RADIANCE SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

Hot Springs business stands out

The massage-therapy industry is popular in the Spa City, but one location is catching people’s attention.

Roxanne Portman, owner and founder of the Radiance School of Massage, opened the school because of a passion for teaching massage therapy.

With 20 years of experience in the field, Portman saw a need to teach interested students about the occupation.

“I have a job board that has 26 jobs on it, and we can’t fill the jobs fast enough,” she said, adding that there’s a high need for therapists trained not only to pass the test, but to know how to properly massage clients.

The school is open for massages on Wednesday through Friday and offers facials, cranial sacral therapy, reflexology, lomi lomi, hot stone massages and more.

Portman has an assistant, Bea Beck, who has 16 years of experience. The two are currently teaching small classes that offer a mostly one-on-one setting for the students to better their learning process.

Portman focuses on creating a comfortable atmosphere in order for customers to be pleased with their massages.

“I want students to feel like they got a quality education focused on handson [training],” Portman said. “I want people to walk out the door and represent the school with the best possible qualifications that they can.”

Portman’s philosophy for teaching is aimed at teaching students to become mindful, responsible, creative and knowledgeable massage therapists.

Students learn how to utilize open communication, compassionate touch and respect to discover the unique blend of art and science that is massage.