Team Spotlight: Jen, Brookfield Massage Therapist & Esthetician
Ten years with Neroli? Tell us about that.
I’m proud to say that I have worked for Neroli for a decade.
It’s a great company to work for.
What sparked your interest in massage therapy?
I always been interested in alternative medicine, but Massage Therapy was not my original career choice. I actually have a BA in Fine Art. When I finished college, I felt I needed to get my masters if I really wanted a solid career doing art – photography was my focus. I had lost my passion for it and decided to work towards a career in Massage Therapy. I enjoyed it and fell in love with studying physiology. I think if I had gone into it right out of high school I would have pursued a career in medicine. About a year after I received my massage certification, I went on the study Esthetics and now am dual-licensed.
Any wellness tips you recommend?
Make time to do the things you enjoy the most. Also, keep things simple. Enjoying the company of friends and family is more important than stressing out over a perfectly clean house and over-spending on things.
Above: Jen’s adorable little kiddos.
Are there any myths about massage that you find true or false?
Myth: Massage Therapists give “happy endings”.
False. Very, very false! I know it’s joked about (a TV show was even made about it), but it’s not something massage therapist find humorous and, unfortunately, many of us have had deal with the indecent behavior first-hand.
To be called a Massage Therapist in Wisconsin, you have to be licensed by the state. There are very strict laws around what can and cannot be done in a treatment room. We also have a code of ethics that we agree to follow. Sexual activity, of any kind, is strictly prohibited. That means that no one, massage therapist or client, should be touching anyone’s private parts, including their own. The butt is okay, but should be properly draped. Breasts and genitalia are off limits. End of discussion.
What’s popular in the massage world right now?
I think customized treatments are very popular right now. People aren’t looking for a cookie-cutter service. I have many guests who want a massage and a facial in one service. I also have guests who want deep tissue work and relaxation. I love catering to their needs as long as time allows.
Above: Jen and her husband.
You’re on a deserted island. What Aveda product do you take?
While a simple question, I tend to overthink. If I’m on a desert island I’m pretty sure I’m going to be concerned with fresh drinking water, food and shelter, not my beauty routine. I would, however, probably get sunburned at some point, so I would want Aveda’s Intensive Hydrating Masque to calm and help repair my skin.
“When I’m feeling down, I know I can turn to ___ to brighten my day.”
I can always turn to my family to help brighten my days. My husband is incredibly supportive and will do whatever he can to help lift my spirits. I also have two kids who are sweet and funny and give good snuggles.
“On my days off, you can find me ___.”
My days off are often catch-up days. I run errands, do laundry and work on my fixer-upper of a house. If it’s a weekend day, I spend my time with family. We play games, watch movies, and in the summer, try to be outside as much as possible.
