Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Shifrin.
Pamela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If you had asked 10-20 years ago where I’d be today, I definitely would have never said a massage therapy business owner in Vail, CO. But here I am, living a dream I can’t imagine not living.
I have been an athlete since I was five years old, softball was my game, and I had no other thought than to continue my love for the game as a coach after I could no longer play. I played four years of Division I softball at Central Connecticut State University, received my degree in Business Management, graduated and did just that. I coached for three years for a Junior Olympic travel team and at a Division III collage. It was a struggle financially, working multiple jobs and trying to move up the coaching ladder. So, I decided to move on. My passion was sports and teaching what I knew best to others. Choosing another career was difficult. I knew how much massage therapy helped me as an athlete so I thought this was another good way to give back and stay involved.
As it turns out, I’m pretty good at it. Another passion quickly grew and I loved what I was doing. My goal continued to work with athletes, but opportunities arose, and you just have to jump on them when they do. I packed my jeep with trailer in tow and shipped out to Colorado (from Massachusetts) to help open a new massage school in Denver with my mentor. The school is now flourishing and is located in Longmont, known as the Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy. I was itching to get back into full-time bodywork, and with another job and housing opportunity available, I jumped again and landed in Vail.
I was working at up to three different massage places while trying to build clientele for my mobile massage business. I was in Vail a few years when another opportunity presented itself to have my own massage space. It was scariest jump yet, but in November 2016, Local Revival came into fruition.
Has it been a smooth road?
Just before signing a long-term lease April 2017, I asked myself a simple question, “what’s the worst that could happen?” Even if it fails, you will have tried, you will have no regrets, and you will continue doing massage. You think you know what the worst thing that could happen is, but unfortunately you don’t.
In June 2017, my brother was diagnosed with ALS. In September 2017 my father passed away. In November 2019, my brother passed away from ALS. I had no control over the fact that ALS was going to take my brother, but I could decide whether I was going to let it take my business, my passion, too. I weighed a lot of different scenarios and I decided to give up my apartment, one of my jobs and went back Massachusetts 25 times to be with my brother in that time frame.
I didn’t know how I was going to do it. Many times, I wasn’t doing things the right way, or even doing them at all and I thought I should just quit because I wasn’t focusing on building a successful business, I was focused on surviving.
There is a tremendous amount of power in just showing up. Resilience will drive you wherever you are trying to reach. When you find your passion, my advice to you is to always show up and take those jumps. Keep a calm, smart head on your shoulders and take those opportunities when they arise. Regret will hurt more if you don’t. You have to really want it, be willing to make the sacrifices and go after it with relentless effort. The payoff is bigger and better than you could ever imagine, but it ain’t easy. Remember that mistakes will be made and you can never really prepare for the worst….but you can ALWAYS show up!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Local Revival story. Tell us more about the business.
Local Revival is where the locals go, and it’s thriving in 2020! Vail being a huge ski destination, we do get some visitors traveling through, but Local Revival mainly attracts locals who are committed to regular massages. Just like no painting is the same, neither are massages. My team and I focus on therapeutic bodywork and tailor each massage specifically to what the client would like. We recognize that living in this valley means working hard and playing harder. Specializing in integrative bodywork; blending deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, stretching and more, we are dedicated to making sure you receive everything you need out of your massage session.
As my clientele and professional relationships grew, I wanted to create an environment that was more fitting for us and our clients. A professional business space with a really comfortable feel, without the spa prices. The office is simple and focuses on the client. We aren’t just cultivating a clientele, but long-lasting relationships. I wanted clients to feel at home and I am extremely proud to say that almost everyone that walks through my door says just that. We will even travel to Summit and Denver to see our clients when needed. Although it is not our main service, mobile massages are always an option for people, so don’t hesitate to inquire.
I believe that our clients deserve our deepest respect and gratitude for trusting us to touch their entire life when we work with them. My career as an athlete and numerous continuing education courses contributed immensely to my understanding of the body and how it physically works. Being a highly sensitive person and letting my own life be my biggest lesson learned has contributed endless support and comfort while understanding a client’s state of mind. By listening to my clients, the goal is help facilitate a positive change in whatever way that may be. Listening and educating them to the best of my ability. Setting and cultivating clear intention.
What sets Local Revival apart from others? Me.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room”
I have been blessed with many inspirational women in my life. Some were handed to me, and some I went after and made sure they kept me by their side. How else are you going to learn? You have to be vulnerable enough to let yourself accept what you do not know. Once you do, you must become a sponge and soak up every drop of knowledge. Although I am very proud of my college degree, and obviously was the base of my education, I have learned the most from watching successful women work, asking questions and trial and error.
Who have I watched the most? My mother. Our careers may be different and our systems may work differently, but some things can never be altered; character, ethics, integrity, hard work and kindness. I watched her work. I watched her resilience. I watched her passion. I watched her fall. I watched her get back up. I watched her volunteer. I watched her sacrifice. I watched her give and then give some more. I watched her learn. I watched her grow. I watched her teach. I watched her try new things. I watched her climb the ladder. I watched her be recognized locally, statewide, and nationally. I watched her love what she does. I am inspired to fill her shoes….in my own way. To you mom, I thank you.
Go find someone to watch and never stop being inspired.
Pricing:
- 60 minute massage $100
- 75 minute massage $125
- 90 minute massage $150
- 75 minute massage package $500 (Buy 4, get 5th free)
Contact Info:
- Address: 40780 US Highway 6
Suite 205
Avon, CO 81620 - Website: www.localrevival.com
- Phone: 970-401-2449
- Email: info@localrevival.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localrevivalcolorado/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localrevivalcolorado/
Image Credit:
Olga Barron Photography, Inc.
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