Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Each month, we will be introducing you to a former Bellevue Massage School graduate to provide you a little wisdom and insight on the massage therapy industry. January's Grad of the Month is Red Braat!
"When I started at BMS, I wasn't really sure that massage was going to be my new career. But I thought, I couldn't lose by learning about bodywork," Red said. "Once I got immersed in the program, I realized how right it was for me."
Red credits her instructors at BMS for preparing her with skills like approaching and communicating with clients. "Marketing is also a big thing that's covered in class," Red says. "Everyone needs to listen up on this topic, because even if you're an employee of a business, you still need to market yourself and your skills."
Since graduating in 2011, Red now has her own Bellevue massage practice appropriately called, A Touch of Red. She also expanded her expertise by mastering Ashiatsu, a modality that uses the feet to apply pressure instead of the hands.
What advice does Red have for future or current BMS students? "Be very professional: responsible, clean, on-time, and organized but let your personality shine! Be your own advocate: many places want to underpay you and will if you agree to it. And people look forward to their massages...this is a hugely wonderful thing we do. Unlike most healthcare providers, they actually want to see you! Make them feel welcomed and seriously have fun!"
