Written by Lisa Nevins
The Power of The NOW: How Massage Therapy Changed the Course of My Career – In 2019, my workdays felt like scenes from an action movie. Sixteen fast-paced, heart-pounding hours, minus the explosions – though it often felt like my inbox was on fire. Meals? Optional. Exercise? Nonexistent. Emotional breakdowns? The new normal.
Our company was at full capacity and internal challenges multiplied faster than I could hit “reply all.” As a commission-only salesperson, I allowed the chaos to consume my mind, body, and soul.
Then came my moment of glory. On February 8, 2020, in Marco Island, Florida, I was recognized for funding $182 million in residential mortgages. My total volume placed me in the top 1% of all 4,000 loan originators in the country at my firm. Cue applause, champagne, and… existential dread.
Shortly after, I took time off to live with my elderly parents and focus on their health. Except, plot twist—it wasn’t their health that needed attention, it was mine. After crying for 24 consecutive days without knowing why, I visited my doctor. The diagnosis? Severe job burnout. My emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion weren’t just “bad days,” they were my body’s not-so-subtle way of screaming, “Enough is enough!”
During a two-month leave—conveniently timed with the start of a worldwide pandemic—I made a vow to myself: I would enjoy uninterrupted time with my parents, binge-read self-help books, and learn the terrifying art of sitting still. Somewhere in that quiet, I confronted a truth I’d been avoiding for years: It was time to chase my dream of owning a small business.
Let me take you back to 2015 when I first walked into The NOW Massage in West Hollywood, CA, and instantly felt connected to the brand. The boutique’s distinct design elements instantly stood out to me, from cactus galleries to whitewashed walls that echoed the sounds of ocean waves—it was unlike anything I had seen. I thought to myself, “What have I just discovered?”
An Experience Guide called my name and my very first journey at The NOW began. The hallway to the Journey Room glowed with beautifully lit, hanging basket lights. Ocean waves played on loop and the scent of The NOW’s signature Jasmine Coconut candle transported me to a vacation state of mind. The Swedish massage was unlike any massage I had ever experienced, the perfect blend of relaxation and therapeutic bodywork. When my massage therapist gave me stretching tips after the service to extend the benefits of my massage, I thought to myself, “This isn’t just a massage; it’s a lifestyle.” By 2017, I was a proud member of The NOW Massage in Santa Monica.
Fast-forward to 2020, where I found myself sitting across from The NOW’s Co-Founders on a Beverly Hills rooftop, discussing the opportunity to buy a franchise license with the brand. Co-founders Gara and Jason Post were the dream team: the perfect blend of professionalism, fueled by positive energy and glowing with kindness. I was immediately drawn to Gara’s kind and humorous East Coast personality and passion for the brand she had so thoughtfully created.
In 2021, I made the boldest move of my life. I resigned from my corporate job, leveraged my entire 401(k), and dove headfirst into becoming a franchise owner with The NOW. No safety nets, and no regrets—just a strong desire to help bring the healing benefits of massage therapy to my local community.
Along the way, I discovered a fun fact that felt like winning the lottery: The IRS allows you to roll 100% of your 401(k) or IRA into a C-Corp without penalties or taxes. With that and The NOW corporate team’s unwavering support—helping me to find the perfect South Bay location, overseeing the build-out of the boutique, and providing me with all the tools I needed for a seamless grand opening—I successfully transitioned from a Fortune 500 professional to a fearless female business owner.
The doors to The NOW Massage South Bay opened on November 13th, 2021, which happens to be World Kindness Day. Despite the excitement of opening the doors to my very first business, months later, I found myself wondering why I left my lucrative corporate career. I felt overwhelmed, lost, and defeated as a new, first-time business owner. Not only was I handling business responsibilities as a sole owner, but I was taking on almost every aspect of the boutique’s operations, from managing 28 employees to covering the front desk full-time. It started to feel like I’d swapped one burnout for another.
But then came the turning point. I was about to hire a new general manager when I had an epiphany– What if I took on the role myself? If I failed, I could always restart the search. But if I succeeded, that could change everything. So I rolled up my sleeves and stepped into the challenge.
NOW three years in, I’ve discovered that what started as a leap of faith has become my true calling. Guiding my team of NOW 35 employees is an endlessly rewarding experience. Connecting with our guests and Ritual Members is like reuniting with old friends. Building something bigger than myself through the healing benefits of massage therapy was the plot twist I didn’t see coming. Every day I get to offer my local community a self-care sanctuary to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect within.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned to become my own biggest fan. I’ve mastered the art of setting boundaries and said a firm “no thanks” to burnout’s RSVP. These days, I treat myself like the VIP I am and have fully embraced the idea that self-care is non-negotiable. I get a massage at least once a month, lift weights twice a week, stretch and flow in a Pilates class weekly, and fuel my body with whole foods in order to feel my best.
And in the past three years, losing my father and going through a divorce were two of the hardest chapters of my life. Luckily I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by my team of healers and kind souls who have helped me pick up the pieces. Their support has shown me that even in the depths of darkness, a glimmer of light can emerge to guide you back to hope and healing.
Through loss, growth, and the magic of kindness, I’ve built a life I am deeply in love with. Today, I am proof that with grit, grace, and a lot of self-care, anything is possible when you believe in the power of the NOW.
- Connect with Lisa Nevins
- Connect with Krystal Jugarap
- Read More articles from EM/POWEREDbyWMN members.