Working out the knots
It’s a stressful day at work. Deadlines approach, you hunch down in front of your computer screen, straining to reading the swimming type. Your neck is cramped, your shoulders ache and all you really want is a massage. This story — so true to thousands of Alaskans — is where massage therapist Yael Hickok steps in.
Yael owns and operates an Anchorage-based chair massage business called Workplace Massage. The tale of the stressed-out employee is her inspiration.
“My husband gave me a gift certificate for my first massage. I was so amazed at how it made me feel, mind and body,” says Yael.
She left her forestry career to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage’s massage therapy program. In 2006, after gaining experience, she decided it was time to start her own business.
“I wanted to work for myself. It was a low overhead cost since I already had a chair. And I had a few contacts already,” she says.
The Anchorage Daily News was her first gig and one she maintains today. Within two years Workplace Massage had grown enough for Yael to contract out to other massage therapists.
She says she really enjoys helping other massage therapists grow their own businesses since most of her clientele is based on referrals. Her contracted massage therapists can do chair massages for Workplace Massage and refer interested clients to their own full-body table massage businesses.
Workplace Massage does offer some table massages, but Yael says her niche is workplace chair massages.
“It’s not a conflict of interest,” she says. “I’m not a competitive person and there is enough business to go around.”
She also says she enjoys teaching clients about the body and about holistic health. Many people who have a chair massage at work have never had a massage before.
“I enjoy being an introduction to the massage experience,” she says.
The process is clothes-on and comfortable for employees. Yael’s goal is also to make it as easy and effortless as possible to schedule her massage times with companies. She also services work retreats and health fairs, a good place to gain clientele.
Though the economy is down and workplaces can me more volatile, Yael says business is booming.
“I can give people something more affordable. It is the answer to all the stress and it is convenient,” she says.
Online signups make it simple for businesses to participate and prices are reasonable. She also created and owns the copyright on Massage-O-Grams. Instead of sending flowers on a wedding anniversary or birthday, clients can send Yael and allow their spouse or friend to receive a massage at work.
The person behind the business
The physical demands of massage therapy which can lead to injuries, usually prevent therapists from working after three to four years.
“I am religious about not working too much and taking care of myself,” says Yael. This has helped her avoid injuries and continue as a therapist for 12 years.
Her work is quiet and peaceful, but home is chaotic. She and her husband have raised 20 children; biological, adopted and foster.
“We decided we had enough love to give to share,” she says.
Her work is where she is able to relax and take time from the busy home.
“I love working and I love my clients,” says Yael.
Entrepreneur Advice
Yael says it is important to gain experience and to know the business well. Also networking, belief in one’s product and finding a niche will help entrepreneurs succeed.
And it takes patience.
“I was blessed because my husband had a job while I slowly built up clients. Not everybody has that.”
Contact:
Website: workplacemassage-ak.com
Email: wpmalaska@gmail.com
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What a great read on Yael and her Workplace Massage Company. I have been getting massages from Yael for years now, and it is such pleasant experience and a welcome relief from my high stress job. Keep up the good work ladies on keeping us informed on local businesses.
Yael’s straight foreward approach has brought me some much needed relief during a time that I had difficulty even walking. She reads muscles with her hand just like I can read a book, and knows exactly how to safely and comfortably address areas of built up stress. Prompt, reliable, compassionate, and always professional. No wonder her business is thriving!!