Meet Sarah Ferree of Discover Massage in Fort Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ferree.

Sarah, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got into massage in 1997 thinking it would be better than waiting tables through college (I am a complete klutz in a restaurant setting!). I had no idea it would turn into a life long career and passion.

After working as a solo entrepreneur from 1998 – 2009 and seeing many changes in the evolution of massage I wanted to do something more. I wanted to change the game for both massage therapists and our clients. I saw the massage world becoming very cookie cutter and I saw therapists burning out faster than ever due to the demands put on them.

I created Discover Massage in 2009 to ultimately help more people that I could on my own. I wanted to give clients a space where they could enjoy the convenience of the bigger massage chains, but the care and attention of a private practice. I wanted to give therapists a place where their voice and opinion mattered and where they felt they could grow and deepen their skills in a space that was supportive of their long term career.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ha!! If I’m honest, I’ve wanted off this road more times than I can count. Being connected to a bigger mission of creating an environment where clients feel seen, heard and cared for and where my massage therapists feel supported, heard and encouraged has kept me on the road.

It’s been a steep learning curve. We don’t have investors and we haven’t taken out any loans so learning how to manage cash flow has been huge. From taking on spaces that were too big with too few therapists, being too generous with payroll to riding the waves of the seasonality of our business this has been a humbling experience.

Over the last ten years, it has gotten easier and staying connected to the bigger picture and my personal mission has helped when things have gotten bumpy.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We help our clients manage stress and pain so they can do more of what they love. We are known for our therapeutic approach to massage. We treat headaches, TMD, back pain, auto injuries, plantar fasciitis, scoliosis….our clients come to us with all types of pain and injuries. Our therapist are required to complete ten hours of continuing education a year. Currently, the state of Colorado doesn’t require any continuing education for massage therapists. We are constantly learning so we can provide our clients with the best therapeutic and evidenced-based massage.

What I am most proud of is that we really specialize in is building relationships. If we don’t know what our clients love to do, we can’t help them reach their goals. Sure we can treat their pain, but knowing what they want to do when they get out of pain is so much more important to their care.

Clients receive a 60-minute massage, not just a 60-minute appointment. We allow extra time between each appointment to connect with each client. We want to know how they felt after their last massage, what has changed and how they are feeling today. After their session, we send them home with homework to help manage their stress and pain. Empowering our clients to take an active role in their stress and pain provides better outcomes.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up outside of Chicago and moved to Fort Collins when I was 19. Moving to Colorado was like coming home for me. Growing up I loved playing outside in the forest preserves with friends. My Dad took me and my sisters camping every summer. I’ve camped in almost every state east of Colorado. Although I miss the dense, moss-filled forests of the mid-west, being able to be outside pretty much all year long in Colorado is amazing.

Pricing:

• New Client 60 minute $57
• New Client 90 minute $87
• 60 minute Wellness Membership $65
• 90 minute Wellness Membership $95

Contact Info:

• Address: 1730 South College Ave. #103
  Fort Collins, CO 80525
  (Located inside of Impact Chiropractic)
• Website: discovermassage.org
• Phone: 970-581-2298
• Email: info@discovermassage.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/discovermassagefc
• Facebook: facebook.com/massagefortcollins

Image Credit:
Valerie Mosley

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