Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Fitzpatrick.
Hi Caitlin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2016. But my first degree was an associate in graphic design. My last semester I realized I didn’t want to pursue graphic design anymore. Sitting behind a computer and staring at a screen all day didn’t sound like something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I realized I wanted to go into the health field where I could help people. So, I considered a few avenues I could take. Immediately being a nurse or doctor was out of the question as I get queasy at the sight of blood or needles. I job shadowed a physical therapist and it still didn’t seem like the right fit. In my search, I stumbled upon a massage therapy school near me. I checked current hiring trends and average hourly pay for massage therapists in Michigan and it looked promising. The fact that I could become certified in a year in this non-invasive health field was a dream!
Cut to January 2020. I had been employed as a licensed massage therapist for 4 years. I was starting to feel like I needed a change and wasn’t sure what that meant. Then it happened, the business I was working for was forced to shut down March 16, 2020. All of a sudden, I felt like my purpose was ripped from me and I wasn’t necessary anymore. To say it was hard is an understatement.
When I could claw out of my depression and off the couch, I’d research and brainstorm ideas of what to do next. Did I want to continue in this field? Did I want to go back to the company I was working for? I was so lost. The only things getting me through these dreadful weeks were my loving and supportive boyfriend (now my fiancé), and my therapist.
Then in July, my company told us that we’d be coming back to work within the month. My first instinct was “I don’t want to go back there.” And so, I told them I wouldn’t be coming back. Still not comfortable with being up close and personal with strangers and no vaccine in sight, I continued trying to find a different course.
I came across online yoga certification, and later that year I became a certified yoga teacher. This is when I first began dabbling in the world of self-employment. I was teaching online yoga classes via Zoom. My graphic design skills proved most helpful with social media, online scheduling, and creating my website. I was definitely learning as I went.
But I knew yoga wasn’t my true passion. As soon as I was able to start massaging people again, I knew this was my true purpose. So, I began working out of my home until I traded massages with my now current co-worker at Avalon Massage Collective in East Lansing, MI. She was opening up wellness place and looking for other massage therapists to join her. I instantly said yes.
September 2021 I was officially renting a room at Avalon and bringing in my own clients. Slowly I grew my clientele. I even got a part-time job at Lansing Community College as an assistant teacher in the massage program. My passion has truly been confirmed and I can’t imagine doing anything else!
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?
So many struggles! Being unemployed in a pandemic took a HUGE toll on my mental health. I felt like I had no purpose anymore, my finances were dwindling, and the depression I already had was 10x worse. When I was finally offered to come back to work, I knew I didn’t want to. That meant I would have an 18-month non-compete to deal with, and that was HARD.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Caitlin Fitzpatrick, LMT?
My business was originally called Your Friendly Yogi, as I started it strictly as a yoga teacher. But I confirmed my true passion as a massage therapist, and I now provide massages as well as yoga sessions. I’m mostly proud of my mission: helping people take care of their bodies so they can continue doing what they love. We only have one body and it’s so important that we take care of it. I also make it known that I’m an LGBTQIA+ ally, as my goal is to always make sure people feel safe a supported. My massages start at 60 minutes for $80 and all my services and offers can be found on my website: YourFriendlyYogi.com
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As an ABMP member as a massage therapist, I am constantly taking continuing education courses to grow my knowledge in the field. As for books, The Four-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss was a great eye-opener. It helped me transition my mindset from employee to entrepreneur. Networking with my local massage therapist community has been the best resource though in terms of helping to grow my business.
Pricing:
- 60 min massage……….$80
- 90 min massage……….$110
- 120 min massage……….$155
- 30 min private yoga……….$40
- 60 min private yoga……….$80
Contact Info:
- Website: YourFriendlyYogi.com
- Instagram: @YourFriendlyYogi
- Facebook: @YourFriendlyYogi
- Youtube: Your Friendly Yogi
