Today we’d like to introduce you to Skylar Juneau.
Hi Skylar, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since middle school, I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, from working out, to learning anatomy, to improving my own mental health. I fell in love with the process of trying to becoming the healthiest version of myself. For a while, I went back and forth about what I wanted to do as a career, until one day I came across a post for massage therapy school and I felt instantly drawn to it. The more I researched, the more I realized massage therapy perfectly blended all of my passions: the physical aspect of fitness, the science of anatomy, and the opportunity to help others in such a personal way. That’s what led me to pursue massage therapy, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
After completing school and receiving my license, I began working at a spa where I had previously worked the front desk. That experience gave me valuable insight into how a spa operates, from the flow of sessions to the backend operations and the importance of professional communication with clients. My time there truly shaped the foundation for starting my own business.
Soon after, I was given the opportunity to work at a chiropractor’s office, which tested both my confidence and my skills. Through that experience, I gained a deeper understanding of therapeutic work and began to trust my abilities more. With my background in both spa and clinical settings, I built a strong foundation of hands-on experience that prepared me to open my own practice. I’m incredibly grateful for the places and people who helped pave the road to where I am today.
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?
Looking back at my journey is bittersweet. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, mostly learning to overcome my own limiting beliefs. But now, as I stand on a much smoother road, I can see how every struggle and doubt helped shape me into the person I am today.
I became a licensed massage therapist right after high school and soon after took the leap into running my own business. I’m incredibly grateful for how it’s all worked out, but stepping into adulthood while figuring out who I was came with its own challenges. To give some context, I was the kid who’d get anxious speaking in front of the class. So when I discovered this passion for helping others through massage, I knew I had to let go of that self-doubt. What helped was realizing that putting myself out there wasn’t really about me – it was about how others could benefit. Once I overcame that hurdle, everything started to fall into place.
I also struggled with imposter syndrome for about a year before it began to fade. All it took was time: gaining experience and hearing positive feedback from clients. I found my rhythm once I released my inner doubt and started trusting my intuition, doing what felt right with each session. I quickly noticed my clients’ results improving once I truly believed in myself and my work. Now, when I step into the room before a session, my mind is entirely focused on the client – their preferences, their needs, and how I can best serve them. There’s no longer any space for questioning my abilities.
Once I settled into a more grounded place mentally, I gained a new sense of confidence. I was genuinely excited to share my work with others, but I quickly bit off more than I could chew. The line between client expectations and my body’s physical limits began to blur. I developed tennis elbow as a result, and for the first time, I started to worry about the longevity of my career. I remember coming home after work and barely being able to cook because my arm hurt so badly. I had to learn how to take care of myself while still showing up fully for my clients. That experience became one of my greatest teachers: it taught me the importance of boundaries and self-care. I also discovered new techniques that were both more effective and less taxing on my hands.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sky Massage Therapy?
There are some misunderstandings about what massage therapy really is, so I’m happy to share what it is I truly do.
At its core, massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system – the part of your body that allows you to rest and relax. When this system is engaged, your muscles soften, your circulation improves, and your stress hormones decrease. Altogether, massage doesn’t just work on muscles; it teaches the nervous system how to return to calm. This is why my clients’ feelings of comfort and safety are always my top priority.
With that, I’d say my specialty is integrative massage which combines the relaxation of a Swedish massage with the effectiveness of therapeutic work. I often hear clients say something along the lines of, “I prefer a good deep tissue with firm pressure. I want you to work out my knots even if I cry.” That’s when I love to explain the importance of relaxation. Without it, the nervous system won’t release tension, and the work becomes mechanical manipulation of tissue rather than true massage therapy.
Based on client feedback, I’m known for my integrative massage, and more specifically, my signature hot stone session. The heat from the stones helps muscle tissue deeply relax, allowing me to work more effectively into the muscles. When I first started recommending my integrative hot stone, many clients were hesitant, saying they’d had bad experiences before, but were willing to give it another try. Almost every client who books the session ends up loving it and making it their go-to for every visit.
I’m most proud of my ability to completely tune out my personal life during sessions. I believe in the transfer of energy, so focusing on my client and staying grounded is important to me. I become so immersed in my work that it feels like a meditation practice – a quiet time that has deeply improved my own mental health while helping others.
I also love personalizing each session to honor my clients’ preferences. Every massage is fully customized to the person, and I’m always open to making adjustments as needed. I remind each client, “This is your session, so what we focus on within the time frame is completely up to you.” That’s also why I offer enhancements like hot stones, cupping therapy, aromatherapy, and hot towels free of charge. I believe these aren’t add-ons, but essential tools in supporting each client’s unique treatment plan.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is having such a rewarding profession that I’m passionate about; it allows me to keep growing while helping others in such a meaningful way. People often ask why I love what I do, and it’s because I get to meet people exactly where they are and witness their transformation from before to after each session. Hearing how much better my clients feel is deeply gratifying.
I’ve also noticed how much this work has improved my own well-being. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities and communication, developed patience, and found that even on days when I’m not feeling my best, I almost always leave work feeling better. Massage takes my mind off myself and places my full attention on others. It’s the only time when my mind feels completely still, like a form of active meditation.
The benefits even carry into my personal life. I value rest and downtime so much more than I used to. Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m enjoying the simple things in life like spending time with my partner and dog, having slow mornings with coffee, and being in nature.
Pricing:
- 30 minute: $54
- 60 minute: $94
- 80 minute: $124
- 100 minute: $164
- I also offer 15% off packages!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Skymassagetherapy.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BBybikr7d/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Kailah James Photography
