Mary-Claire reveals her hands-on experience creating face, body & massage emolients products from everyday ingredients. With detailed chronicles of weeks spent fine-tuning the perfect blend of beeswax, castor oil, and avocado oil, she explores how these natural products can benefit your skin.

If you're intrigued by DIY skincare or want to know more about how natural products can support healthy skin, this episode will intrigue and inspire.

**Podcast Episode Summary:**

Today’s episode is all about using natural products like beeswax, castor oil, and avocado oil in the making of facial and body products. It can be used for self-care or as a lubrican for massage clients .

The topic gives a detailed description of the experimentation conducted over several weeks to create the desired texture of the product. The process involved the addition of varying amounts of avocado oil and castor oil to beeswax – a locally procured natural ingredient. The benefits of using these specific ingredients are also highlighted in the episode.

**Key Points**

- The making of a natural massage lubricant using beeswax, castor oil, and avocado oil.

- The benefits of using locally procured beeswax.

- The usefulness of Avocado and Castor oil for skin care.

- The experimentation to achieve the desired product consistency.

- Benefits of using natural and organic products over synthetic congested ones

This episode will captivate anyone intrigued by wellness, as our host candidly describes her transition from using chemical-laden massage creams to organic castor oil.

Hear Mary-Claire's account of the astounding healing and therapeutic properties of this ancient remedy. Whether you're a massage therapist, a wellness enthusiast, or merely someone that desires a healthier lifestyle, this episode will have you reevaluating the products you use and open your mind to the power of ancient remedies.

**Podcast Show Notes**

**Summary**

This podcast delves into the impact of massage oils and creams on our skin and general wellness. As a detox tool and a necessity in most massage therapy sessions, it is crucial that we form an awareness about the products we use. Primarily focusing on castor oil, an ancient remedy, we explore the benefits and potential use of castor oil in massage therapy and skin care routine.

**Key Points**

- Chemicals and artificial fragrances in massage oils can have harmful effects on our bodies.

- Switching to organic, natural oils or creams for massages is beneficial.

- Seed oils can be highly inflammatory.

- Castor Oil: An ancient remedy – It's anti-inflammatory, has some stickiness and glide to it, suitable for certain therapeutic treatments.

- Mixing castor oil with other oils (like avocado oil) can improve the texture and utility in massage practices.

- Castor oil is highly moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation.

- It's recommended to ask a client about any allergies before applying the oil.

- Adding essential oils to the blend can also help to suit the client's preferences.

- Castor oil can be mixed into creams to make them last longer, which can be especially beneficial in winter when the skin is drier.

**Link Mentioned**

Heritage Store Castor Oil - Large 32 oz bottle: https://amzn.to/47iF7GQ

 They also have a 16 oz bottle.

(Affiliate links pay a teensy commission, but it doesn't affect your price.)

Unmasking Inflammation: A Deep Dive into its Causes and Effects" - In this riveting episode, we embark on an enlightening journey exploring the enigma of inflammation, how it manifests within us and why our eating habits may be to blame.

From exploring seasonal outbreaks to revealing truths about sugar, this episode is packed with a wealth of information both for you and your clients.

If your clients are grappling with unusual aches and pains, join us on this exploration of the mystery behind inflammation and discover how you can bring relief. Discover why your diet could be the culprit behind those strange aches and pains and how to take control.

**Summary:**

In today's episode, we delve into the subject of inflammation, the impact it has on our bodies and its connection to our diet. With the holiday season in full swing, it's particularly important to understand how our food choices can lead to increased aches, pains and inflammations. We discuss diverse ways inflammation appears in the body and identify certain food triggers that may exacerbate inflammation. This information can not only help you personally but provide valuable insights you can potentially pass on to your clients.

**Key Points:**

- Inflammation can manifest in different areas including joints, digestive system, respiratory system, skin, brain (causing mood issues or brain fog), heart and blood vessels, autoimmune diseases, and in muscles and connective tissues.

- Certain foods trigger inflammation: refined carbohydrates, trans fats, omega six fatty acids, alcohol, processed meat, excess refined salts, cooking oils, and dairy, especially for those who are sensitive or allergic.

