Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Rodriguez.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2019 after running my first 10K, I had this nagging rib pain. The pain worsened progressively & lasted well over a year. After many different doctors, misdiagnoses, failed treatments & false imaging- I felt pretty hopeless that it would ever go away. My Mom kept telling me to go to her Physical Therapist- maybe there was something he could do for me. Her Physical Therapist diagnosed my injury from doing the one thing no doctor had done- put their hands on it. By doing manual work on the area, I got relief for the first time. After crying from pain & relief from him stripping my diaphragm off of my ribs, I knew I wanted to be able to help people in this same way. I didn’t want to go to Physical Therapy school just to do hands on work so I decided to sign up for Massage Therapy school. My background was Exercise Science & I knew I would have a good understanding of most of the schooling. The only problem was going to be sitting still, possibly even quiet for more than 10 minutes, & create a calm/peaceful environment rather than stimulating. This huge leap of faith allowed me to finish school early, start my business, & do mobile massage for 9 months before moving to my location here in Yulee.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been the smoothest process- from school to creating my business knowing NOTHING about business. The biggest struggle was the energetic aspect of it. I was going to school & coaching at Orangetheory Fitness Amelia, while trying to practice massage outside of school. I firmly believe if something is meant for you, it will work out.
As you know, we’re big fans of Flo Massage + Movement. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business started from one simple question “What do people say about you?”. The response I gave- “they tell me I have a good flow”. The rest was history! I started out with the basic massage techniques and started to specialize in Deep Tissue & Cupping. As my education & passion grew- so did my business. I have expanded my practice with light therapy, compression, sound healing, energy work (Reiki) & nervous system focus with Spinal Flow Technique. I am very passionate & incredibly curious- so I like to try as many things as possible. Growing up being very sensitive to everything, I have used it as a superpower to see what works & what does not work. With my bodywork, I’m known for throwing the elbows/Deep Tissue, but I tell people I can be gentle too 🙂 I am most proud overall of this business that I have created from the ground up. It’s rewarding to hear from someone I’ve never met “I’ve heard about Flo!”. I am constantly wanting to learn, help others & heal. If an individual is looking for a holistic route, my business is for them! I do not believe that living with pain is an acceptable option & there is always an answer out there for everyone.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am on the extreme side of risk taking. If I feel called to do something, I just do it. Similar to jumping off of a cliff- I’d probably be the first one to go! I’ve taken risks from the beginning, not knowing where the money would come from signing up for school or how I’d make it through with a car that was starting to fall apart. I knew that this was my calling, so I figured if it’s meant for me it’ll all somehow work out. I think it’s incredibly crucial to take leaps of faith. You will never know how you’ll land, unless you take the jump.
Pricing:
- $105/hr Swedish or Deep Tissue
- $5-$15 for add ons (essential oils, red light therapy, etc.)
- $65-$80 for Spinal Flow Technique
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flomassageandmovement.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/flo_massagemovement?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/104439572368959/
- Other: https://www.massagebook.com/biz/flo-massage-movement
