Making shift from hobby to business
ALICIA NALLY I was a kid. My mum taught me lots of massage techniques,” Mr Stewart said.
“I’d never thought of making it a profession but I’d grown sick of working in hospitality and was getting a bit old for it, so I gave it a shot.”
Massage therapists knead muscles and soft tissues of the body in order to relieve or prevent pain or promote muscle strength and rehabilitation.
Mr Stewart said he was rewarded by improving or returning movement and wellness in clients.
“One of the biggest problems people can have is neck and shoulder tension and it’s great to see them walk out and be able to turn their heads and be able to look around after a treatment,” he said.
The 50-year-old said starting his own business 12 years ago was a learning curve but tenacity and belief in himself continues to pay dividends.
“The downside of starting your own business is there is not a steady income, so you’ve got to tighten your belt and just keep going,” Mr Stewart said.
“If you love the work you’ll do it and just focus on getting the best out of yourself.”
Mr Stewart said if everyone was a Hollywood star, a massage a day would promote good health.
“But because not everyone is on a salary like that I’d recommend going every six weeks,” he said.
“You will get so much more out of life.”