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Name: Sara Ballard

Occupation: Licensed Massage Therapist

Age: 30

Number of Children: 2

Current Projects/ Job: Two kids under the age of 3, and a thriving Massage Therapy Practice

(Photo by of Bonnie Berry)

Tell us about yourself:

Alright, here’s a question that’s on everyone’s mind: Masseuse, Masseur, Massage Therapist? Which is politically correct and why has this term changed over the years?

Massage Therapist is more PC at least here in the US. In Europe, it is the common name for massage therapists, but here in the USA it is commonly used by and about sex workers (escorts and prostitutes). I understand most people don’t mean any harm by referring to me as a masseuse, but I would prefer Massage Therapist in general. Here in Texas, we are Licensed Massage Therapists. Thanks for asking, I get that question a lot.

Tell us a little about why you decided to become a massage therapist.

I had actually never had a professional massage until the first day of Massage School. I have always loved making people feel better. I suppose it was the best way for me to change people’s lives, even if all it did was help reduce stress and create more peace in their lives. I loved the idea of doing something in a calm environment where I could be my own boss, and I could help change the world!

Are there different types of massage? If so, which one do you practice?

There are so many different types of massage it would take me several pages to list them all. Because I have an Associate of Science degree in Holistic Health, I got a chance to learn many Western and Asian modalities in school, amongst other kinds of treatments. I would say a majority of my clients receive what would be considered Swedish Massage blended with many other techniques. I also offer Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, which is not really considered a massage technique but more health centered bodywork. I offer several spa services at my office as well, including Hot Stone Therapy Massage, and body scrubs. Please see my website for a longer description of any of my services.

How long have you been a massage therapist for?

Since 2001, including a short break to have my kiddos.

Why do you think it’s important for moms in particular to have massages?

Oh my goodness, it is SO important for moms to get regular massages as part of their self care routine. Moms tend to care so much for their families well being and very little for their own. We go and go all day and only stop to breathe occasionally. It’s part of our culture that says moms have to do and be everything for their kids nowadays. We almost feel bad asking for a moment to “refill the cup”, and hardly ever ask for help. Getting a massage can do many things all at once for moms; reduce blood pressure and stress levels, increase immune system functioning, be touched and cared for in a non-sexual or clingy child way, a full hour or more of quiet, reduce physical tension and improve physical holding patterns in the body, helps regulate serotonin production, increase circulation, better sleep quality, the list goes on and on. Moms are by far the best candidate for needing massage, especially on a regular basis. Happy mom, happy family, right?

Can it really reduce stress and tension if done on a regular basis?

Of course! By regular basis I mean at least once a month or more. Even one massage can help all of those things listed above, but one massage will not hold you over for another 364 days. Consider it like bathing or exercise, it feels great to do it once, but it’s always better if you make it part of your routine. 

Whenever I get a massage, I always make sure to shave my legs (it’s a great motivator!!) What are some things that you would like for people to do in preparation for their massage?

This question made me laugh. I try to shave my legs too before I get a massage, but the truth is that I don’t care one way or the other if someone has hairy legs or stinky feet. I have seen and touched it all. Women always say they have the ugliest feet, but the truth is they all look the same to me, really. Although I do admire people’s pedicures, makes me realize how badly I need one. I would prefer if you left the perfume at home or save it for a special date. Sometimes my face gets really close to you while I am working and it can be too much occasionally. That is about it.

You have very reasonable rates and really seem to stress the importance of taking care of yourself, which is one of the reasons that you make your rates so affordable. Have you had any lessons that you’ve learned the hard way when you’ve let yourself go because you were too busy as a mom to focus on yourself?

Every day I am reminded to slow down and find some time for myself. I decided to go back to school (the Biodynamic Craniosacral work that I do) when my son was 6 weeks old. I had an ephinany of sorts that I should be doing this for myself after receiving several treatments from one of my friends, Nina Davis. I realized that as much as I love being a mother, I needed to do something for myself and others at least a few days a week, to help balance myself out. I adore my role as mommy much more when I get some time to take care of myself, and that includes working for me. I so desperately want other mothers to take the time they need for themselves, so we can all be the best moms we can be for our kids.

Tell us how the transition has been from being primarily at home with your two kids to having them in school while you work part-time.

