Celebrating 15 Years of Wellness: An Interview with Rachel Beider - CEO & Founder of PRESS Modern Massage

Fifteen years ago, in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, an idea was born. An idea that would transform the way we view massage therapy and holistic wellness. Today, as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of PRESS Modern Massage, we sit down with the visionary behind it all, our CEO and Founder, Rachel Beider.

In this short interview, Rachel reflects on the unexpected and rewarding aspects of this incredible journey. From a single treatment room in 2008 to four thriving locations across the city, she shares insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped PRESS Modern Massage into what it is today.

But Rachel's story is more than just entrepreneurship; it's a narrative of personal resilience. She opens up about her journey with scoliosis and how this life-altering experience inspired her to pursue a career in massage therapy, ultimately leading to the creation of PRESS. And there's more to Rachel's expertise than meets the eye. With a background in Wellness Business Consulting, she discusses the unique synergy between her massage therapy practice and consulting work, shedding light on how they inform and enrich each other.

Join us as we dive into the past, celebrate the present, and glimpse into the future of PRESS Modern Massage with Rachel Beider, a true trailblazer in the world of holistic wellness.

Reflecting on PRESS Modern Massage Williamsburg's 15-year journey, what would you say has been the most unexpected and rewarding aspect of this milestone?

Rachel: It's truly remarkable to witness the unexpected evolution from challenges to opportunities and setbacks to stepping stones! The most rewarding aspect undoubtedly lies in the lives touched—the dedicated team, cherished clients turned into family, and the profound impact we've made on the community.

Can you share some insights into your journey with scoliosis and how it influenced your decision to pursue a career in massage therapy?

Rachel: Living with scoliosis was truly a transformative experience for me and played a pivotal role in shaping my path towards a career in massage therapy. Growing up with scoliosis meant dealing with persistent pain, discomfort, and a constant awareness of my body. It was during this time that I started exploring various avenues for relief, and that's when I stumbled upon massage therapy.
Experiencing firsthand the relief and improved quality of life that massage therapy brought me was a revelation. It was as if I had found a way to connect with my body on a deeper level, to provide it with the care and attention it so desperately needed. The power of touch, the manipulation of muscles, and the soothing release of tension became more than just techniques—it became a lifeline for managing my scoliosis.

This personal journey ignited a passion within me to share this incredible gift with others who might be facing similar challenges. I realized that I wanted to become a conduit of healing, to help people find relief from their pain, both physically and emotionally. The empathy I developed through my own struggles enabled me to connect with clients on a profound level, to understand their unique needs, and to tailor my approach to provide the utmost care and comfort. Every session I conducted, every client I worked with, felt like a collaboration—a shared journey towards well-being. And as I witnessed the positive impact my work had on people's lives, I knew I had found my calling. My experience with scoliosis was not a limitation; it was a source of strength, driving me to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.

So, in many ways, scoliosis became not just a personal hurdle, but a guiding light that led me to the fulfilling and rewarding path of massage therapy. It's a journey that I'm deeply grateful for, as it allowed me to transform my own pain into purpose and to create a space where healing, compassion, and transformation thrive.

From a single treatment room in 2008 to four thriving locations today, what insights can you provide about the challenges and triumphs of growing PRESS Modern Massage?

Rachel: The journey from that single treatment room in 2008 to the vibrant network of four locations today has been an incredible adventure. We've had challenges that tested our resilience and triumphs that reaffirmed our mission. Every step of expansion brought its unique set of hurdles—finding the right spaces, cultivating a team that shares the same passion for exceptional client care, and scaling our personalized approach. These challenges, however daunting, were vital opportunities for growth.

Triumphs came in the form of clients who became loyal advocates, sharing their experiences and helping us build a community around wellness and healing. Witnessing our therapists' expertise and dedication elevating PRESS Modern Massage into a trusted brand has been truly rewarding. As we expanded, maintaining the essence of individualized, client-centered care posed its own challenges, and finding innovative ways to scale our approach without compromising on quality was a thrilling puzzle to solve. In essence, the evolution of PRESS Modern Massage has been a balance of perseverance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our core values, and we're eager to embrace the future with the same passion that guided us from the very beginning.

With your background in Wellness Business Consulting, could you discuss the synergy between your massage therapy practice and consulting work, and how they inform each other?

Rachel: It's a very interesting dynamic! My massage business, PRESS, is like the heartbeat of everything I do. The real-world experience gained from building and nurturing PRESS over the years serves as the foundation for my consulting practice. It's like having this living laboratory where I've tested strategies, faced challenges head-on, and celebrated successes. And through Wellness Business Consulting, I get to take all those valuable lessons and share them with other practitioners who are on their own entrepreneurial journey. The best part? It's a two-way street of inspiration – the insights I gather from working with diverse practitioners continually enrich my approach at PRESS. It's a cool balance between hands-on practice and empowering others to create their own thriving wellness businesses, creating this wonderful cycle of growth and mutual support. I also just love watching practitioners turn into entrepreneurs, it's really empowering to witness their journeys.

Thank you for being a part of our 15-year milestone, and here's to many more years of nurturing health, vitality, and connection at PRESS Modern Massage. Cheers to wellness, togetherness, and a brighter future ahead! 🌿