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The Massage and Spa Success Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Gael Wood
Elevate your massage or spa business with advertising & marketing ideas, massage business planning tips, and mindset management. Join Gael Wood, founder of Massage and Spa Success courses and events, a Massage Magazine All Star, and World Massage Hall of Fame inductee for casual conversations, and simple strategies for success!
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- 3 weeks ago17 min
My Top Three Hacks To Get Out Of My Comfort Zone And Taking Action
Resources & Links: 🔗 Join the Massage & Spa Success Club: MSS Club🔗 Send me your podcast topic ideas! Leave a voice note here.🔗 Follow me on Instagram: @GaelWood 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review & share with a fellow massage therapist! 🎧 Subscribe & Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Access Your Free Toolkit! Unlock the Massage and Spa Success Free Toolkit, which is filled with valuable resources to help you elevate your business! Visit this link to get started: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-massage-and-spa-success-free-toolkit Do not forget to subscribe to the Massage and Spa Success Podcast for more expert interviews, helpful tips, and actionable business strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your therapist friends!
- Feb 24, 202634 min
Michael Ortiz Jr – The Salon Suite Business Model
In this session, Gael sits down with Michael Ortiz Jr, a massage therapist turned multi-business owner, suite landlord, and founder of The Unreasonable Life. Michael built his first practice inside a shared room, scaled to a six-therapist operation, transitioned into business coaching, and now runs two multi-room salon suite locations while helping practitioners build profitable, peaceful, sustainable businesses. This episode breaks down the salon suite model in a way most practitioners have never heard: what it really takes to open one, who it’s best suited for, what renters look for, how to screen tenants, the financial realities, and the unexpected challenges that come with managing a multi-room space. If you’ve ever considered expanding beyond hands-on work, moving into semi-passive income, or renting a suite yourself, this conversation is essential. Michael’s philosophy is simple: profit creates peace—and the suite model can offer that when executed with clarity, structure, and the right people. Key Topics Covered Michael’s journey from therapist to multi-location suite owner How his early struggles shaped his approach to business and coaching Employee model vs. suite model: which is right for you What successful suite renters need before moving in The must-haves in a suite space: parking, layout, zoning, amenities How to price suites, evaluate profitability, and avoid costly mistakes Negotiating leases, free rent, TI (tenant improvements), and contractor pitfalls Building a supportive renter community that reduces turnover Memorable Insights • Renters are your customers—not your employees • The wrong tenant costs more than an empty room • Peace comes from systems, boundaries, and choosing the right people • Pre-screen finances and personality before renting a suite • Profitability depends more on retention than high rent prices • Two to three sessions a week often cover rent for a solo renter • Suite ownership is simple—but not easy Resources Mentioned 💰 Michael’s Pricing for Profit Masterclass 👉 https://michaelortizjr.com/ 📲 The Band App (used for renter community and communication) 👉 https://www.band.us/en Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/ Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info: 📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/massage-and-spa-success-free-ebook 📧 Email Gael 🔗 support@elevatewithgael.com🎙️ Send a Voice Memo 🔗 https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL <
- Feb 24, 202639 min
Alfonso Smith – Things to Know When Running Your Own Practice
In this episode, Gael sits down with licensed massage therapist, medical massage practitioner, YouTube creator, and World Massage Hall of Fame inductee Alfonso Smith, known online as “The Massage Expert.” With over a decade of experience working with professional athletes, running a mobile massage business, and now managing a thriving office-based practice, Alfonso shares the lessons and strategies that shaped his path as an independent practitioner. This conversation is filled with practical business insight, marketing ideas, and the mindset shifts needed to grow a sustainable practice. Whether you’re launching your first massage business or refining the one you already have, this episode offers real-world guidance on niching, regulations, marketing, income streams, and client communication. You’ll walk away understanding what it truly takes to build a practice that fits your skills, your market, and your long-term goals. Alfonso Smith is the owner of Massage Expert LLC in Fayetteville, North Carolina. With a background in Health Fitness, CNA training, medical massage, and sports recovery, he blends clinical understanding with strong communication skills to help clients improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance performance. He also creates educational and product-based content across multiple YouTube channels and develops professional-grade wellness products, including his soy candle line. Key Topics Covered How Alfonso Entered Massage Therapy and Built on His Fitness and CNA Background Mobile vs. Office-Based Practice: What to Expect and How to Choose Navigating State Rules, Licensing, Permits, and Business Foundations Finding Your Niche and Aligning It with Your Local Market Using Chiropractic