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

Hi MacK, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking was at the very forefront and at each step along the way of my career thus far! When I first decided to go to massage therapy school, I quit a job that I was making good money but ultimately knew wasn’t the right fit for me. I had thought about becoming a massage therapist for years and I got to the point that I said to myself, “it’s now or never”. I had no idea what my plan was after school. I knew that I eventually wanted my own business but I didn’t know when or what that would look like. By the end of my massage program, Moving Body Wellness had come to fruition. My latest risk was leaving a team and clients that were so dear to my heart, to explore taking Moving Body Wellness full time. It was hard to leave, and so scary to jump all into being a small business owner, but once again I knew in my body that it was the right time to do it.

Risk is always going to be a part of life and a part of my career. Each time that I trust myself and take those risks, I get closer to creating a life that I always dreamed of. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me and my business apart from others, is my work with people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. As someone who is also living with a chronic illness, this work is near and dear to my heart. I first started working with this community as a massage therapist while being employed by an organization called Angel’s Service. I found a passion for this work and then continued on to working with The Denver Hospice Footprints Program – a pediatric palliative care and hospice team. Working alongside these teams cemented my passion for this work and also gave me the confidence to continue this work within my private practice.

I am proud to say that I am striving to make massage accessible to all bodies. I am excited to continue helping children and adults feel safe and comfortable in their bodies, whatever that looks like for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a resident of the Platt Park neighborhood, I would take them to get coffee at Steam, tacos at Uno Mas, visit the Pearl St Market on Sunday morning, and then spend a day at Wash Park picnicking and saying hello to all the dogs! We would attend a YoMassage event with my dear friend Meg with Mile High Mindfulness, go for a float at Samana, and take a little road trip to Strawberry Park Hotspring. Good food, good company, and some deep relaxation. I don’t think it gets better than that!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my gosh, I’ve had SO many people that have encouraged me, loved me, and pushed me to consistently show up as my best. First, my mom, who I credit with believing in me and encouraging me to become a massage therapist since I was young. She worked long shifts as a nurse and when she got home, I would massage her feet to help her relax and recover from the day. During this time together, she would always tell me “You should do this when you grow up!” Those words never left me. My mom was the first person I called when I enrolled in massage therapy school.

Secondly, my partner, Julian. We started dating at the beginning of my massage program and so many people told us that new couples often don’t make it through a taxing school program like that. He was there for me during the long days, the hard exams, and the poking and prodding of learning hands. When considering going full-time with my business, without skipping a beat he said “Absolutely do it.”

Also, so many friends, mentors (thank you Toby), and loyal clients. You all keep me going and continue to show me that I am on the right path. I couldn’t do it without your support. Thank you.

Website: movingbodywellness.com

Instagram: @macksmovingbody

Facebook: MacKenzie Bearley/Moving Body Wellness

Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/moving-body-wellness-denver

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