NHI Graduate Anthony Piana Grows His Business During COVID-19 Pandemic
NHI Graduate Anthony Piana shares why his business, Sports Massage Marin continues to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tell us about Sports Massage Marin and why you love your career?
I’ve been co-owner and a bodyworker for Sports Massage Marin for the past five years. The majority of our clients are looking for a team that will help guide them through a variety of life’s demands. What I enjoy most about my career are meeting those demands through a continuous dialogue and game plan we set forth with each client. I find myself being rewarded daily by helping others deal with chronic pain, those recovering from unfortunate accidents and assisting in strengthening ones level of activity and performance.
How did NHI help you have work you love?
NHI brought out the best in me. The teachers encouraged me to dig deep and tap into what made me unique as a person. Together, we discovered and uncovered my prime attributes that I would eventually bring to my work. Without question, NHI provides every student with an exceptional and well-rounded education. You’re ready to give rather than neglect. You’re able to swim without worrying about sinking.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your business?
As for Sports Massage Marin, we find ourselves in a very fortunate position at this time. We have been able to remain open due to the fact that we work hand in hand in a medical facility with other practitioners. The precautions we take are pretty straightforward: client intake forms regarding COVID-19, masks on at all times as soon as they enter the building, sanitizing hands, taking the clients temperature, disinfecting the room before and after each client, diligent personal washing and sanitizing oneself throughout the day and making sure our own health is up to par before each day we come to work.
For ourselves, we’ve been the busiest we have been in 10 years. This is due to the fact that most massage establishments are unable to re-open or operate at full capacity. If one is able to find a medical facility to work in, I highly encourage therapists to seek positions in those work places.
What advice would you give to someone interested in attending NHI or following a similar massage therapy career path as yours?
- Don’t deviate from the program’s structure! It works and has been proven to produce talented and respected therapists. It’s going to get difficult from time to time. You’re going to be asked to look inward and ask yourself “Who am I doing this for? Why is bodywork important to me? What can I let go of, so that curiosity and compassion can guide me? How can I become more accountable?”
- You’re in a business, so don’t be afraid to be Business Minded. Yes, stay present and hold space for those who are looking to reconnect with their health. But don’t fall into the trap or the misconception that business (money) is going to take the soul out of your work. Have a financial game plan and get on it. If you know nothing about finances, find someone who does. Know where your money is going and most importantly know where you’re putting it.
- Pace yourself. This is tough work and it will feel like it at times. If you run into someone who says it isn’t, then that person hasn’t gotten down to the work yet. We are caring for others and that can take a lot out of us at times. So, that makes your down time ten times more precious than you realize.
Learn more about NHI and becoming a massage therapist by connecting with an admissions representative today! Fill out the form to get more information.