GRADUATES ON THE MOVE – JOE ANTONE TO LA

We love hearing from our graduates. Interestingly some of their stories, in addition to telling us what they are doing, provide interesting pictures of the profession. In this case Joe Antone’s story gives us some perspective of massage in southern California. Joe is a 2009 graduate of Oregon School of Massage.

 

November 2012

Hi OSM,

Moving to Los Angeles was a big step. I’d created a core clientele who were coming to see me in Portland on a regular basis, but with my partner of the last four years moving to LA to continue her journey in film-making I had to look at the pros and cons of joining her. The partnership won out. So far, some trials, but in all, a wonderful experience.

California Massage Therapy Council
I’ve been in LA now since December 29th, 2011. Upon arrival, I filled out my application for California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). I still needed to go through the background check and get my passport sized photo to submit too. If you’re moving from Oregon, your 500 hrs will be enough here to designate you as an upper tier CMT, if you have 250 hrs but less than 500, you can look into becoming a CMP. The former is the “Therapist” and the latter is the “Practitioner.” One of the hurdles that slowed me down in receiving my license was I couldn’t get my background check done from anywhere else than here in California. (California, rather than requiring a “massage license,” requires that you document your background and obtain a state “massage certificate.”)

The other slowdown? CAMTC temporarily lost my application. Originally I’d gathered the necessaries: photo, background check, application and payment…and mailed them in. The process seemed to be taking longer than necessary; my first 5 or 6 phone follow-up calls yielded the same response…”It just takes time to process.” With my final phone call I had to direct my inquiries more succinctly. They admitted to not exactly knowing where my application was and could I resubmit? It was the end of March, and I’d gone ahead and taken a front desk position at Massage Envy to stay in the field and to learn a few things about how their business model worked. During my employ with Massage Envy, I received my Certification.

Working at Massage Envy and a Wellness Center
Massage Envy was one of the worst jobs I’d ever had. I was lucky to have met some very wonderful people, but the management and the business model, along with the sales approach, were against a number of my beliefs. The sales model was a pounce effect post-massage. If the client was not a member, it was our job to convince the sleepy and relaxed person to sign up for a year’s worth of membership at $59/month recurring. To me it seemed coercive; I experienced a number of people coming back in trying to end their memberships. Nevertheless, this system worked for many, so I don’t wholly disagree. It was not a good fit for me since I’m more apt to sell individual massages based on a client’s particular needs. Sometimes I feel they’ll benefit from once a week, then onto once every two to once a month or more. All the while, encouraging the client to work on their own time with self massage and a good health approach. I had a difficult time selling a year’s worth of massages when I know that income changes and health needs change too. Management was numbers based, ignoring client needs and ignoring therapists needs too. I watched four therapists have a major reaction to the company supplied lotion, skin peeling, red and cracking, but the Owners neglected to replace the product, or address the issue. I digress.

I jumped out of this job after 3 long months and into a summer job completely unrelated to massage, but a necessary evil to pay the bills. Toward the end of the summer job (August to September) I was successful in starting at a gorgeous Wellness Center close to home. I’m still currently on call with them. They have a number of practitioners there working on Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Detox, Skin, Breast Thermography, and so on. I also started in at a local farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. I’ve set up my 10×10 canopy (Caravan is my recommendation), my chair, and some massage bars I created with a hint of lavender. The massage bars were created to encourage people to actually stop and linger a bit longer, enabling me to chat them up a little. I’m also offering 3 minutes free hand massage. Today is my second day with the bars, so the jury is out at this point.

Filling In as an “Extra”
Since the client’s aren’t breaking down my door, although I”m getting definite repeat market clients, one of which is turning into an outcall table client, I’ve been filling in the gaps with “extra” work on TV shows and movies. Working as an extra is a beautiful way of getting work daily without a ton of commitment. It is minimum wage, but it fills the gaps. If you hear of anyone who’s interested in knowing more, I’d be happy to expand.

Next Step
Yesterday, I interviewed at a top fitness and spa club in West Hollywood. With locations throughout the US, with this being one of their flagship clubs, I stand to get a good client base there. Average cost for a 50 minute massage is $120. The therapist share of that is about 1/3; it varies some according to therapist’s experience. Tips are often $20 or more. Deep tissue is the name of the game here. I gave a 25 minute practical, deep and targeted work. I hope to hear back within the week!

In summary, making the move to LA as a therapist has been a good one, but certainly had some obstacles in the way. Dealing with CAMTC left a bad taste in my mouth, but since 2009, they’ve been the statewide certification entity so are necessary. I feel like NOW is finally the time I can really apply the energy and time into my work. I look forward to many successes.

One thing to add! After 9 months here, I was lucky to make a trip back to Portland. It was short, but wonderful. I was fortunate to meet with two of my previous clients who informed me, anytime I come back into town, they will definitely see me for a session. Excellent!

Joe

Contact Information
If you are looking for a massage in the Los Angeles area contact Joe at: joemail8@gmail.com
Note also Joe’s comment about willingness to share information about working as an “extra” in the TV and movie industries.