Meet Fabiola Retana | Licensed Massage Therapist

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

Hi Fabiola, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was, I think, similar to that of others who decide to venture out on their own. I was drained and feeling unfulfilled where I was working. My desire was to be able to do what I love and help others in the process. I needed the ability to make my own schedule and make enough to support my family. However, my priority was my son. It’s just the two of us and I needed to be more present in his life.

What should our readers know about your business?

Hello! Essence Massage & Wellness is a massage practice that has been helping people relax, recover, improve and maintain their physical well-being since 2020. We began offering mobile massage first, after a year we were able to get an office in September 2021. As of right now, we are excited about the future of Essence Massage. It has taken time and effort to get to this point, but we didn’t get this far to only get this far.  We have several plans and ideas for Essence that we can’t wait to see come to fruition.

Getting to where I am in my business today has taken a lot of sacrifice, discipline, consistency, dedication. It has not been easy; I left a 9-5 to work 24/7! Lol But the journey has been worth it.

On the days when things are turbulent, I am fortunate to have an amazing support system. They provide a safe space for me to vent and cry when things don’t go as planned. Likewise, when it is time to boss up and problem solve they offer  encouraging words, advice and at times solutions.
Starting a business from the ground up will teach you many lessons along the way. For me one of the most important things I have learned is humility. It doesn’t matter how well things are going, you can have it all today and it can be taken away tomorrow. It is okay to be proud of where you are but also remember to be humble. The humble don’t stumble. In my profession, I’ve learned the hard way that rest, and consistent body work is essential. I must practice what I preach if I want to continue doing this long term. Boundaries. I learned about boundaries. I learned that work/life balance is also crucial to avoid burnout. I learned to trust myself and my ability to provide quality care, imposter syndrome is real y’all. I’ve also learned that I don’t know everything about business, I’m always going to be a student of life and business and I am okay with that.

Essence Massage and Wellness is a Latina Woman owned and operated business. We are proud of the safe space we have created for people of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes to come and receive bodywork. We understand that we will not be for everyone however, we are constantly growing and learning new ways and techniques to better serve as many people as possible. We are grateful for everyone that has referred us to friends or family and every body that has trusted us to do the work we love. We are here because of you!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

First my parents, they are the most kind, caring and hardworking people. I get my work ethic from them. Without their love, support and encouragement I would have given up as soon as I started. I work hard for my son and for them. Muchas gracias Ama y Apa, Los Amo.

Secondly, my friend Lorraine. A fellow successful Latina business owner and amazing mother. She’s my friend but I also consider her a mentor, in life, in business and everything in between. She embodies Women Empowerment, meaning she wants to see us all make it! The gems of advice she offered me early on was priceless. In short, thank you, Lo!

Website: www.essencemassagewellness.com

Instagram: @essencemassage_

Image Credits
Eunice Martinez @8momentsphoto