Hidden Gems: Meet Merika Poolsawat of SALA Thai Traditional Bodywork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Merika Poolsawat.

Hi Merika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Thailand, where traditional Thai massage is an important part of everyday life and healthcare. My introduction to this work began at home with my mother. She received a massage weekly, and I often accompanied her to Thai spas. Over time, I saw how massage became a vital part of her overall health and wellbeing. How it helped her stay strong, balanced, and healthy. Watching that left a deep impression on me.

When I was younger, I became curious and asked my mom if I could try learning massage myself. She smiled and said, “If you try it, there is no turning back.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant—but now I do.

I later earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourism Management, which gave me the opportunity to rotate through many departments in hotels, including the kitchen and the spa. I initially chose to work as a chef, believing it would be my long-term path. However, the physical strain and mental pressure quickly took a toll on my body and overall wellbeing. That experience forced me to pause, reflect, and listen to my body. Something that would later become central to my work as a therapist.

Around that time, I was offered an opportunity to work as a spa assistant manager at a hotel in Bangkok. That role reconnected me with massage and the healing environment I had been around since childhood. I fell in love with the world of bodywork. Not just the techniques, but the way it supports people holistically. It felt like coming home.

In 2021, I immigrated to the United States and decided to fully commit to massage therapy as my profession. I completed my training, became a licensed massage therapist, and began blending my traditional Thai massage foundation with Western therapeutic techniques. That combination, rooted in culture, experience, and deep respect for the body, became the foundation of my practice.

I started my business in a small one-room studio, working independently and building my client base through trust and word of mouth. Today, I run my own Thai massage and bodywork studio in Boulder, Colorado, serving a diverse community that includes individuals managing chronic pain, stress, and athletes seeking deeper, intentional bodywork.

Looking back, my path hasn’t been linear, but every chapter. From watching my mother heal, to working in hotels, to changing careers, and moving across the world has shaped who I am today. My mother was right: once you truly step into this work, there is no turning back. I’m grateful to do work that connects tradition, care, and human connection, and I’m excited to continue growing and expanding this vision.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but the challenges shaped everything I’ve built.

Immigrating to the United States in 2021 meant starting over. Even with years of experience in Thailand, I had to return to school, meet new licensing requirements, and rebuild trust from the ground up. Navigating a new culture, language, and professional system came with moments of doubt and pressure.

Starting my business on my own also meant wearing every hat while managing the physical demands of massage work. I learned quickly that sustainability requires boundaries, self-care, and patience.

While the road has been challenging, it strengthened my resilience and deepened my empathy. Every obstacle reaffirmed why I chose this path and helped shape the practitioner and business owner I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of SALA Thai Traditional Bodywork. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is a Thai massage and therapeutic bodywork studio rooted in traditional Thai healing and modern therapeutic knowledge. I specialize in intentional, results-driven massage that supports physical recovery, stress relief, and overall wellbeing. My work blends traditional Thai techniques, deep tissue, stretching, myofascial work, and mindful energy awareness to meet each client exactly where they are.

What sets my practice apart is the level of presence and personalization in every session. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all massage. Each treatment is thoughtfully customized based on the client’s body, lifestyle, and goals. I’m especially known for my SALA Thai Signature Massage, a treatment that reflects my background and philosophy—deep, rhythmic, grounding, and restorative, designed to support both the body and nervous system.

Many of my clients come to me for pain relief or stress management and stay because they feel truly cared for. Over time, most clients become regulars, and many relationships grow beyond a typical client-provider dynamic. I have the privilege of supporting people through different chapters of their lives: injury recovery, career changes, intense training seasons, burnout, pregnancy, and times of transition. That continuity of care is something I’m deeply proud of.

Looking ahead, my vision is to continue growing this work and helping more people understand the value of Thai massage and massage therapy in general as an essential part of long-term health, not just a luxury. I want to expand my practice, educate the community, and create space for deeper, more sustainable healing. My brand is built on trust, cultural respect, and genuine connection, and I hope readers see SALA Thai not just as a massage studio, but as a place where people feel supported, grounded, and cared for over time.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice is to stay curious and open. Some of the most meaningful guidance I’ve received didn’t come from formal mentorships, but from relationships built naturally through work, school, and community. Showing up consistently, asking thoughtful questions, and being willing to learn creates opportunities you don’t always expect.

For me, exploration has been a big part of growth. I receive massage every two to four weeks and intentionally explore new places, new therapists, and different styles of bodywork. That practice helps me continue learning, understand different approaches, and stay aware of what’s happening in the industry. It also reminds me what it feels like to be a client, which has made me a better practitioner and business owner.

I’m also open to exchanging work with fellow therapists who practice different modalities than mine. Those exchanges have been incredibly valuable not only for skill-building, but for building genuine relationships within the community. Overall, what has worked best for me is approaching networking with curiosity, generosity, and respect rather than focusing on outcomes.

Pricing:

• SALA Thai signature bodywork for 60 mins $110
• Traditional Thai Bodywork for 90 mins $155
• Reflexology 60 mins $100
• Herbal compression for 90 mins $170
• Deep Tissue for 60 mins $110

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.salathaibodywork.net/