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In this Post: In episode 055: Peaks and Valleys in a Massage Business, we dive into the natural ebb and flow of running a massage business —exploring why massage therapists often experience peaks and valleys in their client load, how to navigate these times, and why these fluctuations aren’t always a bad thing.
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EPISODE 055: Peaks and Valleys in a Massage Business
We’ve seen a trend recently. A trend where massage therapists experience a lull in their massage practice, thus deciding to take on a second job to supplement their income.
In moments like these, it is hard to trust that people will return. It’s easy to panic and start thinking about alternate options. Maybe a second job at the local spa a few days a week.
BUT…. we wanted to explore the idea that maybe this ISN’T what is best…
When we take on a second job, we begin to spread our energy, our number one resource!
Then a client reaches out wanting to book on Monday, the day you are committed to the spa that pays half what you make in your own studio. And guess what? You begin to feel resentful towards your one-day-a-week job.
That resentment permeates and seeps into your precious recharge and refuel home time…which makes it hard to put yourselves out there to network and market your own business….
Therapists, this is NOT a good thing!
If you are firmly committed to working for yourself, being your own boss, and having your business succeed, you can’t have these kinds of drains! You need to plug the holes!
Is this scary? Yep, it can be! But you and your business, are worth it!
The next time business feels slow, and you are starting to panic, I want you to take a deep breath, center, and ground, and figure out ways to market, network, and promote your business! Because THIS is going to feed your business much more quickly than diverting your attention to build someone else’s dream!
Gaining one new client who comes in monthly is $1000-$2000 more annually for your business. It doesn’t take many clients like this to pay for that one-day-a-week spa job!
While a second job may seem like a quick fix, this strategy can hinder long-term growth. And we HATE seeing therapists working hard to build other people’s dreams instead of their own!!!
In this episode, we suggest a mindset shift. Where therapists:
- Embracing the entrepreneurial journey and its ups and downs. Understand that every business experiences fluctuations, and these periods of challenge can be a natural part of growth. Instead of viewing slow periods as failures, see them as opportunities to reflect, recalibrate, and plan for the future.
- Reframing slow periods as opportunities for growth. Use these moments to enhance your skills, refine your marketing strategies, and reconnect with your “why.” Slow periods can serve as fertile ground for creativity and innovation, allowing you to implement ideas that might get sidelined during busier times.
- Cultivating patience and resilience. Building a business is not a sprint but a marathon.
Peaks and valleys are a natural part of the massage business cycle. You can turn slow periods into powerful opportunities by staying focused on your massage practice and leveraging smart strategies.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Align with The Massage Business Mama and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more massage therapists looking to build their dream business.
Listen Here: Peaks and Valleys in a Massage Business

Author Profile
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Ali Boehm
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy Graduate
- Nationally Certified through NCBTMB
- Colorado Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified CranialSacral Level 1 through Upledger
- Certified Herbal Therapist through Nutrition Therapy Institute
- Certified Fujian Massage through Barefoot Masters
- Fort Lewis College - Majored in Art, Minored in Business Administration
- 6 Year Winner of Best Massage Therapist for "Best of The Boat" Competition
- Massage Business Owner Since 2008