Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrés Cervantes
Hi Andrés, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in massage therapy began in 2010 when my late wife was undergoing cancer treatment. Witnessing her struggle made me feel helpless, and I wanted to alleviate her pain. I began studying massage therapy through books and videos to support her. After she passed away in 2012, I spent a year mourning her loss before meeting Bernardo Faria, an accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. Inspired by his dedication to the martial art, I decided to pursue it myself. Realizing that it would take years to achieve a black belt, I enrolled in massage school to support myself financially during this journey.
Upon completing massage school, I moved to San Diego, where I worked full-time as a massage therapist while training full-time in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In my first year as a massage therapist, I discovered the profound healing and artistic aspects of the practice. This realization deepened my commitment to massage therapy, much like my passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Now, 12 years later, I have a successful massage practice in Pacific Beach and hold a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, teaching at The Arena MMA in Point Loma.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The first five years of my career were anything but smooth; they were exhausting. Massage therapists are often underpaid and overworked, especially in spas like Massage Envy or Massage Heights, where you essentially work for tips. My career took a significant turn when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Many of my friends, who were ER nurses, were overwhelmed and had no access to healing practices like massage therapy because it wasn’t considered essential. This inspired me to name my business Essential Massage San Diego.
I began offering my nurse friends 90-minute massages for $60 to help them stay physically and mentally resilient. This initiative greatly expanded my practice, allowing me to leave the spas and build my own private practice. I love massage therapy for the genuine connections and conversations it brings into my life. It has been a source of healing for both me and my clients
We’ve been impressed with Essential Massage San Diego, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’ve been practicing massage therapy for 14 years, and my experience is evident when you’re on my massage table. I continually seek new techniques to better serve my clients, specializing in deep tissue and active release therapy, but I can tailor sessions to meet any needs. Think of it as carving out the tension in your body.
What sets me apart from other massage therapists is my intuitive touch, my ability to make people feel comfortable, and my relentless pursuit of knowledge in my practice. I understand the gamble of booking a new massage therapist, so I invite you to check out my style and techniques on Instagram. I also offer a first-time client deal of a 90-minute massage for $120.
As someone who gets massages regularly, I know the anxiety of receiving a poor massage, where it feels like you’re just being moisturized. I ensure my sessions are genuinely therapeutic and effective.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Email me at andres@essentialmassagesandiego.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essentialmassagesandiego.com
- Instagram: @essentialmassagesandiego
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/b5TFt_kc6c
