Meet Marcus Thompson Sr. | Licensed Massage Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcus Thompson Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business. I knew my self as always being a hard worker, and always bettering my self in whatever I was doing. But I thought to myself, like why put this much effort in to making someone else richer while I’m busting my butt 40 plus hours a week I get the same set pay. Why can’t I put this same effort into going into business for myself and making a legacy for me and my family.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a Licensed Massage therapist who is very passionate in helping my clients clients live a better quality life. What sets me apart from others is that I feel that I truly LOVE what I do, I grind non stop to get where I’m going, rather it’s taking my massage chair to go do events for free just to get my name out there I do it. I’m a big believer in planting good seeds and everything else will grow! I love the holistic approach of healing and being able to use my god giving gift through touch. I’m most proud/excited about sharing this gift with as many people I can, all ages and race, I feel like massage is a language everyone can speak, or become educated on. I’ve experienced industry work, I worked in sales, both for over 15 plus years. I always found enjoyment in the jobs I did but it was just that a job/work. I always ended up feeling like there has to be something more out there for me, more of a challenge. I would get burnt out after so many years. Through Physical therapy from working in a factory for 10 years I found Massage. I have always been a believer in holistic healing. Never liked taking meds, I seen what meds could do to you, I seen the addictions it could cause from being so dependent on them. While working in sales for Verizon I decided to go to school for massage therapy, I was always interested in learning more in depth about it. My first day of class I just fell in love and knew this was my calling! I went to school passed my state boards got licensed and while working at Verizon I decided to take a part time job at massage envy. After about 6months I quit Verizon and went full time at envy. While at envy I started renting a room out a a location to perform massages there part time and after a year of massage envy I decided to take the leap of faith and go on my own. It was very hard being on my own, no days off. Having to market myself. Networking with everyone was really key. Being a Male massage therapist can be very challenging because you have women clients who aren’t comfortable coming to a male and you also have male clients also not comfortable getting a massage by a male. So marketing and word of mouth has been very major in the role of building my brand. Covid has been another challenge, being in a field where you constantly are touching people, I had to gain trust back with clients and make them feel even more comfortable to return during a pandemic. When it comes to lessons I feel that you’re constantly learning lessons as you go, it’s the only way to keep growing, I would say the lesson is learn as much as you can, take advice, take good criticism, you’re never too good or successful to learn!
What if like the world to know is start self care at a young age! These are things I wasn’t taught or spoke to about being a young black male growing up. I also would like the world to know that anything you set your mind, heart and would to and get up and do it you can achieve it! Don’t worry about what anyone else has to say about your dream! It’s your dream it’s not for them to understand. Massage is a great way for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It’s not just a luxury, massage can be for everyone! I’m especially wanting to bring awareness to the urban community on the importance of massage and the benefits of it!

What I want the world to know about me,
I want them to look and see that they can relate. I’m just your average joe. I was raised in a single parent home, just me my older brother being raised by a strong woman. I’ve witnessed abuse, being poor, no lights, no heat, no new clothes for years. But my mother always made a way. I want that little girl or boy that may be going through the same thing to be encouraged and to know that there’s hope. Know that you still can make a way out of no way. Don’t be afraid to step out on faith, take risk and be God lead!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love eating at local mom and pops restaurants, supporting small businesses and there nothing like some good souls food! Top golf is always a good hang out and fun to do when friends are around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Lord & Savior Jesus Christ above all things deserves the highest praise!

My Wife Kandas Thompson for encouraging me and pushing me to chase my dreams, and helping hold everything down!

Website: www.massagebook.com/biz/twohandskneaded

Facebook: Two Hands Kneaded