It has been pretty easy so far. I used to offer my massage services from my home office, but it just got to hard to keep the kids quiet or out of the house. I decided I needed to find a space where I could really get into my work, and that meant daycare for the kiddos. I am finding it pretty easy, since the kids LOVE the school that they attend

What types of challenges do you face as a woman running her own business?

Worth. I struggle between wanting to keep my rates low and thus affordable, and actually charging what I am worth. With my experience and level of education I should be charging much more for my services, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t want to hurt my fellow Massage Therapists either by charging below local industry standards.

In business as in life you can’t make everyone happy, this is my struggle.

You recently moved to Austin. Tell us why you chose this city and how long you’ve been here.

It’s not really recent now…I moved here four years ago from San Diego, CA. My husband and I moved here 3 months after we got married so we could actually buy a house. His parents lived here as well as his eldest brother and wife. Since moving here, everyone in both of our families has relocated to Austin, including my brother and his family, my parents and Russell’s other brother and his family. It’s a party every time we get together. I never once thought my entire family would be living in Texas, but here we are, and I love it!

What do you like best about living in Austin? What do you dislike about Austin?

The people are my favorite, truly. I hate the cedar, truly.

Who are some of your role models?

I have so many, but honestly the people I admire the most and want to be like all live here in Austin. They are my family and my friends, even clients. I see such perfection in other people, I am always making mental notes when I listen to people talk about their lives. Most people are giving life lessons even when they don’t intend to. I am humbled by others’ experiences and life knowledge.

What did you do before you became a massage therapist?

I moved all over the country attending various colleges and waiting tables. I couldn’t seem to find my calling in any major in school, until I decided to go to Massage School. In total I have enough hours of school to fulfill a bachelor’s degree, but since I changed my mind so many times its just lots of extra knowledge and a fun personal history. (and the actual Holistic Degree). I did run a before and after school Kindergarten program before attending massage school, kids have always been in my life in one way or another.

 What do you like to do to unwind at the end of the day?

Facebook, heh heh. That is a joke, kind of. Actually I would say I love to reconnect with my husband, or hang out with my mom friends or family.

Where all have you lived in your life and which place has been your favorite so far?

I will just list them with little to no explanations:

Kirkland, WA, Woodinville, WA, Spokane, WA (grades 1 through 12), South Lake Tahoe, NV, Pullman, WA, Altamonte Springs, FL (near Orlando), Tallahassee, FL, San Diego, CA, Round Rock, TX. Whew! And no military in my family.  My favorite is by far Austin (ok so I live in Round Rock), it’s the people. who make the place

If you could live anywhere other than Austin, where would it be?

San Diego or Seattle

What serves as your inspiration in life?

My intuition, my husband’s adoration, and my children’s honest laughter.

Tell us one of your secret indulgences.

Its no secret, the crème brulee from Central Market. I even bought my sister in law a culinary torch for Christmas so she could make me crème brulee, she saw straight through me.

If you had the power, what would you change in the world?

Warning! Beauty queen answer ahead: World Peace! But seriously, can’t we all just get along?! I would make people non-judgemental and non-violent.

What is your best childhood memory?

Eating Fudgesicles at my grandparents’ house on Lake Washington, amongst many other wonderful childhood memories. It happens to be the first that popped into my mind.

What is the one thing that you want your children to know before leaving home?

That they will forever be loved and they can count on their family, always.

What would you do first if you won the lottery?

Who doesn’t say “pay off bills” right? Then I’d take care of my family, parents’ and kids’ futures.

Dream vacation? Where is it and what would you most like to do while you’re on vacation?

Oh so many dream vacations planned in my head. None that come out on top though. I would like to go back to Thailand with our kids. I just want to lay around and get Traditional Thai Massages all day. I actually specialized in Thai massage, but don’t practice it much anymore. It’s like assisted yoga.

Tell us about your husband. Where did you two meet and how long have you been together?

Russell and I met on Match.com. Our first date was 6 years ago almost to the day. He’s the best friend and partner I’ve ever had. He is my biggest cheerleader, and is far more patient with me than I deserve sometimes. We have been married for 4 and a half wonderful years.

If you could give unsolicited advice out to anyone, what would you say and who would you say it to?

New moms: I would tell them to relax a bit. Slow down, enjoy every moment but let your kids be kids. Oh and I would suggest to them that they get regular massages, of course. Oh wait… I DO give this very advice to new moms, unsolicited, I can’t help it.

Posted by livemom on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 at 9:16 am | 4 Comments » You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.