We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Warren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Many people view massage as just getting a body rub. When really, consistent massage is about self care leading to a healthier mental and physical lifestyle. This is the most important lesson I’ve learned in my twelve year career of massage therapy.

There are many health benefits that come from receiving consistent massage, including helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improving immune function, circulation, and sleep. Not to mention being a natural way to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and more.
As a massage therapist it is especially important for me to care for myself, as it is my job to care for my clients. And how can I give my client’s the best care they need if I am not caring for myself? Self care can seem selfish because one dedicates time for themselves.  But if you’re not caring for yourself, it won’t be easy to care for those you love.

What should our readers know about your business?
Growing up, I compared myself to my siblings and their achievements. I hadn’t realized I was doing it until my dad had a stroke and the trajectory of my life pretty much changed. If my dad didn’t have a stroke, I would probably have gone to a four year university, acquired a ton of student loan debt, and graduated with a degree I couldn’t use at a job I took because the salary was better than that of my siblings. But after his stroke, competing with my siblings went out of the window.

Along with my mom, I became a primary caretaker for my dad. I did what I could to help look out for my little sister and brother, until I graduated high school and went to massage therapy school. That is where I learned massage could have helped reduce his risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as helped with his recovery after the fact. After becoming licensed, for a long time I worked for corporations which helped many others, but took away from me helping my dad. Now, with my own massage business I am able to work on my dad every week.

I still catch myself slipping into that sibling competition, but when my dad comes in for his massage it passes and I know my success is just beginning.

I want the clients that come to see me at Essence Massage to know and understand I bring an intention of care to every single massage. As if they were my dad, I do my best to address any physical issues they may hold in their bodies, as well as try to prevent anything worse from happening.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give my shoutout to my parents. My mom graduated from Brown University, took care of a household of ten people, went back to work full time after my dad had a stroke and has been his primary caretaker for more than fifteen years. She is the most intelligent, most resilient, and strongest woman I know with the biggest heart in the world. She has been the an example of love and compassion for me. Before my dad became disabled, he attended Brown as well, provided for a household of ten, and was a brilliant computer engineer. The doctors originally said he probably would not live longer than ten years after the stroke. But more than fifteen years later he is still here. With several medical issues, limited speech, even after a leg amputation, he stands firm in his faith and believes God for the best come what may. They have inspired me to push through the difficult times, never give up on those I love, and work hard to accomplish the goals I wish to achieve.

Website: www.essencemassagellc.com

Instagram: @essencemassagellc

Facebook: @essencemassagellc

Yelp: Essence Massage

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