Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Clark Linebaugh
Hi Holly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a long line of strong nurturing women and that skill set was something I wanted to use in my professional life. After college, I worked on a small cruise ship in Alaska. The work was grueling—12 hour shifts for six weeks straight. One week, a friend of the Captain joined the cruise. She was a massage therapist and gave each of us a massage, it was my first. The effect of receiving that touch was profound and deeply nourishing. A year later, I enrolled in massage school. The Chicago School of Massage Therapy was a school that offered a rigorous program. I enrolled in CST’s 15 month, 750 hour program and graduated in 2004. I am licensed and have been practicing for 20 years. I have worked in many different settings; spa, chiropractor’s office, marathon races, army base, massage studio, holistic mental health and currently, own my own practice, Melthouse Massage.
Alright, 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?
The massage therapy profession offers numerous rewards, such as helping clients improve their physical and mental well-being, but it also comes with significant challenges. These challenges stem from the physical demands of the work and financial viability related to work load, commission based payment and little or no insurance coverage for massage. Massage therapists are often paid per client so there is inconsistent income. Lack of paid leave, sick days or health insurance benefits are also challenging. Public education around massage therapy in the last 30 years has improved greatly, but misconceptions and legitimacy are still an issue. I created an LLC in 2020, this move definitely improved my work-life balance, increased income, and job satisfaction however, the administrative work of running a small business is an unpaid challenge.
As you know, we’re big fans of Melthouse Massage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Melthouse Massage is an offering of bodywork designed to meet client’s unique needs. A blend of evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities implemented to support health, aid function, and relieve pain. Clinical training in neuromuscular massage and cupping help release restrictions and ease pain as well as restore function. Training in Craniosacral Biodynamics and SomEX trauma processing, brings presence to the nervous system and allows for deep rest.
I aim for the perfect balance of clinical and restorative techniques — so that clients leave feeling nurtured, balanced and energized.
Melthouse Massage lives in my home studio. As a practice, I have relied solely on word of mouth marketing. The best things in life are often shared with us by our trusted community. I believe in showing up authentically with my offering and knowing that the right clients will come. They have, and as they share with others, Melthouse continues to organically grow.
I believe wholeheartedly in the reciprocity and accessibility to care. I am proud to offer a sliding scale for those who need it. I donate massage gift certificates to organizations and fundraisers. Often our care requires a team, I refer out to other bodyworkers, chiropractors and mental health care professionals. I am proud of Melthouse’s place in this Nashville community.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Chicago School of Massage Therapy was one of the first schools to have a community service component. I chose to work at a local non-profit for adults with developmental disabilities, Arts Of Life. This program is a place for participants to come and create art and earn income from their work. I learned a great deal from this experience. Sometimes, touch was not welcome and my presence was the work. One artist in particular, was non verbal and previously homeless. He would stand with his back to the corner painting quietly all day. I spent weeks just sitting next to him. Slowly, I worked up to a gentle hand on his shoulder while he painted. The softening of that shoulder, how it eased down a bit from his ear and his back relaxed ever so slightly, continues to be my teacher.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melthousemassage.com
