Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Hamilton.
Hi Stacie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I experienced my first massage session as a client, I wanted to learn how to help others feel better. While working a desk job by day, I attended Massage & Bodywork Therapy School at night. Then I knew a desk job was not for me, so as soon as I graduated I landed a part-time position working side-by-side a wonderful chiropractor. There I learned so much and met so many great people. During that time, I also worked part-time at a Salon & Day Spa where I gained the experience of a Day Spa environment.
Several years later, married with two young boys, I was a stay-at-home mom but continued Massage Therapy by working out of my home and traveling to clients’ homes as well. In 2018 our family decided to take the leap and move from Southern New Jersey to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where we had spent many family vacations & visiting friends over the years.
With our oldest son started school and our youngest stayed with a great caretaker, I decided to get back into the workforce as a full-time Massage Therapist. I made an appointment for myself at a local day spa that I would drive by frequently that always seemed to grab my interest. From the moment I walked in I felt ‘at home’ and knew that this was the place where I wanted to practice. By chance, they were hiring and I applied right away. I was soon hired it was off to the races… I was super busy with a very full schedule, but it never really felt like ‘work’ because when you love what you do… well, you know the rest. A spa atmosphere is great, the clients are wonderful and I am blessed to be able to help people every day ~ what a rewarding job!
Fast forward a couple of years… COVID. Things got confusing and we shut down for two full month. What would our profession become as we were offering ‘close contact’ services everyday? What would the future look like for the Day Spa Industry?
During our ‘COVID Break’ my boss & founder of Body & Beyond contacted me with an unbelievable opportunity ~ she wanted to step away from the business after 7 years & retire and wanted me to take over as the new owner. What a decision I had to make! All the unknowns! Coming out of a pandemic, having two young, active boys at home and juggling a household… add on managing employees (that was a new one) & owning a spa?? I never thought about owning my own Day Spa but this was an opportunity I could not say no to. I was determined to keep doing what I love with my wonderful co-workers, amazing clients and with the support of family & friends, I kept things moving forward. It was not at all easy but I believe this is what I was meant to do and where I was meant to be. I am truly blessed to be able to help others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? No. Finding the right team members to join us and carry on my vision and expectations of Body & Beyond has been a challenge. With that said, our current team is great and we are thriving! Another challenge is balancing work & home life… is a work in process. I am still a very ‘hands on’ business owner but have cut back my client schedule to be able to be present for my very busy boys and give them my attention as much as I can. I also need to practice what I preach, as for taking time for me… being in a wellness profession, we too need to take care of our physical, spiritual & mental health… it’s so important!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always had an interest in art since I was a little girl. From my grandmother signing me up for art classes, painting with her at her house to eventually going to college at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. I do believe Massage & Bodywork Therapy is another form of art… the flow and the sequence of movements is like a well choreographed dance and an artform to help heal.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always open to working & collaborating with others who are willing to truly help our clients on their wellness journeys. It does take a combination of treatments and therapeutic options, so networking with local chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, mental health counselors and such, has been a great addition for our clients to help with whatever issues they are working with and vice versa. We have a really great community here and we are lucky to be a part of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BodyandBeyondMB.com
- Instagram: @BodyandBeyondMB
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/BodyandBeyondMB
- LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/company/BodyandBeyondMB
