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Meet Joannie Lee of Two Hands Wellness Events

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Joannie Lee.

Joannie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to San Diego when I was 19 years old from Diamond Bar, CA. I’ve been to five colleges and focused in five subjects (business, marketing, art, interior design, and massage therapy). After leaving after a semester of design school because of costs and life-changing realizations, I found myself in massage school. I loved it and was good at it. I finally found my passion. After graduating, I worked at chiropractors, wellness centers, and five Star Spas. I felt pretty comfortable in my career at 22 years old.

The 2008 recession hit San Diego and I was at the spa, just waiting for clients, but they came in less. I still had rent and bills to pay, so on my downtime, I targeted the people that still had a job, but their workload was doubled because of the lay-offs. I focused on providing my services that were convenient for the client. I began to get busy and I had a friend you lost her spa job, and she asked if I needed help. Within a week, I found myself turning down clients because I started to get busy and before you know it, I had my first massage therapist to work with me.

I continued to work at the spa while I started Two Hands Mobile Massage and Wellness. Having three jobs and constantly working began to be a natural thing for me. One week, it was so busy for Two Hands and the Spa, that I had my assistant work in the cafe while I worked on my clients. That was my “ah-ha” moment to leave the Spa. I went to one shift a week, to on-call, to eventually not working there at all.

While I was focused on mobile massage, I had a client that asked if I did chair massage in offices. I told her yes! And that was when I began to grow my company with this Company. Chair massage was received well at the office. The frequency went from once a month to every week. The Company began to grow, so I had to start bringing in more massage therapists to accommodate the growth of the Company. Currently, we provide about ten hours of chair massage a week for the Company. Since we have been working with them, we also provide yoga and ergonomic assessments (individual and group).

This year, we have restructured Two Hands to become Two Hands Wellness Events where we focus on providing wellness services like table massage, chair massage, yoga, ergonomic assessments, meditation, energy healing and more, specifically focusing on Corporate Wellness Programs, Bridal Parties or Special Events, and Wellness Retreats. I am so excited to part of a Wellness Movement. We offer a wellness retreat every quarter and donate a percentage of the proceeds to different charities. I have always felt like we are community-based and now we can express that more through Two Hands Wellness Events.

It can be challenging when bigger Companies with fancy apps come into San Diego, but I’ve been really fortunate that the locals and travelers that find Two Hands always come back and tell their friends or office. I feel like we are creating that “grass roots” stamp on being the “little guy” finally being recognized for our accomplishments and reputation.

My happy level is pretty high!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’ve learned that in business, it is always changing. For example, when I started this Company, there was NO social media and NO apps that gave you on-demand service. I’ve had to compete with other mobile massage companies coming from other cities, and that was hard to compete with. I was told by my business coach to just keep focusing on what I’m doing because the competition was distracting me from being the best I wanted to be.

Another challenge is managing my wellness vendors. I’m currently have an issue where I don’t enough massage vendors to provide services. I’m still turning people away, and that is tough. I don’t just let anyone work with Two Hands. They have to be not only a good massage therapist but also value customer service and time. We have about a 60% return rate on our locals and tourists and I really think it is because provide a great services and customer service where they feel important.

My current struggle is with this coronavirus. I have had a few cancellations and some pending events that have decided not to move forward with the event at all because they are trying to avoid big spaces to meet.

I am, however, hopefully, and still believe that we are going to be successful this year!

Please tell us about Two Hands Wellness Events.
Two Hands Mobile Massage that turned into Two Hands Wellness Events has been servicing San Diego since 2011. We specialize and focus on our client’s needs. We provide custom services because not every person is the same. We work with clients that are athletes, travelers, stay-at-home moms, parents, retirement home, and hospitals. Some of the same people also work in front of desk and it’s like having the ability to service anyone that knows the benefit of massage therapy and wellness.

I am most proud of the recognition. When I talk in massage schools, they know about Two Hands, it makes me feel like my hard work is paying off. I’m also proud of the professional growth I have made with Two Hands. I was a massage therapist, turned business owner, turned ergonomic assessment specialist, turned consultant for the office space and 5-star Spas.

I believe what sets me apart from others is that I like to spend that extra time with the clients and really get to know what they need in their bodies and how we can suggest different things to help prevent pain. I still believe that customer service is so important. We need to make the client feel like they are special and that they can feel comfortable with us. They are more than a number. We care.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like my drive to be successful has really helped. I also think my vulnerability to learning new things really help with my growth and the growth of Two Hands. It helps that I have a welcoming smile and try to network around town as much as possible. At the end of the day, I feel like my ability to be present with whomever. I am with really helps with trust.

Pricing:

  • 60 Minute Mobile Massage | Starting at $120
  • 90 Minute Mobile Massage | Starting at $165
  • Chair Massage (Corporate or Events) | Starting at $99
  • Private Yoga | Starting at $150
  • Ergonomic Assessments (Individual) | Starting at $250
  • Ergonomic Assessments (Group) | Starting at $750

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Meg Marie
@meg_marie_photo

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