- Changes in diet can significantly impact the level of inflammation in the body. Choosing healthier alternatives, reducing alcohol intake, and limiting consumption of processed foods can make a difference.

- As massage therapists, being aware of these factors can help in providing better care to clients, especially during the holiday season when dietary choices may differ.

**Links Mentioned:**

[RealMilk.com] https://www.realmilk.com

 - Resource for finding raw milk,

[MassageMomentum.com]https://www.massagemomentum.com

 - For further information, resources, and freebies.

To ask any questions or share comments, reach email at hello@massagemomentum.com.

Tune into a heartfelt episode that focuses on the importance of empathy and respect in the wellness industry. Through the emotional recounting of a friend's humiliating experience during a standard massage session, a startling reality comes to light about body shaming and professional conduct. This episode acts as a mirror, prompting us to reevaluate our attitudes and language, reminding us how they can shape someone else's experience.

**Podcast Episode 17: A Lesson in Empathy and Professionalism for Massage Therapists**

In this episode, we delve into a personal narrative shared by a close friend about his unfortunate experience at a massage therapy franchise. Suffering from Parkinson’s disease and seeking relief through deep tissue massages, he faced an unpleasant instance of body shaming and mockery that has repercussions on how he approached massage therapy onward. This episode educates therapists about the power of their words and the importance of empathy in their approach to clients. We underscore the significance of sensitivity, kindness, and confidentiality in the job.

**Key Points**

- The narrator’s friend, a Parkinson’s patient, recounts an upsetting incident of body shaming at a massage therapy franchise, which was a blow to his expectation of professionalism.

- The therapists at the franchise were overheard making fun of him needing a restroom break during the massage session.

- The incident had a profound impact on him, causing embarrassment, anger, and humiliation.

- Expresses disappointment about the lack of empathy and understanding from the therapists.

- Important for therapists to remember the trust and vulnerability clients place in them and always be mindful of their words and actions.

- Importance of treating clients with kindness, patience, and love irrespective of what could be the circumstance.

- Therapists should reflect on their words and actions and consider how they would feel if they were in a similar situation as a client.

- Emphasises that understanding and addressing people's ailments and difficulties with sensitivity forms the backbone of being a reliable massage therapist.

Send me a note on your thoughts: mailto:maryclaire@massagemomentum.com

Episode 16 digs into the challenging and often great reluctance of many massage therapists - raising their rates.

In this compelling conversation, we delve into the root causes of such fears, from self-confidence to competition to business skills in this lucrative and complex industry. Tune in and equip yourself with the insights and strategies necessary to confidently raise your rates without losing your clients.

**Podcast Show Notes**

* Summary

This episode is all about conquering fear and building confidence as a massage therapist, mainly focusing on raising rates. We explore the five reasons why massage therapists are hesitant about raising their charges, provide assistance on how to overcome each one, and discuss how to effectively raise rates without scaring away clients.

* Key Points

- Lack of confidence is a major reason massage therapists hesitate to increase their rates.

- Competition should be seen as a driving force rather than a threat.

- Lack of business skills often results in therapists undervaluing their services.

- Massage therapists need to understand the investment of time and energy required in their profession.

- Many therapists perceive resistance from clients about rate increases. But will you actually receive  it?

* Links Mentioned

- Link to free PDF download on how to raise rates https://www.massagemomentum.com/raising-your-rates

Tune in for a hard-earned tale of a massage therapist's adventures with Groupon.

From the overwhelming response to her discount deal to juggling a flood of new clients, the episode provides key insights into setting and maintaining professional boundaries. It’s a must-listen episode for those pondering the allure of discount coupons for their businesses.

Learn from Mary-Claire's discovery of growth and transformation after selling a crap ton of 90-minute Groupon massages. She shares the lessons she learned in terms of maintaining boundaries, understanding her ideal client, and standing up for herself as a business owner.

**Key Points:**

- The episode opens with a discussion around the value of a massage service and questioning whether one should ever discount their service.

-  Mary-Claire shares her personal experience of signing a deal with Groupon over a decade ago, leading her to offering massive discounts on her services.

- Groupon sales can be overwhelming and lack of knowledge about how the platform works can lead to over-commitment.

