Today we’d like to introduce you to Sammy Redifer.
Hi Sammy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had always said “I want a career where I can help people every day” and once I found massage, I never looked back. Previous career paths required me to lose a part of myself that I didn’t care to lose- my kindness and emotional nature. Massage allowed me to keep my personality- while helping others feel better in their bodies. I started at a local spa in Carlsbad for a couple of years, before moving on to sublease, then finally in November 2022 to my own space. The name Tides Bodywork came about because Tides is the overarching theme of what I have learned through my massage career, and am reminded of every day. I used to be very rigid with life, I felt that everything had to go according to plan. But unfortunately, that isn’t going to always happen. The tides ebb and flow, just as life does, as cheesy as it sounds. If we learn to flow with the tides of life- may it be the tides of healing or pain, we may learn to be more gentle with ourselves and those around us. I use this approach in how I work with clients as well. I understand that our bodies feel different every day, and I adapt to what my client’s muscles need in the present moment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think starting a business will never be a smooth road and there will always be challenges. But that is how we learn and grow to be better than the day before. I’d say my biggest challenge is believing in myself and my work. My amazing mentor, Ashley Herold-owner of Daydream Massage and Skincare is the one who hired me all those years ago at a local Carlsbad spa and built me up every day to become the confident massage therapist I am now. I would still be stuck in self-doubt if it wasn’t for her. She has been a guiding light for me throughout my journey as a business owner, and I am so grateful for her support.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Tides Bodywork offers custom therapeutic massage. My style of massage incorporates both deep tissue and Swedish techniques- we work on what hurts in a slow, methodical way, but you also get to relax. I enjoy incorporating little touches, such as a mist of hydrating facial toner at the end, wildflower oil while working on the neck, or a heated pad after extensive work on the back. Tides Bodywork is where you and your body will be listened to, and worked on at your pace. I always joke with my clients and say “slow and steady wins the race” because my philosophy on bodywork is to break down the tightness and adhesions layer by layer instead of coming in hot with an elbow. While this approach can be effective, I find it is more of a shock to the body rather than the relaxing experience that many are looking for.
What’s next?
Oh wow, the future. I think sometimes if we look too far into the future, we don’t get to be fully present. For now, I am taking it day by day, being grateful for every client that comes in and enjoying the smiles, sighs of relief, or even a snore or two that can happen during my sessions. But down the road, I would like to add holistic facials to my menu as I am also a licensed esthetician.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tidesbodywork.com
- Instagram: @tidesbodywork
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/tidesbodywork
