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Working from home
I know that many people run successful massage businesses out of their homes. My question to you is are they really successful? I have two (very friendly) cats and a dog (who I can always put in the back yard when people come over. I have a spare room that is used for nothing but massage, my table is permanently set up there, i have a cabinet for sheets, a rack with oils and lotions and it's decorated pretty zen. So when booking with someone do I just inform them that, yes I work out of my home, yes there are animals present (they don't ever come in the massage room) ? I love being an MT but I hate not being my own boss. If anyone has pointers I'd love to hear them.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hannah Flynn on
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Maybe it would be best to be an independent contractor in someone elses business? You get to be your own boss with no worries about who is coming into your house and if they will have issues with your animals.
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Permalink Reply by Linda LePelley, RN, NMT on
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I work out of my home and it is the perfect situation for me, but I have an ideal setup. My clinic room has it's own entrance and bathroom, so, I do not have clients entering the home space. I am able to maintain a fully separate, professional environment. Drawbacks may be local zoning laws, it took me 2 years to get permission to work out of my home. Also, even though our liability insurance covers related damage to the home, some insurers don't want to insure a home with a business in it. Also, because the clinic is in my home, I do not include my address in the little advertising I do, I'm not comfortable with the prospect of just anybody showing up at the house. So, almost all of my new business is from referrals. On the plus side, you save a nice bit of cash on rent and utilities, it's easy to grab a bite for lunch on those days you overbook, and you never have to drive in the rain to get to work!
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Permalink Reply by Leslie A. Young on
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My animals are integral to my life, too. And I understand that some guests aren't comfortable with that. But I think full disclosure is wise on your part. Like souls find each other and so hopefully your honesty will help you attract clients who appreciate the animals' energy in your space. And further respect the fact that you do your best to keep your treatment room furr free.
And have you ever thought about practicing animal massage? Might be an interesting way to augment your business. And the furry clients' companions need massages, too. Could lead to an interesting circle of clients.
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Permalink Reply by Cassandra Cravens on
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I love the animal massage idea. Are there training classes or is that more of an intuitive practise?
Leslie A. Young said:My animals are integral to my life, too. And I understand that some guests aren't comfortable with that. But I think full disclosure is wise on your part. Like souls find each other and so hopefully your honesty will help you attract clients who appreciate the animals' energy in your space. And further respect the fact that you do your best to keep your treatment room furr free.
And have you ever thought about practicing animal massage? Might be an interesting way to augment your business. And the furry clients' companions need massages, too. Could lead to an interesting circle of clients.
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Permalink Reply by Hannah Levy on
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Hi Cassandra - We recently published an article in Massage & Bodywork magazine about Animal Massage. The article mentions a few schools, trainers, and classes that might be helpful for you to get in contact with if you have questions or would like training on animal massage. http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70551/25
Hope this helps!
- Hannah
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Permalink Reply by Stacey Breslin on
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I have my own business, mostly working out of my home, and have 2 dogs.. one being a 100 lb lab so yes, it is possible. I have an actual entrance for my massage room so people aren't going all through my house unless they need to use the bathroom which is right across the hall. We keep our dogs in the basement. I was most recently working at a salon where I provided all equipment/supplies, already had a good client base when I started there but was only making 50% so after taxes and keeping up on supplies I was really not making much at all. I would also sit around the salon, help do laundry, answer phones, doing appts for stylists, cleaning tanning beds.. and made no money out of that. So having the space that I have in my house it only made sense to do my own thing. It could not be going any better. The main advertising I have been doing is facebook and local events.. I've been afraid to do any other advertising due to creepers. My current clients have been giving me alot of referrals, I'm currently in my 6th month on my own and my service total has been increasing every single month. So that's just my experience but everyone is different so check your zoning, state laws, etc and make sure that it is possible and make sure you are 100% ready. www.facebook.com/relaxmassagespa
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Also, if you do make the decision to work from home.. Make sure that you always say it's BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The last thing you want is strange people randomly showing up at your house.
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Permalink Reply by Peg Holwick on
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Personally, I am uncomfortable having a massage in other peoples' homes. It becomes more about them and less about me. I'm in their space. I do not go to the home of my dentist, PT, medical doctor or chiropractor. My advice is, if you want to be a professional - work in a professional office. Or, if you really want to work from home, your home should have a separate entrance, bathroom facility; in essence, an office attached to your home, not part of your home.
Most clients love animals, but those who are allergic and highly sensitive to cat dander will not come to your home.
Could you possibly consider sharing an office space with other therapists. That way you could retain being your own boss and market your business more professionally. Also, you might find you can subcontract or rent space from other professionals (e.g., in a chiropractic or medical office, or health club), where you would still be in control of your business and your schedule. Good Luck! pH
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I heartily agree with this!
Hannah Flynn said:Maybe it would be best to be an independent contractor in someone elses business? You get to be your own boss with no worries about who is coming into your house and if they will have issues with your animals.
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Thank you Hannah! I've got a growing list of continued education courses I want to take- this one is on the list now.
Hannah Levy said:Hi Cassandra - We recently published an article in Massage & Bodywork magazine about Animal Massage. The article mentions a few schools, trainers, and classes that might be helpful for you to get in contact with if you have questions or would like training on animal massage. http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70551/25
Hope this helps!
- Hannah
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Permalink Reply by Katie Clair on
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I guess I should clarify that I am already an independent contractor. I don't like doing all the work and only making 50% of the money. Renting can get costly and sharing space is always a gamble. Thanks everyone for your responses.
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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on
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I work out of my house too. I don't have a separate entrance so my clients see my house, including whatever home improvement project we have going that day, and all of my general mess and clutter. My clients don't mind it at all! They come to me for pain relief and don't care about a "spa experience" - which is good because I'm a long way from being a spa! :) I have a group of clients that are down-to-earth and awesome.
Katie, if you want to work out of your house, go for it! You will draw exactly the right clientele for your situation. It is a lot of work - I do all of the scheduling, laundry, purchasing, planning...but it's worth it! Even if we ever build a new house (which we keep thinking about), the location will be one that my clients will be willing to drive to.
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