Today, we’re excited to speak with Nathalie, a remarkable professional who has successfully merged her career in finance with her passion for massage therapy. Driven by a deep fascination with the human body and its healing powers, Nathalie made the bold decision to pursue massage therapy in 2022, earning her certifications and opening her own practice, Allegretto Thérapies. We’ll explore how she’s balanced two roles, the positive impact this transition has had on her perspective, and the valuable advice she has for others thinking about following a similar path.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a massage therapist alongside your current job?

I have always been fascinated by the human body, its complexity, and its self-healing powers. In university, I used to give massages to some of my friends who were stressed before exams. This fascination with healing through touch resurfaced when I massaged my daughter at around 2-3 years old, as she was having digestion problems. At the age of 44, I had a sort of epiphany: “It’s now or never.” After various research, I enrolled in an Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology course (183 hours) for the theoretical part, along with a classic and therapeutic massage training (250 hours), in evening and weekend classes, as I was working full-time in finance. Having graduated in September 2023 and now certified by ASCA, I opened my practice in January 2024 at 20%, while keeping my salaried job at 80%.

What challenges have you faced while balancing both roles?

I had to quickly organize myself to manage my time effectively because being self-employed, even just 20% of the time, involves various tasks like handling my own marketing, accounting, managing purchases of supplies and oils, and organizing laundry for linens and uniforms. This organization is essential to allow me to spend time with my daughter, especially on weekends. I am also very grateful to my husband, who is also very busy, for supporting me during my training by taking care of our daughter alone whenever I was away for weekend classes!

How has becoming a massage therapist changed your perspective on work?

I have always enjoyed supporting people, which is what I do in the financial sector. Being in contact with people is what drives me in my professional life. However, being a therapist allows me to have a much more tangible connection with individuals. You quickly know if you’ve given a quality massage or not—the body’s response or what the person expresses never lies. What I find fascinating is that, contrary to what one might think, there is no routine: every person, every body is different. You need to adapt to the patients’ needs and provide them with the utmost attention. In my opinion, a good massage alone is not enough; a strong sense of empathy is essential.

What advice would you give to others considering a similar path?

Dare to take the leap. Starting a business can often feel intimidating for people like me who have always been employees. But actually, you don’t have to start “big.” Take it step by step, and avoid investing in all the training courses at once. It’s better to have a few therapeutic specialties that you master rather than a catalog of services done only moderately well. But above all, dare to go for it! As the saying goes, it’s better to live with remorse than with regrets!

What skills from your previous experience have been most beneficial in your entrepreneurial journey?

My organizational skills, adaptability, and ease in connecting with people were essential for building a client base.

What have been some unexpected benefits of being an entrepreneur?

I learn new things every day: I had only basic knowledge of communication, and now I handle my own marketing, particularly on social media. I’ve learned to do my accounting, and I now understand the administrative steps needed to start a business, and so on.

How do you stay motivated in both roles?

Having two jobs prevents routine from setting in. Switching from one to the other can sometimes feel like a mental exercise, but it helps me stay sharp and occasionally take a step back from each activity.

Why is it important to prioritize self-care, take time for ourselves, and enjoyin relaxing activities like massages?

Prioritizing self-care, including activities like massages, is essential for maintaining overall well-being. A massage offers a range of physical benefits, such as pain relief, stress reduction, and improved sleep. In addition, it supports mental and emotional health by helping to manage stress, enhance mood, and promote mental clarity. Regular massages can also improve relationships by fostering patience and encouraging better communication. Furthermore, it boosts productivity by renewing energy and preventing burnout, while also enhancing self-esteem and supporting a holistic sense of balance between mind and body.

 

We absolutely love Nathalie’s massage and we highly recommend visiting Allegretto Thérapies and “redonne du rythme à ta vie”!