Exploring Life & Business with Lydia Walsh of Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Walsh

Hi Lydia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’d love to start off by introducing myself. My name is Lydia. I’m a Pisces, a middle child, a cat lady of 2, a lover of purple and iridescent, happily married, an avid book reader with a love of trash tv (thank you Bravo) and a fan of all things peanut butter and chocolate.

I remember my first migraine in 1st grade, and unfortunately they didn’t stop there. I lived with debilitating migraines that lasted for almost 12 years of my life. Massage therapy was one of the few things that could bring me comfort not just physically, but even emotionally. I felt like I could connect with my body as a whole, not just with the pain I constantly felt in my head. This is what ultimately ignited a passion for me to help others in their quest to live as happy, pain-free, and as comfortable as possible.

At 19 I decided I needed a change of scenery. I moved from Indiana to Michigan, pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education, but it wasn’t quite igniting the passion in me that I was chasing. I decided to check out the local massage therapy school here in Kalamazoo, not really intending to pursue an education, but honestly, it all just fell into place from there. I graduated from the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts the day after my 22nd birthday in 2012.

Shortly after graduating, I worked at a spa for nearly 4 years, but had felt the time had come to branch out in a different direction, and found myself at a Chiropractic/Holistic Health office for another 4 years.

I wasn’t sure what was next, but owning my own business had never really crossed my mind. It seemed too scary and uncertain, but in January 2020 an old colleague was looking for someone to use her studio space while she was on maternity leave, and to share the space once she returned. After many sleepless nights, I decided to give it a shot. If it didn’t work out, I could find work elsewhere. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.

I spent the next couple months getting everything together. All the legal things, gathering supplies, getting my booking site together, starting social media pages, and I was ready to open my doors on March 2nd, 2020.

It was a wonderful 2 weeks with more clients on my schedule than I would have thought when COVID hit, and I had to close my doors for nearly 4 months. That was one of the scariest, most anxiety-inducing, and stressful time of my life. I had no idea what would happen. I poured all of my energy, and quite a bit of savings into opening my business, and now I’m closed with no idea what was to come.

I can proudly say, I am about to celebrate my 5th anniversary, with a booming practice full of clientele I respect and adore. It has been quite a journey, but one I am so grateful I went on.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle through all of this was the COVID shutdown that happened only 2 weeks after I had opened my doors. I had no idea when, or even if, I could work as a massage therapist again. I had no idea how to gain clientele since public activities and events were all put on pause. I had no idea if anyone would even be interested in receiving a massage again.

I decided I wasn’t going to give up and put all my energy into my social media presence, reaching the community and make my name known for when things would hopefully return back to some sort of normalcy. Ultimately I think that’s what helped me get to where I am right now within my practice. Booked, busy and thriving!

As you know, we’re big fans of Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage is an independently owned massage studio located in Portage, MI, solely operated by me, Lydia Walsh, LMT. I have always had a passion for helping others, whether it be physically or emotionally, and holding space for others through touch has been a natural source of comfort for as long as I can remember.

I believe massage therapy can be used not only to help ease physical aches and pains, but help you both mentally and emotionally. Combining the skills I learned at the spa with the more holistic/medical approach I learned at the chiropractic office has helped me to create a unique blend of pain relief and relaxation with every session.

Each massage session is all-inclusive and tailored to meet your specific needs, meaning you pay for your time on the table with no added fees at the end. I listen to what both you and your body are telling me to provide you with the most relaxation and pain relief possible.

All therapeutic massages can utilize a combination of Swedish, SMRT (Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique), and Cupping Therapy techniques which promote deep relaxation, stress relief, and reduced muscle tension. Each session can be tailored to your needs with pressure, complimentary enhancements, or even targeted sessions to help relieve ailments like headaches/migraines or general back pain.

I love combining a variety of techniques, skills, modalities, and tools to deliver a truly individual session.

I strive to make my space feel as safe, and cozy, and comfortable as possible. My space respects all aspects of people including race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, age, religion, body shape, size, and abilities.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Receiving massage for the first time can be scary. You aren’t quite sure what to expect or what to do. You might even be worried you’ll be judged for this or that.

I just want you to know, that any passionate and knowledgeable and kind massage therapist doesn’t care if you shave your legs. We aren’t paying attention to any cellulite, stretch marks or birth marks. We don’t care about your unpolished toes, or your slightly dirty hair.

Every BODY deserves massage. I am not here to judge you or your body. I am here to facilitate your healing. You are worthy. You are safe. You deserve a moment of self care and stress relief.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rejuvenatewithlydia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rejuvenate_with_lydia/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RejuvenationTherapeuticMassage/