Meet LaTosha Tervo | Massage Therapist

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

Hi LaTosha, what do you want people to remember about you?
My goal has always been to create a space where people can go and feel safe. To fall apart. To check in with their bodies. To cut off connection to the outside world and fully relax for an hour. To release emotions that are no longer serving them. A space that is what ever they need it to be that day.

I was so honored when a client came into my office for her massage, she sighed deeply and said “This is my safe haven”. That is what I’ve envisioned and worked toward for years, giving that kind of space to people. I love that my clients are so excited to see me when they come in!

When people think of me, I hope that they smile. I hope that they remember to take a few deep breaths and drink PLENTY OF WATER.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It’s such a blessing that my job and my passion are the same thing! I wouldn’t trade my career for anything. I wake up each morning, have my coffee and think about how excited I am to go to work. It makes such a difference when your clients come in and they tell you how excited they are to see you, too! How cool is it that I get to decide my own schedule, work in an office that I created, and work with some of the best clients anyone could ask for? It just doesn’t get any better. My goal is to give affordable, intentional massage therapy to each person that comes through my door. It’s such a compliment to hear snores from the table, a disappointed sigh when the massage ends, and an “I feel great!” as they leave.

Each day brings something new, people from every walk of life. I’ve gone to nursing homes and massaged the elderly, they have the best stories! I’ve massaged an expecting mother and felt her baby move under my hands. I’ve felt the weight on my table as someone grieves the loss of a loved one. I’ve volunteered at events to massage people with life threatening illnesses, every time I leave a better, more humble person. I work with people who want to set goals to feel more healthy. People who simply need a reason to turn their phone off and tune out. I’ve been visited by people who live alone and haven’t had physical contact in years. Touch is so important!

I’d like to say that I’ve nailed down how to be a successful business owner, but I haven’t! It’s a constant learning experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So far along my journey, the key things I have learned are:

My work will always provide. Over the years, the weight of financial stress has gradually lifted away, because time and time again things have worked out. I have everything I need.

Just roll with it. Create a positive out of the negative.
“My client didn’t show up, guess that means I have time to deep clean the office today!”
“Work’s been slow, so I get to spend more time at home loving on my dogs and kitty!”
“I feel tired and sore, so I’m going to schedule MYSELF a massage!”

There is always something new to learn. My clients have taught me more about massage than I learned in school! I love working in an environment where I am constantly prompted to grow, to tune into my intuition and work alongside each client as they progress.

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.
Well, I’d of course convince them to schedule a massage with me first. Besides that, some of my favorite places to go are: The book nest – they have some of the cutest home decor!
Little Thai kitchen – my go-to, feel-good food place.
The drinking horn- grab a horn, fill it with Meade and have a great time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Massage Therapy has connected me to a community of FANTASTIC people. There’s simply too many to list, which is a blessing.

To my fellow massage therapists, thank you for your never ending positivity. It’s been an honor to learn and work alongside you!

I’d like to thank my family for supporting and encouraging me to grow and keep following my passions as they develop.

I’d also like to thank my amazing boyfriend for the many hours of free labor he put in to help me set up my office. And for being patient when I decided “I don’t like that there” and “I want to change that again for the 20th time”. He’s a champ.

And, to Katie Norton-Martin. Thank you for teaching me, I deeply value your lessons. Your work continues through your students. You are loved and deeply missed.

Website: latoshatervomassage.as.me

Instagram: LaTosha Tervo LMT

Facebook: LaTosha M. Tervo LMT