A New Mind and Renewed Commitment to Serve

An Author with Purpose & Passion

Today marks the launch of the new “Candles for the Homeless” website powered by PartyLite

In 2008 author Versandra Kennebrew released her inspirational memoir, sharing with the world how she battled depression, downsizing, the closing of her massage therapy business and finally becoming homeless all to emerge with a new mind and renewed commitment to help others. Since then, she has been on a mission to bring awareness to the epidemic of homelessness in America.

www.partylite.biz/sites/versandra

As we know, the devastation of this malady has increased in recent years.

Due to our nations continued economic slump, 1 million school age students and
thousands of college students are homeless, struggling to continue their studies while seeking the education necessary to live a better life.

During September, International Self Improvement Month, we ask that you light a candle to illuminate your own life while supporting our continued efforts to inspire and encourage students to not give up on their dreams. Our 10-city
homeless awareness & sensitivity tour has already been a blessing to so many students, entrepreneurs, retirees and shelter residents. (subscribe to our blog for tour updates) Your candle purchase today will help us continue this
dynamic tour, reaching Atlanta, Birmingham, Washington D.C, NewYork, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas and back to Detroit.

*Free e-book with any candle purchase

Thank you in advance for your support!

Be Inspired, Be encouraged, Be lifted

www.thankgodfortheshelter.com

Versandra Kennebrew Intl.

A Massage Therapists Guide to a Recession Proof Practice

Giving back feels so good...

Now more than ever massage therapy is needed in the lives of every single adult American. The stress of unemployment, downsizing, re-tooling, career changes and the likes makes this ancient art form essential for living well. The problem is that still 91% of adults have not ever received a therapeutic massage before thus they have no clue what they are missing. Additionally, the perception of massage therapy as a resource only for the rich and famous makes some believe it is out of reach for them. So what is a massage therapist to do when their profession is considered a luxury during a global recession? The answer is in your hands.

When I graduated from Irene’s Myomassology Institute Institute in 2000, I was ready to heal the world. My life had been changed by everything I had learned about my body and my health and I was determined to share it with the world. I wanted to start with the most vulnerable in my community but soon learned that I had to first earn revenue from the wealthy in order to help those in need on a volunteer or donation bases.

After my practice grew from 50 clients to 500 clients, I had the wall in my office torn down and expanded, adding four therapists and a nail technician to my team. Not knowing that the terrorist attacks of 911 would affect my business in the way that it did, I engaged in an extreme marketing campaign to get new clients and continue the growth of my thriving practice but soon it all came tumbling down around me.

Several plans to sustain my dream massage therapy practice failed but I held tight to my core clients, some who have now been with me for ten years. I lost touch with many of my clients as I moved from place to place and finally ended up in a shelter due to the depression derived from losing everything I owned and not maintaining my health as I knew I needed to do. I lost my mind so that I could get a whole new one. Today, I have wealth beyond my imagination and can help others in transition make the choices they need to during extreme life transitions.

Below, I have listed some easy practices that every massage therapist should consider during a recession in order to stay on top of their game. These practices are taught in most massage schools but when life happens, we sometimes need reminders to keep us on track. So, if you know these things already, pat yourself on the back and keep it moving. If you have forgotten some of the basics of the massage therapy business, here is your reminder. Just remember, your clients need you now more than ever and vise versa.

1. Get a regular massage. At least one a month to maintain your own health and well-being.
2. Take inventory of your natural assets. What else can you do to generate money during slow times that compliments your holistic health career?
3. Keep it simple. Develop a daily system that allows you to keep in touch with your current clients while allowing you to reach new clients with minimal costs to you.
4. Get regular exercise. You may even want ti invite your clients to join a walking club with you. This helps you support your clients on their wellness journey while helping yourself stay fit.
5. Start a book club or other type of Meetup that supports holistic living. If you also open a virtual Amazon Store from which your book club orders their monthly books, the commissions you earn could be another revenue stream for you.
6. Make being healthy fun. Have a monthly party of sorts to celebrate your clients birthdays, accomplishments, new jobs etc. Creating a support system for your clients beyond the massage table encourages their personal growth which supports you as a holistic health professional. (guests are potential new clients)
7. Ask for referrals. Happy clients send new clients. Don’t forget to add a referral bonus as icing on the cake.
8. Know your competition. As the economy shifts, your competitors are slashing their prices to keep customers coming. Sales matching is a great idea.
9. Have an attitude of gratitude. By not complaining to your clients but being thankful for all things, you draw prosperity to yourself and help them focus on the good in life when things around them look dark and dreary.
10. Give! Whether it’s once a month, quarter or year, give your services away to those in need. No matter where you are financially, someone else if worst off than you. This pure gesture of kindness opens the door to more abundance.

These are just a few tips to support you through one of the toughest financial times in American history. Your training as a massage therapist is probably the best decision you could have ever made in your life. What you are able to give to humanity as we all navigate this major shift of energy is invaluable. Don’t give up hope. Journal your experiences and practice managing  your life and massage practice using spiritual principals that have stood the test of time. Know that you have everything you need and that the gift you have in your hands is going to bring you and your clients through this economic storm.