Exploring Life & Business with Julie Gambino of The Conscious Bodyworker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Gambino.  

Hi Julie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I had an opportunity to recreate my professional self after retiring from a dancing career at the age of 27. I was born and raised a dancer and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University. I moved to San Francisco and enjoyed four years on various stages dancing and performing. Throughout those years, I always knew there would be a time that came and I would have to decide, “what’s next?” Having an innate understanding of the body and anatomy, I knew massage therapy would be a fitting career to transition into.

While I was a performer, my body was in constant need of attention. I sought out a variety of holistic health modalities to support me when I was feeling run down or injured. I experienced massage, acupuncture, chiropractic work, physical therapy, saunas, baths, you name it. Massage therapy was always the most beneficial for me in my recovery process.

I quickly realized there were multiple forms of massage therapy. The varying styles intrigued me and felt artistic like dance. Massage is similar to improvising with a new dance partner; you have to tune in, listen to their body and respond accordingly in the moment. Receiving massage gifted me a deeper understanding and connection to my body. I was able to identify the patterns I had developed muscularly and it became a tool for me. Massage informed my training and made me more educated.

So, it was decided, after leaving San Francisco, I moved to Denver to study massage therapy. As a licensed massage therapist, it is my goal to help my clients feel awakened to their bodies’ patterns and have a stronger connection to themselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My business, The Conscious Bodyworker, has been on a journey, similar to a roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs, some bumps along the way, but ultimately exciting. I have a couple noteable struggles that stand out to me.

Initially, I only wanted to work with dancers and I had a hard time imagining having a different type of clientele. I quickly realized that was going to limit my growth and experiences. Letting go of that idea has made this journey much more fulfilling. Being able to work with all different types of bodies keeps me on my toes and growing. I love being able to use my knowledge and provide therapeutic massage to a variety of people. I want to help everyone feel more comfortable to live the life they want.

My second biggest challenge was being a new therapist and starting a business in a city that was also new to me. I had difficulty deciding where I wanted my practice to be located. This led me to being a traveling massage therapist, serving the communities surrounding Boulder and Denver.

Up until lately, my business has been primarily traveling, which comes with some challenges. However, bringing healing and relaxation to somebody is very rewarding and outweighs the stress of unexpected traffic. I love witnessing people seeking self-care in the comfort of their own homes. The demand for in-home massage was more than I expected, possibly due to covid-19. People need self care and deserve options to feel comfortable and safe. It has kept me busy and kept me mobile.

In April 2022, a new opportunity was presented to me to grow my business. I am now working out of a women-owned clinic in South Denver, Hands that Heal You. I will continue doing house calls but now have an option for those who prefer to be in a studio. I will be sharing a room with another bodyworker, Jaime Mondragon, owner of Ritual Healing Arts. I am looking forward to co-creating with another bodyworker and having a space to call home. I can’t wait to see how The Conscious Bodyworker will expand in this new place.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Conscious Bodyworker. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

The Conscious Bodyworker brings everything to you. I arrive with my extremely comfortable, pearly white massage table, a cozy table warmer, a speaker that plays zen music, soft sheets and a warm blanket.

I check in with my clients before their appointment and prioritize their needs for that day. When giving bodywork I aim to be as conscious, present, and mindful as I can be. It is my goal to have my clients leave feeling relaxed, awakened to their bodies’ patterns and have a deeper connection to themselves. My attention to detail and nurturing nature make each massage unique. We store pain and tension in our bodies and massage is a tool to release those traumas. Whether it is emotional pain or compensation patterns built up from past injuries, I use massage to assist in the recovery process.

I offer one to two hour massages with the option to add on CBD, Reiki, or cupping. I also offer prenatal massage, which uses additional pillows and wedges for ultimate comfort. I use a vegan cream, which is a paraben free and nut free oil. I have a custom made CBD oil, infused with lavender and rose from a CBD company based in Boulder, Vital You. My eye covers and heating pads are made with lavender and millet and locally made in Denver by Olive and Olde’s. I also offer a heart opening tea blend from Little Herbal Apothecary in Lafayette. I am a huge advocate of building community and supporting other local companies within my business.

I am full-body certified in a positional release modality called Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT). SMRT incorporates subtle, short holds that help soften the muscle tissue and assists in balancing the body. It encourages the nervous system to down-regulate and allows me to do deep tissue massage safely and effectively.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?

Spotify is my favorite app that I subscribe to; I can get endless amounts of music for massages and can keep growing my playlists.

Another favorite app I use is self-employed quick books. It tracks all my miles, income/expenses and helps me stay organized. When tax season comes around, it is definitely a lifesaver.

I love the Visible Body app, which is a digital body with muscles, bones, organs and nerves. I can access this on the go, and do a quick study session while in line for coffee, I recommend this to all bodyworkers!

I love to incorporate Palo Santo and Hot Yoga into my daily practice. It allows me to clear my energy before and after seeing clients. Together these help me to be more grounded and centered and help prepare me to give bodywork.

Pricing:

• In-home massage 60 minutes- $100
• In-home massage 90 minutes- $130
• In-home massage 120 minutes- $160
• Add on Reiki to any appointment- $50
• Add on Cupping to any appointment- $15

Contact Info:

• Email: theconsciousbodyworker@gmail.com
• Website: www.theconsciousbodyworker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconsciousbodyworker/ 

Image Credits
Katy Lacette