Experience to Sharpen SOAP Notes and Pain-Relief Skills Marketing Strategies That Work: Word of Mouth, Outreach, and Lean Social Media Why YouTube Is a Powerful Trust-Building Tool for Massage Therapists Product Lines, Passive Income, and Practical Ways to Diversify Understanding Niche vs. Target Audience and How to Build Around Real Demand Affiliate Marketing and Long-Term Opportunities for Growth Developing CE Courses and Expanding Professional Influence Use Alfonso’s Business Success Principles • Know your regulations and document everything• Build skills through high-volume experience and CE training• Let your audience define your niche• Use personal outreach to accelerate trust• Create simple add-ons that enhance client experience and revenue Memorable Insights • You often don’t know what you need in business until you need it—yet you’re still responsible for it• Your niche is the skillset; your audience determines which skills you use most• Word of mouth outperforms social media when clients already trust you• YouTube content builds instant credibility through “show, don’t tell” marketing• Products clients take home reinforce your brand every time they use them• Diversifying income is helpful, but clinical excellence must come first• Small, consistent business actions compound into long-term success Resources Mentioned 🌐 Website 🔗 https://MassageExpertLLC.com🤝 Social Media 🔗 @MassageExpertLLC (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)📺 YouTube Channels: Massage Expert Wellness Lab 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MassageExpertWellnessLab Shop Massage Expert 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@ShopMassageExpert Massage Expert Review 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@MassageExpertReview Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 <a href="https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood" target
- Feb 24, 202626 min
Shawn Stewart – How to Build Trust Through Draping
In this episode, Gael sits down with award-winning massage therapist and Hall of Fame inductee Shawn Stewart to explore one of the most overlooked skills in massage therapy: draping. From building instant trust to maintaining safety, professionalism, and client comfort, Shawn explains why a secure, intentional drape is one of the most powerful tools a therapist has. This conversation shines a light on the standards, techniques, and communication practices that help clients feel safe, respected, and fully able to relax. Whether you’re a new therapist or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will help you refine your draping skills, reduce anxiety in session, and elevate your overall professionalism. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, new awareness, and a deeper understanding of how draping shapes the entire client experience. Shawn Stewart is the owner of Stone Tower Massage, a CE provider, and a decorated massage therapist known for excellence in both wellness and sports categories. He has earned Gold in Wellness Massage, Silver in Sports, and recognition as the 4th Best Sports Massage Therapist in the world. As a judge for multiple massage championships, he brings a unique perspective on what truly creates trust, safety, and high-level professional standards. His passion for body mechanics and longevity in the field informs his teaching and hands-on approach. Key Topics Covered Why Draping Is the Foundation of Client Trust The “High and Tight” Standard and What It Communicates How Competitions Judge Draping and Common Mistakes Special Considerations for Male Therapists The Role of Communication in Building Client Confidence Adapting Draping for Different Body Types and Movements Practical Drape Techniques for Arms, Legs, and Stretching Using Draping to Set Professional Boundaries Environment, Comfort, and the Subtle Details Clients Notice Use Shawn’s Trust-Building Draping Principles • Safety through secure coverage• Clear boundaries that protect therapist and client• Confident, consistent technique• Intentionality in every fold, tuck, and movement Memorable Insights • Draping is one of the strongest nonverbal signals of professionalism• A loose drape creates uncertainty and disrupts relaxation• Male therapists must be especially intentional to establish trust• Clients assume your draping standard reflects your whole practice• Confidence in your drape creates confidence in your session• Draping is a skill that improves with study, practice, and observation Resources Mentioned 🤝 Connect with Shawn on Facebook 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/sdslmt🌐 Follow Shawn on Instagram 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/stmassage_shawn/ Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/ Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info: 📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide 🔗 <a href="https://www.elevatewithgael.com/massage-and-spa-success-free-ebook"
- Feb 24, 202629 min
Paul Kohlmeier – Cupping for TMJ Pain Management
