Meet Linda Vanderford | Massage Therapist

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

Hi Linda, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to not only be as a talented massage therapist, but as someone in the community who used every resource to help make it better. Whether that looks like intentionally charging less than industry standards to make massage more accessible, or if that looks like using my studio for community events. I want to be remembered as positively impacting peoples health and wellness, and also making a difference in Oak Cliff.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
How I got to today was that I wanted to create a space that was inviting and also accessible. Massage is such a tool for physical maintenance and many people see it as a luxury or an expensive service. My memberships are just a little cheaper than the services because while I like the idea of consistent income, not everyone who needs a massage can afford a monthly hit to their bank account. Getting regular massages helps with circulation, sleeping, energy levels, immune systems, and those are things outside of just feeling better in your body.

I think that today I am most excited about reaching 200 separate clients when I’ve been open less than a year. I’m proud to know that I’m good at what I do and that people trust me enough with with wellbeing to not only see me regularly but also to send their friends and family.

There have been parts of this journey that have been easy and parts that haven’t. Emotionally, there’s been weeks I’ve battled with imposter syndrome and almost expected that one day all these people are going to decide I’m just semi ok at what I do. But then I’ll get a message from someone saying that they can’t turn their head and their neighbor said they should come see me. Or an established client will text and ask if they can squeeze in anywhere same day because they can’t raise an arm without pain. Those days remind me that I’ve known since the second day of Massage Therapy school- this is what I was made to do. Physically it can take a toll when I have busy days back to back but it’s easy to push through that because it’s more people that I can help!

I love being a part of the community. I have an art wall in the studio that is all local artists who have let me display their art that is also available for purchase. I host a pop up the last Saturday of the month (when it’s not freezing!) for local women business owners to have a free place to set up a table and get exposure for their craft. I’m hoping to start a monthly book club that will meet at the studio for just another place that women can gather and get to know each other.

I want the world to know that my massage studio is a place to come for comfort, connection, understanding and healing. Or come just to relax. Sometimes what my clients need is an hour or 90 minutes to just be still.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I’m in the heart of Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts District so that’s easy!

I’d take them to Oddfellows for brunch, Zsa Zsa’s for fun shopping, Bishop Exchange and 13 Barrels for cocktails and to say hi to friends and clients that work there. House Rules to look at the neat board games that have come out recently. I’d take them down to Reveler’s Hall and we’d listen to the band play New Orleans style jazz. We’d have lunch at Teja’s then walk down to Wild Detectives to look at books and have some coffee. We’d grab a slice at Emporium Pies, then coffee at La Reunion. For dinner, we’d go to Trinity Groves for Beto and Sons, and then go play arcade games at Free Play. To finish out the night if it was Thursday or Saturday, we’d go to Barbara’s Pavillion for karaoke!

For other less specific itinerary days, we’d go to Texas Theater for a movie or an event, eat at the Mayors House for dinner and Metro Diner for breakfast. Tattoo’s would be at Saints and Sinners, and the best donuts ever would be picked up from Kim’s donuts. There’s also have to be a lunch at Trades Delicatessen and some dancing at Lady Love Lounge.

I stopped mentioning which places had both friends and clients that owned or worked there because it’s nearly all of them. When I say I love my community, I mean it as a whole and as the wonderful individual parts that make it home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my husband. I told him my idea and he was on board right from the start, even if that meant there was a chance I wouldn’t have income right away. Secondly, the support and referrals I’ve had through the Oak Cliff Ladies Club is unparalleled. We are close to 6,000 members and use the group for encouragement, referrals, support, questions, laughter and love. So many of them are regular clients, and are fast to suggest me to women seeking a massage therapist and physical healing. I just hit 200 clients that have walked through my doors and many of them are from OCLC members recommending me online, through word of mouth, and sending their spouses and family!

Website: https://www.bishopartsmassage.net

Instagram: @Bishopartsmassage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebishopartsmassage

Image Credits
Click Forward Photography