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Jul 17, 2017

NHI Graduate, Shannon Odell Launches Successful Mobile Massage Business, Living Lotus Massage

If you’ve ever had a massage, you’ve more than likely experienced that dream-like state of pure relaxation. Imagine continuing that feeling of bliss by crawling under the covers of your own bed directly afterward.

Personalized care in the comfort of your own home is what Massage Therapist, Shannon Odell offers with her mobile massage business, Living Lotus Massage.

After experiencing a traumatic robbery at her previous job, Odell was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD. This lead Odell to choose a path of healing, which included her enrolling and eventually graduating from National Holistic Institute’s Massage Therapy Training Program in 2016. She launched her mobile massage therapy business, Living Lotus Massage in November 2016.

“I pursued a mobile business because I wanted to work in a variety of settings, interact with a diverse group of clients, and have greater control of my income.’

Massage therapists who choose to go mobile earn 3-4 times the industry standard.

“I pursued a mobile business because I wanted to work in a variety of settings, interact with a diverse group of clients, and have greater control of my income. I’ve had the opportunity to work in so many places including a Lou La Roe Cave, to a little kids room, to a celebrity tour bus!’

Launching a mobile massage business is ideal for massage therapists with an entrepreneurial spirit who want to build a thriving practice without having the overhead cost of renting a space. Mobile massage businesses are attractive careers for those looking for a second source of income, single parents, and go-getters who cringe at the idea of being stuck behind a desk all day. Massage therapists who choose to go mobile earn 3-4 times the industry standard.

“On an average day, I wake up early, check my social media accounts for messages and notifications from clients and then I schedule a few posts to keep my online community engaged. After that, I typically see about two or three clients. My goal is to start seeing up to five clients a day.”

Odell explains that anyone seeking pain relief, rejuvenation, or relaxation and doesn’t want the hassle of leaving their own home is the perfect candidate for her massage therapy services. “People just need to have a 4-foot by 6-foot clear floor area for the massage table.” Odell provides a wide range of services including Swedish, Shiatsu, Pressure Point Massage, Prenatal Massage, and Sports Massage.

Odell said her appointments are set at the client’s convenience Monday through Friday between 9 am – 7 pm. Odell brings her massage table or chair, bolsters, sheets and other supplies. She does a health history intake on each client and discusses the client’s goals areas to be focused on.

“My clients typically schedule a 60-minute massage, with the occasional client getting a 90-minute massage. When a client schedules a 60-minute massage, I am hands on the full 60-minutes, I don’t include the set-up or break down time for the appointment.”

The best part of her job Odell said, “is seeing the difference you’ve made in your client’s overall well-being. It’s rewarding to have a job that positively impacts people’s health.”

Odell after completing NHI's Massage Therapy Training Program.