recharge. For me, it meant being less responsive to emails, taking time to sit with transitions, and easing up on the hustle. The time away allowed for clarity and self-reasoning, but deeply it was a reflection of how I need to do this more often! I was able to be creative in other endeavors of my life, including working more on Creative Direction, Branding, Digital Marketing, and Web Design. I’m a Squarespace Circle member! I'm currently working on a few more certifications, hosting Kinky Events, and planning a few epic road trips.

I don't want to feel tired in giving bodywork; my work should energize and fulfill me so I can be an oasis for others, which I thoroughly enjoy doing. With that being said, I need to be stronger, and stay strong, and that involves rest. I’ve been able to sit and stir on all of my teachings. I've made a few new offerings under the Energy Work section of my website and am also offering a Mini Retreat option with myself and other practitioners.

Now, as I emerge from the hiatus, I feel more empowered and focused on staying active. I will definitely be taking more hiatuses in the future. Thanks for your patience with me. I've discovered the joy of offering mobile massage sessions in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. It feels great to do what feels right and to share this feel-good energy with you!

If you're in need of rejuvenation, just a click away, peace awaits!