Jackson Free Press

Massage Therapist Latrisha Dumas Bailey is on a mission to help people adopt self-care as a central practice for their lives.

"Your body is made to heal itself," Bailey says, "but we live in a culture where people forget the basic importance of self-care. My job is to assist people in learning how to work again in direct partnership with the wisdom of their body."

A native of the Mississippi Delta, Bailey moved to Jackson in the 1990s to attend Jackson State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in marketing in 1999. But after becoming discontent working as a telemarketer, Bailey decided that she wanted to help others. A visit with friends who worked as massage therapists in New Orleans inspired her to change careers.

"They talked with such passion about their jobs of helping people, but they also shared their struggles with developing and building their massage practice," she says. "It was with that conversation that a little light went on. I knew I had found my path."

She enrolled in the Mississippi School of Therapeutic Massage, completed her training, received national certification, and two years ago, she successfully launched "Therapeutic Connection," her therapeutic massage practice in Jackson. But Bailey didn't stop there. Remembering the struggles her massage therapist friends had experienced with business, Bailey organized "Therapeutic Tuesdays" a (mostly) monthly meeting for established and aspiring massage therapists to network and share business practices. The next meeting is scheduled for February.

"I wanted to weave together my knowledge of therapeutic massage with my understanding of business and marketing, and provide continuing education programs to assist and mentor other therapists. We cover a variety of how-to topics, from creating a marketing plan to information about liability insurance--things you need to know if you're going to be a successful massage therapist."

As an additional support, Bailey also spends time talking with other massage therapists about self-care.

"You'd be surprised, but sometimes the very people who give care to others forget to ensure their own self-care," she says. "I share with them from my own experience that if you don't take care of yourself, you're not going to be any good to anyone else."

Therapeutic Connections (1855 Lakeland Drive) is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make an appointment or find out more about "Therapeutic Tuesdays," call 601-668-3939.

Previous Comments

ID

161335

Comment

Latrisha Dumas Bailey, CONGRATULATIONS for being the JFP's person of the week!!! I am a recently diagnosed diabetic and it is my understanding that the body, with the right type of diet and exercise, can heal in many cases. Presently, I am dealing with a phone coach through the State Plan with Web MD. I am neither diet compliant or consistant with medication. Maybe the "hands-on" and face to face approach wil be better for me. I will give you a call at the number listed in your article.

Author

justjess

Date

2010-12-21T13:13:07-06:00