- Enforcing boundaries and saying no is crucial for both personal balance and quality of service.

- Understanding your ideal client can help filter out those seeking discounted services from those who truly value your service.

- Having clear rules and policies can help in maintaining boundaries and treating customers fairly.

- Regularly discounting your services may undervalue your capabilities and set a negative precedent.

**Links**

www.massagemomentum.com

In episode 14 of Massage Momentum, embark on a personal journey with Mary-Claire from the days of working in a bustling day spa and a chiropractor's office to establishing a vibrant, profitable massage practice with a membership that exceeded her expectations..

This episode is not only a pit stop for massage therapists but a resource hub for all wellness providers and holistic practitioners. Tune in to understand how pricing, communication, launch styles, and making strategic rules and boundaries in your practice can turn your passion into a thriving business.

**Key Points:**

- The advantages and disadvantages of working at a day spa or chiropractor's office, and starting an independent practice.

- Why not to market services in school play programs.

- How to solve the problem of clients who love the service but forget to come back.

- The concept of online course development applied to personal practice.

- The investment in starting a massage membership and practical advice on increased income.

- Things to take into consideration when starting an in-person membership.

- Importance of detailed policies and terms for a massage membership.

- Details on an upcoming course called "Massage Memberships Made Easy", available October 8-12, 2023.

- Let's be Insta friends! https://www.instagram.com/maryclairefredette/

**Links mentioned:**

- www.massagemomentum.com :

Upcoming course signup and free webinar for considering a massage membership.

For questions or inquiries, email hello@massagemomentum.com

It wasn't until I was working on an online membership as a back -end support for the company that I co-founded, the Center for Barefoot Massage, that it finally occurred 💡 to me that what I had learned would apply to an in person subscription too!

In today's podcast, I talk out how I "mis-mathed" my original membership and additional income. Der.

Did you know there's a lot to think about when it comes to creating a massage membership? Listen in to get some tips.

And, BTW, this content applies to anyone who's in a service-based business where you'd like to see clients at least monthly:

✔️ Massage therapists

✔️ Bodyworkers

✔️ Estheticians

✔️ Barbers

✔️ Hair stylists

✔️ Lash techs

and more.

Take a listen🎧 if you're in this kind of work and share ♻️ with a friend.

In episode 13, we venture into the uncharted waters of mindful email marketing for wellness professionals! Discover how a boxing metaphor can ramp up your interaction with clients and keep your diary full, without the desperation discount.

We plunge deep into the nuances of providing value in each communication, making your emails irresistible. Will this episode be the game-changer for your business? Tune in to find out!

**Episode Summary:**

In episode 13, we dive deep into the world of email marketing for massage therapists. We discuss the common pitfalls most therapists succumb to and how to navigate out of them. This episode aims to enlighten massaging professionals on the importance of connecting with clients consistently and establishing a regular email schedule to prevent clients from forgetting about scheduling appointments. Additionally, we provide tips on valuable content to share with your clients, such as self-care tips and wellness advice, and how to promote new modalities or share client testimonials. We also touch on using email to announce new packages or memberships.

**Key Points:**

- It's crucial to connect with clients regularly. Weekly emails are most recommended.

- Don't fall into the trap of only emailing clients when you have slots to fill. It's better to provide consistent valuable content rather than one-off promotional content.

- Use an email service provider like MailChimp, Mad Mimi, or Mailer Lite for broadcasting your emails.

- Share valuable, non-salesy content at least thrice before promoting any sales or packages. Your emails should serve your readers first before promoting your services.

- Use the Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook marketing technique by Gary Vaynerchuk. The jabs are valuable content sent to your clients while the right hook represents a call to action or promotional content.

- If writing emails becomes overwhelming, consider purchasing the social awareness email packages.

**Links Mentioned:**

- [Mailer Lite] https://www.mailerlite.com/

- [MailChimp] https://mailchimp.com/

- [Mad Mimi]https://madmimi.com/

- [Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk] https://amzn.to/3RDnWut

- [Social awareness emails-just $47. Massive time saver!] https://massagemomentum.com/products/social-awareness-emails

Let’s be friends on Insta! https://www.instagram.com/maryclairefredette/