Meet Monique Gomez | Licensed Massage Therapist and Licensed Master Social Worker

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

Hi Monique, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is essential for growing your business. I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking multiple risks. I wouldn’t have the confidence to talk to anyone about my brand, massage style or who I am as a helper. Starting my mobile massage business after only having five clients a month was a risk to my time as it has been a “side hustle” for four years. After three years of loss and being at risk of penalties from State or Federal “hobby laws” I moved into a suite. After moving I lost 20 percent of my clientele that I had gained from word of mouth, and finally gained profit for the first time, a VERY small profit. During that first year I had to close twice once for COVID Pandemic for three months, and once in January until I obtained a city business license. But clients kept coming back, and this year I came back so strong by maintaining relationships, not giving up when times got tough and seeing how my services give a large impact. I began selling products after not knowing truly what my clients would want, and not knowing how economics or sales work in a business. I continue to take risks, but I try to think smarter by; asking questions before making a decision, keeping a savings especially for the business taxes, and creating a support group of other like minded women entrepreneurs. Fear and Risk are always present in any market, because nothing is forever but the positive outcomes are so empowering. The growth and learning from the risks you take help you become a better person and business owner.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got my massage license right out of high school by attending dual enrollment at East Valley Institute of Technology. When I moved to Tucson to pursue my undergraduate degree in Sociology and then Masters degree at Arizona State, I was employed at spas, gyms and even a chiropractic office. All of those places taught me a lesson, either about business ethics, the stereotypes of the massage therapy career and refined my skills to treat athletes. In school I learned more about humans, trauma and development. Most importantly I learned and got to experience how emotions are stored in our bodies. I am very proud to say I am a dual licensed practitioner, who brings a holistic perspective to massage and bodywork. This knowledge and practice of mind body connection has supported me in this current shift in my life. My counseling license is currently on probation, due to taking a risk and NOT asking questions. Although massage has always been a passion and “back up plan” it quickly has shifted and expanded. I now offer Body Scans which take a Reiki approach to healing and relaxation. I offer Reiki- Massage as an enhancement to a session that seems to best meet the physical body and emotional energies. Although I am not currently practicing psychotherapy, my massage practice has expanded into a bodywork that encorporates emotional wellbeing. I am very excited to continue getting more referrals, collaborating with other coaches and wellness practitioners, as well as hosting or attending events. The biggest lesson this year is to trust the process, that everything is working out for an expanded purpose. I truly do not know what is fully NEXT, but I know I will be able to learn, create and expand my massage practice.

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.
If my best friend is visiting Arizona, I would show her a few places. Sedona is a top spot to hike, and eat and shop we would easily spend 2 to 3 days there exploring. The Tlaquepapue plaza has excellent restaurants and shops to meet your travelers needs. The most entertaining experiences are the waterparks, big surf being the adult favorite. Also I would mostly enjoy just hanging out with my friends by our pool, making margaritas in the blender.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother deserves the credit to my story because of how she raised me to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to, and I would have her unconditional support. She is the hardest working women I’ve met and seeing her work ethic growing up inspired me to keep going during the darkest of times. In the last year almost exactly, the Powerhouse Women Community here is Arizona and beyond has really supported me during this scary growth period and gave me the strength to go on. They believe in me and I them.

Website: https://goldenhandsmassageaz.com/