Episode 001 – Welcome to Folding Towels: Real Talk on Massage Therapy for a Lasting Career

Welcome to Folding Towels! We’re Jackie and David, massage therapists with a combined experience of more than two decades, and we’re here to dive into everything that goes into building a successful, sustainable massage business. In our podcast, we’re covering the real-world details they don’t teach you in massage school—stuff like managing clients, running your own business, setting boundaries, and yes, folding towels!

We’re so excited to have you with us on this journey. Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or you’ve been massaging for years, Folding Towels is here to support, inspire, and connect massage therapists who want more out of their careers. Here’s a peek into what this episode (and the whole series) is all about.

Getting to Know Your Hosts: Jackie and David

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the massage industry, we thought we’d introduce ourselves and share why we love this work so much.

Jackie has been a massage therapist for over 10 years. Starting her career after having her third child, she quickly fell in love with the profession. She balances running her own business with raising a family and has worked with a mobile massage company that’s been a huge part of her journey. For her, massage isn’t just about providing relief; it’s about connecting with clients, building relationships, and supporting them through life’s physical and emotional challenges.

David, on the other hand, came to massage therapy after a career in policy and strategic planning. After leaving a corporate job, he trained as a remedial massage therapist and discovered a new passion for helping people move better and feel healthier. His focus is on movement and helping clients achieve their physical goals, whether it’s running, getting back into an active lifestyle, or simply being able to play with their grandkids.

Why We’re Doing This Podcast

We created Folding Towels because we know that running a massage business is no easy task. For one, there’s so much that happens behind the scenes that people outside the industry might never think about. We’re talking about booking systems, accounting, insurance, taxes—those “boring” things that aren’t glamorous but are crucial to staying in business. By discussing these topics in a real and relatable way, we hope to make it easier for fellow therapists to manage their own practices confidently and sustainably.

Did you know the average career span of a massage therapist is only 5 to 7 years? We’re here to help you break past that statistic. We want you to thrive in this industry, feeling motivated, not burnt out. And we’re all about helping you build a career you enjoy—without losing yourself in the process.

Beyond the Basics: Building Real Connections with Clients

Massage therapy is about so much more than muscles, bones, and ligaments. It’s a unique combination of physical skill and emotional presence. Many clients view their massage sessions as a kind of mental reset or safe space to relax, share, and feel supported.

We know this well. Jackie, for instance, sees her clients as an extended part of her world. She finds joy in listening to clients share their stories, whether they’re talking about family, their latest vacation, or just how their day went. David also values those connections, especially with clients who come in with movement goals or health challenges. There’s something deeply rewarding about seeing clients feel healthier, stronger, and more connected to their bodies.

The Real Challenges of Running a Massage Business

The flip side? Running a massage business is tough, both physically and mentally. It’s easy to lose yourself in the work and feel exhausted if you’re not mindful of boundaries and self-care. Jackie talked about how important it is for her to manage a good work-life balance, especially since she has a big family at home. She’s learned that if she doesn’t take time for herself, she risks burnout and fatigue.

David shared his journey as well. Initially envisioning a small, personal practice, he quickly found himself trying to grow his business, hiring staff, and exploring different workspaces. Eventually, he realized he wanted a slower, more intentional pace. Now, he’s back to working from home and focusing on clients that bring him fulfillment.

Both of us agree that managing a massage business can feel like juggling—sometimes you’re balancing clients, family, and personal needs all at once. It’s easy to feel like a “superhero,” but superheroes need downtime too.

What’s Coming Next on Folding Towels

In upcoming episodes, we’ll cover a wide range of topics that’ll help you manage and grow your massage business. Here’s a sneak peek:

• Handling the “boring” essentials – We’ll talk about everything from insurance and taxes to booking systems and managing your business space.
• Working with clients – From how to set clear expectations to dealing with challenging clients, we’ll help you navigate client relationships smoothly.
• Avoiding burnout – Learn practical strategies for setting boundaries, avoiding compassion fatigue, and staying energized.
• Improving your skills and knowledge – We’ll dive into topics like pain science, working with specialized client populations, and the latest research in the field.
• Featuring guest experts – We’re bringing in experienced professionals to share their insights on business growth, client management, and personal wellness.

Our goal is to help you build a long-lasting, sustainable career in massage therapy. We want to see you thriving, not just surviving, in this big, beautiful, sometimes challenging industry. So sit back, relax, and join us on this journey!

Thank you for tuning in to our very first episode, and we look forward to hanging out with you for many more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, or give us a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to hear from you!