Meet C. J. Wade | Licensed Massage Therapist, Author, Educator, & Creative Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with C. J. Wade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi C. J., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Over the course of my life, I realized there were two constants – I desired the freedom to help others in customized ways and the “Monday through Friday 8-to-5” worklife felt a suffocating overcoat. I felt that I was constantly clocking in and out of something at the expense of my health and who I was created to be. I also longed to incorporate self-care into my lifestyle and unfortunately, my default setting was “stressed.” One day, it hit me – everything I did after work was what I wanted to do full-time. Before being an author and an educator, I was always writing and I tutored children after 5:00 PM and on weekends. Before becoming a licensed massage therapist, I constantly researched anatomy and physiology to learn how to monitor my health challenges. Before my first paid choreography contract, I taught dance at night and on weekends. Being a business owner was always part of my divine vision and I am so grateful to do what I love. My driving forces are still the freedom to live fully and to serve from the heart.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am multi-faceted and love my career lanes, so enjoy the rest of this response. *lol*

I am the owner and licensed massage therapist of You Matter Massage & Wellness. My mantra is “You deserve a healthy you” and I specialize in self-care for busy humans. Societal pressures foster the belief that it is better to look good than to be well. I’m on a mission to change that narrative. This especially goes for my fellow artistic souls that pour themselves into their work. One day while on tour, I noticed the actors and dancers were backstage managing their pain and anxiety for the sake of a perfect performance. I made a vow to create a safe space for them and all who needed a “you are more important than what you do” reminder.

I am the owner of The Write Wade Publishing Company where I am currently working on my 2nd book (Hello, Editors!) and I am the podcast co-host of QueensBeLike. You can find me blog-posting inspiration on Wednesdays because I believe we could all use a little help over hump day. I also use this avenue to tutor students in social sciences because my degrees will never be wasted. I love seeing the lightbulb of understanding shine in their brains and hearts.

Lastly, I’m creative at the core. My piano and vocals background strengthen my choreography and consulting career. I founded a faith-based creative collective called Workmanship Incorporated in 2012 and we continue to serve through the arts and outreach.

A word for future business owners: You are not finite. That is the biggest lesson I learned while establishing these entities. Organizing my professional demands was not an issue for me, but ensuring that I wasn’t depleted as a person was a significant challenge. One of my favorite quotes is from the poet Walt Whitman – “When I give, I give myself.” IT describes who I am. Because of this attribute, I had to learn how to replenish myself before helping others. Clients need the best version of you, so invest in that goal through rest, professional development, and cultivating positive relationships.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you were visiting the Birmingham area of Alabama, I would include my top spots –

1) A greenspace getaway in the gritty city – Railroad Park is one of my favorite spots to take my journal and write or lace up my sneakers and exercise. There’s a soothing water feature and the clickety-clack of the nearby railroad adds that Magic City character.

2) Contemplative places for your mind to wander – I love our Birmingham Botanical Gardens when I want to smile at nature more than usual and the Negro Southern League Museum inspires me every time. The Birmingham Museum of Art always keeps me in a calm state of mind with its insightful exhibits, but don’t sleep on them. They are known for their after-hours events which are filled with live music, cocktails, and themed activities. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is near the historic 4th Avenue Business District, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, and Kelly Ingram Park for your history-absorbing pleasure.

3) An nice spot for a night walk – If you like nightlife and food by independent business owners, there are plenty of places to enjoy, but I like to stroll the Avondale area for Post Office Pies (artisan brick-oven pizza is everything), the Lakeview District, Southside, Downtown, and Midtown. For the shopper in you, the Summit has a wide range of retail also. Check out two of my favorite restaurants, Village Tavern Scratch Kitchen & Craft Bar and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, while you’re there.

4) Anyone that knows me knows that I love Steel City Pops. Period. We would have to stop there before heading home because you can’t feel bad about dessert if it’s made with fresh ingredients. At least, that’s what I tell guilt-free self.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I happily shoutout my mother and late father. They not only instilled my spiritual Anchor, but they sacrificed so I could perform internationally in high school. After that first experience, I was culturally awakened and hooked on doing it again. The world felt within my reach and I am forever grateful.

My mentors Minister Eunice Pickens, Annie Joe Edwards, Tena Wilson, Moneca Reid, Javacia Harris Bowser, and the late Bishop Kevin P. Turner ignited my artistic gifts and continue to fuel me toward excellence.

My therapeutic massage instructors were amazing. Seriously. They cultivated my skills, encouraged my empathy, and showed me how to create a business that will uplift myself and others.

My creative collective, Workmanship Incorporated, trusted the vision from Day One. Their love gifted me the grace to grow as an artist, leader, and as a friend over the years.

Website: www.linktr.ee/cjwade

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cjwade1

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cjwade1

Image Credits
Desiree Danielle Photography Patrick Laney Photography