Meet Karen Reader | Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner, Lifelong Student and Skier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Reader and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had spent over 20 years starting, organizing, creating and visioning other people’s businesses. I realized I had enjoyed the benefit of incredible autonomy and flexibility in these roles and run them as they were my own – despite not having actual ownership. I think the thought process behind starting my own business was that it was time to do so, that I had requisite experience, and that it was time to do the one piece of the puzzle I had not yet tried and embrace the actual risk.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mountain Nugget Bodywork is a bodywork business based in Crested Butte. I am the sole proprietor – I work for myself and by myself – meeting clients and practicing a modality called Ortho-Bionomy. I think the most difficult part of this business is being patient. I have had to build this business and hold it steady, having faith that what I have to offer is valuable and that I have the competencies to deliver a great service. My life experience, dedication and understanding of Ortho, proficiencies and ability to meet people where they are at are all assets that are not really measurable and so there needed to be a quiet confidence that propelled me forward and kept me going.

I am very proud that my clients are primarily locals – people that work and live here in Crested Butte. To me this signifies a trust and gives me a true sense of place and belonging. I feel honored to be able to help and support the people that have made this town the gem it is, and those that work hard to honor their own mountain spirit by doing the work necessary to keep the village functioning.

I gain immense satisfaction in my role. As a practitioner, I am essentially invited to be with someone in a private space, I listen to their challenges in interview form and then I get to work with them to help them feel better in their bodies. Ortho-Bionomy is a deeply effective and profound treatment and it is typically ‘on-body’ however, the touch is of variable density and would not be considered to be reminiscent of any deep tissue work. People stay dressed and we approach the nervous system to ask for awareness and self-adjustment through education. It is pretty incredible that people feel better, they feel more ease, begin to gain better pattern awareness, and enjoy more vitality as a result of treatments.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Crested Butte is different for everyone and in every season. A friend visiting me would know we spend our time outside playing in the mountains – winter, summer, spring or fall.

In Winter, we would ski the ski area, go for a nordic ski, with kids we could visit the sledding hill or go ice skating at the covered rink in town or the open air rink in CB South. Burger company at the base area is the best, last good deal at any ski area worldwide I’m certain. Always Camp 4 for coffee.

In Summer, hiking, biking, scenic drives, lake and river time, climbing if they are keen. The valley opens up a bit and so maybe down to Almont for BBQ at 3-Rivers Resort or over to Paonia to Delicious Orchards for…yea BBQ…

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?
My parents, Laila and Phil Reader have been an infinite source of support for which I have eternal gratitude.

Website: www.mountainnuggetbodywork.com

Image Credits
Images 4,5,6 are NOLAN BLUNK PHOTOGRAPHER Image 1 (skier) @amm.images Headshot (black and white) LYDIA STERN MEDIA