To fear the massage stigma

[Woosar]

I would like to start my mobile massage business but I have become somewhat annoyed/fearful of what I am up against.

I have heard many stories of how even beauty therapists working in official premises are propositioned by married and single men for sex. My friend told me her sister was even propositioned by a celebrity whilst she worked in an official hotel spa. What chance have I got as a mobile masseuse working in people's homes.

I live in a wealthy area and was talking to a secondary school mum about aromatherapy essential oils and I mentioned that I would like to add this service once I started my massage business. Her attitude towards me completely changed, it was very strange. Do these people think we are all offering illicit services?

I have become scared to advertise my services as I have heard that even legitimate masseuse businesses receive inappropriate requests, even though they state they are legitimate services. The fact that school mums seem to look down on you doesn’t seem to bode well either. The fact that I am highly educated in a core subject and they are barely educated but live on the the fruits of their husband’s or parent’s labour, doesn’t seem to deter their snobbery. I am worried my child will be targeted in this well to do area.

Does anybody have any advice on where to advertise to deter sexual enquiries and how to handle the stigma from these school mothers in particular?

Thank you.

*Arnoldthecat

I am a physio, but that was definitely not on the curriculum!

Thank for the advice everyone!*

No indeed,, am my masseuse /physio never offered err,,lingham massage either. It was never expected. She did her ob perfectly and we had a professional relationship. I'm just saying that it would be no big deal if someone included it as part of their services. After all,its a normal bodily function. In some cultures it is considered the norm .

Oh dear op, you really are an insufferable twat.

I can see why you're aiming for a career that doesn't have any entry requirements.

I don't know how it works now, but some places insisted on qualifications before you could rent a treatment room and some would insist before accepting an ad.

Being highly educated doesn't mean youre any better than those who aren't or, that you have emotional intelligence which can get you way further in life IME: & your clients won't be interested either. The mobile aspect to me sounds too like a sex workers 'out call'. If you had premises & a 'naice' sign not the scruffy door that local Brothels do wherever I've lived, with a small tatty 'sauna' sign , then I think people wouldn't label it dodgy. Caveat: I know high end sex workers have posh flats & no sign, but it's the association in people's minds when they hear 'massage' .

Being highly educated doesn't mean youre any better than those who aren't

Which is good news for the OP.

Are you sure it's not the mlm thing? I can't be the only one who mentally starts thinking of escape routes when someone mentions their own business.

My friends who are message therapists have faced this issue. Can you not emphasise being a physio who does aromatherapy massage instead?

Also where have you found all these women with parents wealthy enough to keep them, but with no education?

My friend is a mobile masseuse, she only does women and hasn’t had any problems. Gets most of her work from the local mums Facebook page.

If you’re a physio why not go into sports massage? Seems like a natural step to me!?!

To those of you that are highly insecure and easily triggered regarding the disdain /dismay for people that sneer at those less fortunate than themselves, go and find some humility. Mind you don’t bother, life has a tendency to humble.

You've described yourself perfectly here.

More strangled syntax from our “highly educated” op. I rest my case.

To those of you that are highly insecure and easily triggered regarding the disdain /dismay for people that sneer at those less fortunate than themselves, go and find some humility. Mind you don’t bother, life has a tendency to humble.

Wow

The complete lack of self awareness is quite astonishing, really.

I don’t think you need to worry massively about your client base.

To those of you that are highly insecure and easily triggered regarding the disdain /dismay for people that sneer at those less fortunate than themselves, go and find some humility. Mind you don’t bother, life has a tendency to humble.

😂🤣🙄

To those of you that are highly insecure and easily triggered regarding the disdain /dismay for people that sneer at those less fortunate than themselves, go and find some humility

What does this even mean?
Are there other people on the thread sneering at allegedly less fortunate folk, or are you speaking of yourself, OP?

Syntax is everything, ducks.
I'm guessing this much vaunted higher education of yours didn't feature English Language as a "core subject"?