Today we’d like to introduce you to Raffaela Frymark.
Hi Raffaela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people but wasn’t sure how to. My interest in physiology and bodywork started at a young age, about 8 0r 9, when I watched Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Unbeknownst to me, when I set up my pillows on my bed to try to figure out how and why Quasimodo’s back was shaped like that, my imaginative play was really a glimpse into what my future will hold. While in High School, I received my first professional massage and knew that’s what I was meant to do. I was discouraged by my family because at that time, massage was seen as part of the cosmetology world.
After an Art Degree and years of working in childcare, I relocated to Washington State, where I went to massage school. It was January of 2014, and I was having trouble finding employment, which took a toll on my mental health. One day, while listening to music on Pandora, an advertisement came through for Cortiva Institute-Seattle, a massage school located in the downtown area. I took it as the Universe giving me a sign. I filled out the contact form and received a phone call from their admissions office within 10 minutes. It was a Thursday, I went in for a tour on Friday and began classes in their full-time program on Monday. I was finally where I belonged. I graduated in August and began working at my first studio in September of 2014.
In October 2016, I relocated to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and transferred my massage license. Over the next couple of years, I worked as an employee in all the local chains, as well as working for small businesses.
In the summer of 2022, a client convinced me to walk out of my current job and start my own business. I did just that and never looked back. I started NoMad Massage, where I saw clients out of my home, as well as traveled to them.
Now, my business is thriving and I have regulars as often as weekly. I also created a collective of other Massage Therapists in Pennsylvania to assist me with chair massage for businesses and colleges. The biggest one so far required me to bring 7 additional therapists! I am now expanding further by providing both chair and table massages for a variety of events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I suffer from chronic illnesses, and it affects my work due to the physicality that massage requires.
Another thing is in Washington State, Massage Therapists are Practitioners, and considered a part of the medical community The schooling heavily focused on Anatomy, Physiology, and treatment, rather than the relaxing spa services one would expect.
The common denominator between the different employment I had in Pennsylvania, was the way massage was viewed and promoted. Everywhere focused on spa services and relaxation, expected an entire full-body massage to be done in 50 minutes, and was treated like retail. The hours were long, and I was overworked, which resulted in an injury. Between that and the pandemic in 2020, I decided to take a short break from massage, but ultimately came back because it’s my passion.
As you know, we’re big fans of NoMad Massage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
NoMad Massage provides Massage and Bodywork and is based out of my home. I also provide mobile services to up to an hour away (with a $25 fee).
I specialize in Myofascial Energetic Release (MER) and focus primarily with the connective tissue. This allows me to work with the nervous system and fluidity of the body to help the brain relax the muscles.
I work with a variety of issues like chronic pain, amputation, cerebral palsy, migraines, TMJ, and scarring. I am certified in Orthopedic Massage, provide Bamboo Fusion®, and have experience with different modalities such as Feldenkrais, Tragerwork, and Sports Massage.
I offer different services which have the option to add on complementary cupping, or the use of Red Light Therapy.
NoMad Massage is a safe space and all are welcome.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’d had a lot of bad luck in my life, but I feel every major decision I’ve made regarding NoMad Massage and my massage career in general, has been lucky.
I was able to attend massage school full time because I was lucky enough to be in a situation which allowed me to move across the country and pay a year’s rent up front. I were able to move to Pennsylvania because my father-in-law owns the house I live in, and rent isn’t high. It’s also just big enough for me to run my business out of,
I’m also lucky to have amazing regulars because without them, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain my business through slow seasons.
Pricing:
- 60 minutes- $75
- 90 minutes- $100
- 2 hours- $125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nomadmassagepa.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nomadmassagepa
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/nomadmassagepa
