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Former coal miner hits pay dirt in massage therapy

AGE: 43
RESIDENCE: Menlo Park
TITLE:President of TimeOut On-Site Massage in Menlo Park (877-462-9452)
EDUCATION: Certificate in massage therapy from Stillpoint Center in Amherst, Mass.

CAREER TURNING POINT: Ray worked as a coal miner in western Pennsylvania for five years, until she suffered a debilitating back injury during a rock fall in 1980. She endured constant pain for more than a year before her doctor suggested she seek treatment at the University of Massachusetts Pain Center in Boston. While there, Ray learned numerous relaxation techniques that provided relief to her back. That was where she first encountered massage. She no longer suffers back pain.
WHAT SHE DID:
Sold on the value and efficacy of massage, Ray entered the holistic healing profession. She enrolled in a 1,000-hour, nine-month certification program at Stillpoint Center, then worked 12 years as a private masseuse, combining Swedish massage, reflexology and aromatherapy.

In 1994, Ray began conducting reflexology clinics for retailers Origins, Macy's and Nordstrom. A colleague suggested she offer her services at United Airlines' Employee Appreciation Wellness event, which sparked Ray to focus her business on stressed-out corporate workers.

Using about $25,000 from savings and credit cards, Ray and her business partner, Mindy Lederman, launched TimeOut On-Site Massage in 1996 out of Ray's Menlo Park home. Today, more than 30 independent massage therapists work for TimeeOut. Equiped with relaxing music and portable massage tables and chairs, they massage the neck, shoulders, hands, scalp, back and arms of fully clothed clients. Each session lasts 15 or 20 minutes.

For more elaborate events,such as a company health fairs, Ray also brings aromatherapy products, fresh mint and lemon water, chocolates, flowers and fruit for clients.

"I like this (business) much more than being a private massage therapist. It's not as isolating", Ray said. "I love working with people."

TimeOut has visited 50 companies and participated at art festivals and corporate conferences. TimeOut charges $65 to $71 an hour per therapist. Ray said her business is profitable and expects to double last year's revenues.

AMBITION: To expand her business model nationally.
IN HER OWN WORDS: "You don't have to know everything. There are a lot of people out there who can help you, so take the time to seek out mentors."
Sherri Eng

email timeout@corpmassage.com 
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