In this episode, Gael sits down with Paul Kohlmeier, a clinician, educator, and co-owner of Cupping Canada and Cupping USA. With more than two decades of experience in clinical practice, Paul is known for blending traditional cupping techniques with current research, helping therapists understand not just how to cup, but why cupping works. His background spans massage therapy, athletic recovery, pain management, and teaching thousands of practitioners in both Canada and the United States. Paul’s approach is practical, relatable, and grounded in evidence-informed methods that therapists can apply immediately. With this deep well of experience, Paul brings clarity to what cupping actually does, why it works, and how massage therapists can use it safely and effectively in TMJ and pain-focused sessions. This discussion breaks down the science, the misconceptions, the practical techniques, and the powerful nervous-system effects that make cupping such a useful tool. If you’ve ever been curious about cupping, felt unsure what to do with the cups you bought, or want a fast way to change pain and range of motion for TMJ clients, this episode is a must-hear. Key Topics Covered Paul’s unexpected introduction to cupping and two decades of clinical evolution What cupping does from a nervous-system and tissue perspective The difference between decompression, static cupping, massage cupping, and movement cupping Why cupping often changes pain quickly Understanding marks, bruising, redness, and client expectations Why cupping works so well for TMJ and TMD clients How to use cupping to improve jaw opening, comfort, and session tolerance Sending clients home with cups and safe self-care strategies Memorable Insights • Cupping provides a novel input no other soft-tissue technique offers • Pain modulation is one of cupping’s most consistent clinical effects • Most “adhesions” aren’t truly being broken apart—changes come from hydration, neuromodulation, and improved glide • Movement-based cupping amplifies nervous-system response • Cupping early in a TMJ session often makes intraoral work easier • Dosage matters—home-care cupping can extend clinical results • Safety, technique, and training matter when cupping professionally Resources Mentioned 📚 Cupping Canada / Cupping USA — Paul’s education programs 🔗 https://courses.cuppingcanada.com/collections 🇨🇦 Connect with Cupping Canada Inc. here 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/CuppingCanada/ 🇺🇸 Connect with Cupping USA here 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/CuppingUSA Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/ Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info: 📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide 🔗<sp
- Feb 24, 202642 min
Felicia Brown – Developing a Positive Mindset
In this episode, Gael is joined by business, marketing, and mindset coach Felicia Brown for an uplifting and very real conversation about what it truly means to cultivate a positive mindset as a massage and wellness professional. Together they explore how the thoughts you choose about yourself, your clients, and your circumstances ripple into your business, your leadership, and the energy you bring into every session. Rather than pretending everything is fine, Felicia talks honestly about feeling overwhelmed, getting lost, facing hard things, and still choosing to look for possibility and growth. You will hear practical tools for shifting your inner dialogue, simple “do one thing” actions to move out of stuck energy, and ways to frame challenges as opportunities without falling into fake or forced positivity. Felicia Brown is a longtime educator and coach in the massage and spa world, a bestselling author, and the creator of Positive Thought Cards and Felicia Brown Originals art and apparel. She has owned spas, coached countless practitioners, and now blends her love of mindset, marketing, and creativity to help wellness professionals attract clients, create sustainable practices, and bring more joy into their work and life. Her work centers on connection, kindness, and the belief that a positive mindset is a daily practice, not a personality trait. Key Topics Covered What a Positive Mindset Really Is (and Is Not) Choosing Your Perspective in Challenging Situations The “Do One Thing” Practice for Shifting Your Energy Clearing Mental and Physical Clutter to Make Space for Good Feeling Your Feelings Without Getting Stuck in Them How Positivity Impacts Leadership, Team Culture, and Clients Reframing Business Problems as Opportunities Catching and Rewriting Negative Self Talk Asking for Help and Hiring to Your Weaknesses Daily Inputs and Habits that Support a Positive Mindset Small Acts of Connection that Lift You and Your Clients Standing in Your Own Values Even When Others Disagree Memorable Insights A positive mindset is a choice you make again and again, not something you either have or do not have Small actions create momentum, one dish or one email at a time You can feel your feelings fully and still choose to move toward hope and possibility Reframing “I have to” into “I get to” transforms your daily experience Business challenges can become spiritual and personal growth training You do not have to be positive every minute to be a positive person Connection, kindness, and being present can shift a client session more than perfect technique You do not need everyone to like you, it is more important that you like who you are being Resources Mentioned 🌐 Felicia Brown website and coaching 🔗 https://feliciabrown.com 🎨 Positive Thought Cards and Felicia Brown Originals art and apparel 🔗 https://www.feliciabrownoriginals.com/ Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/ Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info: 📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success
- Feb 24, 202630 min
Julie Campbell – Instagrowth for Massage Therapists
