Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Sommer
Hi Shelby, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started out like most millennials being told I needed to go to college. I attended Ohio University and changed my major quite a few times over the four years being there. Ultimately, I knew there was nothing there for me and asked my advisor what I could do to graduate. So I walked away with a Communications degree. I just kind of knew I wasn’t meant for a typical 8-5 desk job but I still had no clue what I was going to do. After college, I actually moved to Claremont, California for a year. While there, I met a friend who was a Licensed Massage Therapist and everything about what she did intrigued me. After a year of living out there I decided to move back home. Once I came back to Dayton, another friend of mine mentioned she was in Massage School and she thought it would be perfect for me. I set up a school visit the next month and started the program the following month. After doing very average in College, I exceeded in the Massage program. I finally felt like I had figured out what I was meant to do. I kind of became obsessed with healing and holistic health. For someone who used to hate school, I have done a lot of continuing education and certifications. And I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been smooth. Running a business from the beginning without starting out at a chain is tough. When I first started to take clients I was also waitressing at two different restaurants and working at a farmers market as well. Eventually, I would drop a job and open up more massage hours as I got busier. It was definitely a slow process building my clientele. Then throw in Covid and a shut down. When you work for yourself you don’t get paid if you aren’t working. You really have to be self motivated to keep going. Also, being a working mom is a challenge. My husband and I try to take turns taking off on those sick days but unfortunately it’s just easier for me a lot of times. I have a 2.5 year old and another on the way. I’m constantly being pulled in every direction and trying to decide what the priority is. My kid (s) will always come first and thankfully I have wonderful clients who are understanding if something comes up. But I have always said that I wouldn’t let becoming a mom get in the way of my goals and dreams. I want to spend as much time with my kids as I can but I also want them to see their Mom going after her dreams and goals. Again, this goes back to that self motivation. It’s a tough business if you don’t want to put yourself out there and try.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gem City Massage Therapy?
I have been doing Massage for over 10 years now. Over those 10 years I have done an extensive amount of continuing education so I can offer my clients more than just Massage Therapy. I have taken classes in Holistic Health and I use that knowledge to give my clients advice on more a natural approach to healing. I have completed all three levels of my Reiki training. I am certified in Reflexology. I also offer cupping, prenatal massage and a warm castor oil scalp massage. I think what sets me apart from others is that I have a lot of tools to pull from. A lot of my clients come for a combination of offerings. After 10 years of experience and wide variety of tools, I feel very confident in the advice I give my clients and the services I provide. And I plan on adding more in the future as well. My goal is for someone to come in for a consultation and me being able to come up with the perfect plan for them by pulling from all of my services, not just massage therapy.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I would say most of my regulars and followers on social media would be surprised to find out I’m actually an introvert. I don’t like public speaking, I can’t socialize more than one night a weekend, and I’d much rather be at home on the couch. I don’t think you would know that looking at my social media or talking to me within my practice. Even this article is me stepping outside my comfort zone. But I’ve learned over the past 10 years being a quiet introvert doesn’t exactly bring the business I’d like. lol
Pricing:
- My prices vary from service to service and depending on the length of that service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gemcitymassagetherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemcitymassaget/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemcitymassagetherapy
