We had the good fortune of connecting with Eryn Hays and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Eryn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The reason I decided to pursue Massage Therapy–and why I think it is an artistic career–was initially for my own mental health and my own mental clarity. When in college, I decided to major in Comparative Religion, which eventually lead me down the path of getting interested in alternative health. When younger, I experienced multiple (as I call them) lessons that affected both my mental and physical state so much so that I sought help from a psychiatrist. I was never one to automatically turn to any form of pharmaceutical drug in order to help what was going on in my life, and during this period I was really trying to find a way to address my depression and anxiety that had developed over time. This is when I began to mediate. Meditating and breath work really helped transform my life and my mental clarity; so much so, that this experience is exactly what made me want to become a holistic health practitioner. I believe that a multitude of our health issues that we experience can be dealt with in a holistic manner; this isn’t to say I don’t believe in Western medicine. Western medicine has accomplished so much for so many people, but I believe we have become too dependent on these quick fixes that Western medicine has created in some health conditions.
Massage Therapy for me is so powerful in that it not only can affect how your body feels, but it can also enhance one’s mental state of mind and improve the brain’s function. I’ve always considered myself to be an artist with a scientific background. The anatomy and how the muscles work are fascinating and (in certain cases) give me a nice mystery to solve with my clients; however, the flow, the dance of giving an actual massage is truly a beautiful thing to witness with each and every client. To see the relief on a clients face after a massage is exactly why I decided to enter this field. To help people, not only with their pain, but with whatever stress or trigger that could be occurring or coming back up in their life at that moment. I choose to combine modalities together for each and every client to create a massage unique to them, but also to ensure that they are receiving–what I call–a “whole” body experience. To heal their body, mind, and spirit.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner of A Touch of Peace: Massage Therapy & Bodywork off of 29th and Sheridan, which I began almost 3 years ago in August. Initially, it started out as a mobile massage service, which–I quickly came to realize–was not my favorite way of performing massage. I have a slightly short attention span, so moving from one house to another with all of the distractions that exist in that house made it very difficult for me to create and give the best massage I could. So, I worked for a few spas when I first became a massage therapist, which eventually made me realize that a lot of massage businesses take advantage of their therapists. A lot of people don’t realize, but being a massage therapist is hard work and to a degree you risk your own body’s health for the sake of helping another’s. Many massage businesses don’t understand that doing more than 4 or 5 hours in a day is difficult for their employees. So, I decided to open my own business, because I would one day like to expand and hire employees myself and treat them the way I wish I had been treated in some of these jobs. Far too many people are not paid what they are worth and I would like to be someone who changes that; who actually runs a business for the workers, not just for myself.
Opening A Touch of Peace: Massage Therapy & Bodywork was a gradual process; luckily in my field I can really choose when to work and for how long. I started out with a few days at my current studio, waiting for the days to be full. Once they were, I would add a few more days and wait for those days to be full. It has been a long process of finally being on my own, but I am now officially 100% on my own in my studio. Next! Hire some employees. Regardless, this path to opening a business has shown me a lot of patience and to realize things don’t just happen over night. They take a lot of work, and as long as you put in that work you will succeed. I’m only 28 years old and I still have a long ways to go to achieve the business I have in mind, but I’ve learned it isn’t about the finish line, it is all about the process, because this process of opening a business has made me a better person all around.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places, just because I have puppy dogs, is The Watering Bowl! Great fun little bar off of Leetsdale that is also a dog park. I used to live in that area and go there all the time. Another all time favorite place to go to is Cervantes Master Ballroom. When I first moved here, it was the first place I was taken to and I absolutely loved it.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my family for always supporting me in my endeavors, no matter how crazy they actually are. My parents, John and Laurie, who believe I can do anything as long as I set my mind to it, and my sister Melissa, who is my number one friend and number one counsel. I would like to thank Chris Steffan, who has been there for me through thick and thin and through the whole development of my business and career. I would also like to thank Emily Martin, the owner of Pawsitively Pets, who has been such an encouragement and supporter of my expansion into having a woman owned business.
Thank you all so so much for being there and being so wonderful.
Website: www.atouchofpeacemassagetherapy.com
Instagram: @atouchofpeace
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eryn-hays-2ba8a5103
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atouchofpeacemassage
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-touch-of-peace-massage-therapy-and-bodywork-denver
Image Credits
Corinna Lander