In this episode, Gael sits down with business coach, AI developer, and former massage therapist Julie Campbell to simplify the path to Instagram success for wellness providers. From choosing the right content formats to making Reels feel less intimidating, Julie breaks down the practical steps that help massage therapists grow their audience and turn followers into real booked appointments. Whether you’re brand new to Instagram or you’ve tried posting without results, this episode will help you understand what works, what to avoid, and how to create a consistent, sustainable marketing routine that actually brings in clients. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and simple strategies you can start using immediately. Julie Campbell is the founder of The Aligned Practice and a former massage therapist who built her own successful private practice before transitioning into coaching. After years of learning business skills the hard way, she now helps massage therapists and wellness providers grow with ease using soulful strategy, smart systems, and practical tools like AI. Her Instagram expertise comes from rebuilding her own account from low engagement to thousands of aligned followers while booking a consistent stream of clients. Key Topics Covered Julie’s Journey from Massage Therapist to Business Coach Why Instagram Works Especially Well for Massage Therapists A Simple Posting Strategy: Reels, Images, and Carousels Making Reels Less Intimidating and More Authentic Using AI Tools to Brainstorm Content Hashtag Strategies That Actually Help How to Use Instagram Stories to Fill Your Schedule The Power of Consistency and Repetition in Marketing Use Julie’s Practical Instagram Framework • Sustainable Posting• Mixed Content Formats• Authenticity Over Perfection• Data-Informed Adjustments Memorable Insights • Instagram is where most ideal clients already spend time• Authentic, imperfect posts attract more connection than polished ones• Stories are an easy way to share openings and get booked• You only need a small, high-quality content routine to grow• Marketing works when it’s consistent, not perfect• People book when the timing is right, so repetition matters Resources Mentioned 🤝 Connect with Julie through Instagram 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/alignedpracticehq 📚 Connect with Julie and explore her resources 🔗 https://alignedpractice.io/get-support Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/ Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info: 📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/massage-and-spa-success-free-ebook 📧 Email Gael 🔗 <a href="mailto:support@elevatewithgael.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nore
- Feb 24, 202621 min
Michelle Roos – Mobile Massage Business – Getting Started and Success
In this episode, Gael sits down with mobile massage therapist, CE provider, and co owner of Cupping USA and Cupping Canada, Michelle Roos, to dive into what it really takes to start and succeed with a mobile massage business. From pricing and scheduling to safety, logistics, and boundaries, Michelle shares hard won lessons from 23 years in practice so therapists can avoid burnout, earn sustainably, and build a business that fits their life. This conversation is a practical guide for anyone considering going mobile or wanting to improve an existing mobile practice. This episode will help you understand how to set rates, manage your time, screen clients, and create systems that keep you safe and profitable. You will walk away with concrete steps, realistic expectations, and a clearer picture of who mobile massage is and is not right for. Michelle Roos is a long time mobile massage therapist, board certified continuing education provider, and co owner of Cupping USA and Cupping Canada. She is also the creator of Mobile Massage Mastery, where she teaches, mentors, and leads an active Facebook community for massage therapists around the world. Her work focuses on practical systems for screening, safety, marketing, and business fundamentals, all grounded in real life experience on the road and in a wide range of clinical and event settings. Key Topics Covered How Michelle Fell Into Mobile Massage and Built Her Career Early Mistakes With Pricing, Driving, and Burnout Setting Rates That Reflect Travel Time and Distance Who Mobile Massage Is a Great Fit For Who Probably Will Not Enjoy Mobile Work Working With Hotels, Celebrities, and Athletes Scheduling, Session Lengths, and Route Planning Safety Essentials for Mobile Therapists Must Have Gear and Simple Mobile Setups Why Your Website and Google Profile Matter So Much What Is Inside the Mobile Massage Mastery Program Use Michelle’s Mobile Massage Success Framework • Price for travel, time, and effort• Pre screen for safety and fit• Group clients by area and control your schedule• Simplify equipment and systems• Use a professional website to attract ideal clients Memorable Insights • Charging “per hour” without factoring in travel can quietly reduce your earnings to a fraction of your rate• Most mobile clients choose the service for convenience and will not switch to an office space• Mobile work is ideal for therapists who like freedom, variety, and problem solving• Clear boundaries, deposits, and pre screening help filter out unsafe or inappropriate clients• A clean, professional website and Google Business page can open doors to high level clients and special events• Safety is not only about instincts, it is about systems and habits that you follow every single time Resources Mentioned 💆🏻♀️ Mobile Massage Mastery Facebook group 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/mobilemassagemastery 🤝 Connect with Michelle here 🔗 https://michellesmassage2go.com/ Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors 💆🏻♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/ Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info: 📚 Join the
About The Massage and Spa Success Podcast
Elevate your massage or spa business with advertising & marketing ideas, massage business planning tips, and mindset management. Join Gael Wood, founder of Massage and Spa Success courses and events, a Massage Magazine All Star, and World Massage Hall of Fame inductee for casual conversations, and simple strategies for success!
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