An exclusive interview with Katryna Ousley
Massage Envy combines big-brand recognition with a small-brand feel because at its heart is a caring, supportive community of dedicated wellness professionals who share one purpose: helping people feel and look better so they can live better. In late March, Massage Envy franchisees gathered to recognize and celebrate their locations’ outstanding wellness professionals at the brand’s 2024 Annual Performance Summit, where the national award program winners were announced.
This year, Katryna Ousley was recognized as National Therapist of the Year for her work at the Massage Envy franchise located in Fairlawn, Ohio. According to her manager, Gina Wolonsky, “Katryna leads by example with a positive, joyful attitude and commitment to helping others begin and continue their well-being journey. Katryna not only demonstrates superior dedication, but she also cares deeply about every client.” We asked Katryna to share a little more about herself and her experience working at a Massage Envy franchised location.
Q: How many years have you worked at a Massage Envy franchised location?
A: I’ve been an LMT for more than 10 years and have worked at the Massage Envy Fairlawn franchised location for nine years now.
Q: Have you worked in other massage therapy environments? If so, where and for how long? After experiencing other environments, what made you choose to stay at a Massage Envy franchised location?
A: I have worked for other massage environments, several in fact, trying to find a good fit the first year and a half of my career. They were all small establishments, mostly full-service spas/salons. My Massage Envy franchised location offers an environment that is therapy centric. I, personally, don’t do much relaxation massage; most of my clients need deep work and help with painful projects and maintaining their health as it applies to bodywork. They aren’t afraid to be active participants in their own healing, and they trust that I will do my best to help them every time. This is vastly different from a spa/salon setting where the therapists are generally doing mostly Swedish/relaxation massage techniques.
I am fortunate to work with several other LMTs who all understand the demands of this job. We can bounce ideas and a plethora of collective knowledge off of each other and continue to grow and learn throughout our careers. I learned more in my first six months working here than in the year and a half I worked at other spas/salons. What I enjoy most about working for a Massage Envy franchised location is the camaraderie with my coworkers, the clients I’m privileged to see and help and the brand’s ever-growing dedication to finding the best ways to take care of not only their clients but also their therapists.
Q: What advice can you share regarding how to have a successful massage therapy career?
A: The key to having a successful career as an LMT is to care. Remember what made you want to do this work and pour all of that joy into your craft. Be genuine with your clients. Let them see you are a kind, empathetic and compassionate person who truly wants to see them be able to live their best lives. When you show clients even the smallest amount of vulnerability, they’re much more likely to return it in kind and let you help them. This is what creates longevity of the therapeutic relationship and in turn longevity of your career. I would be nothing without the support, kindness and loyalty of the clients I have met at Massage Envy Fairlawn.
Q: What would you say to a massage therapist who might be considering applying for a job at a Massage Envy franchised location?
A: A Massage Envy franchised location can be a wonderful place to hone your skills, learn new skills and techniques from other therapists and become the best massage therapist you can be. I wouldn’t trade my team for anything. Every last member of the Massage Envy Fairlawn team is incredible and a standout in their own way. I am a better person and better therapist because of each and every one of them.
The many advantages of working at a Massage Envy franchised location
“One meaningful way Massage Envy franchisees can recognize their employees’ hard work is through the national award program, and I am thrilled to honor the incredible achievements of their teams across the country,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “While there are so many employees that make franchised locations a space of comfort and renewal for guests and members, these select few have demonstrated the values our brand holds in the highest esteem, and we thank them for their contributions.”
The opportunity to be recognized for your contribution is just one of the many advantages of working at a Massage Envy franchised location. Others include more than 20 free continuing education courses each year, a self-care program that gives you the tools to prolong the career you love, an Employee Assistance Program and much more. If massage therapy is more than just a job to you, if it’s your calling, come work at a place that values, supports and empowers you! Whether you’re a recent grad or an experienced professional, an independently owned and operated Massage Envy franchised location is the place where better careers grow. Visit MassageEnvy.com/Careers to learn more today!
Neither ME SPE Franchising, LLC (MEF) nor any of its affiliates employs any positions within a franchised location, and each individual franchised location is not acting as an agent for MEF or any of its affiliates. Each Massage Envy location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee, and the franchisee is the sole employer for all positions at the franchised location. All services are performed by franchised locations. Hiring criteria, benefits, compensation, and employee experience are set by each franchisee and vary by location. Ó2024 ME SPE Franchising, LLC