Unexpected Expenses

1 Comment / Business & Marketing for Massage /

Over the last two weeks I’ve received two unexpected business-related expenses. While I was gone to Cincinnati for Ashi training my business was inspected by the State Board’s investigator. I got written up.

Apparently, the state has changed some of the laws dealing with massage establishments and the requirements for obtaining establishment licenses. Last year, when I opened Harvest Moon, the massage therapist I rent space from talked extensively with the State Board’s representative and she ended up buying an establishment license to cover all of us in the office.

I’m still trying to find the text of the new law, but it seems I will have to buy an establishment license from the state in order to comply and not be fined.

The second unexpected expense came in the form of a letter from the Property Tax Assessor of Morgan County. It seems that I must also declare any personal property used in the business. I delivered that paperwork to my accountant yesterday as I truly did not understand exactly what they were asking for and the last thing I need is to fill out tax paperwork wrong. There’s no telling how much that is going to cost between paying the accountant and assessment from the tax collectors office.

And I thought I was doing so good… I need some more clients. Anyone?

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Deepfeet II & Fusion

Ashiatsu /

Ashi - Learning Ruthie's WaveWow, what a challenge! Deepfeet II was a wonderful class. The strokes are a great extension to the one-footed strokes and allow a much deeper and complete Ashiatsu massage. The Fusion class added even more strokes teaching us to transition smoothly and give that signature “Deepest Most Luxurious Massage On the Planet”.

This photo is me learning Ruthie’s Wave, a two-footed stroke that works the hip. Most of our guest clients loved this move as it feels wonderful. The soreness from the class is finally passing and I can’t wait to get a client on the table!

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I’m Honored

Business & Marketing for Massage /

Today I received a phone call from the head of the Massage Therapy program at Calhoun Community College. It was a request for me to serve on their advisory board.

They needed a graduate to participate on the board and I was selected out of all their graduates over the past two years. I’m honored and excited!

I find it coincidental that I’m currently in a multi-day massage training program when I get this offer. Karma works in strange and wonderful ways and affirms that I’m doing something right.

Oh, and I accepted, of course!

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Ashiatsu Anterior & Side-lying

Ashiatsu /

We had a great anterior and side-lying Ashiatsu class yesterday. I’m sore from all the work and convinced that I have to find an Ashi practitioner closer to home. I feel much looser than normal.

I have pictures, but I forgot the download cable at home so I’ll post them when I get back.
Today starts the Deep Feet II class and I’m really nervous about it. I’ll be looking for guinea pigs to let me practice on again soon so if you’re willing, leave a comment.

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Miracles for Molly

Massage PSAs /

It’s amazing how people you don’t really know can touch your heart. I know Molly through one of her teachers at Decatur High. From all accounts, she is a bubbly 16 year old. Unfortunately, on July 31st, Molly was involved in a horrifying boating accident.

She has been in Huntsville Hospital recovering since that time.

I think we’re all aware of the healthcare crisis that is currently gripping our country. Molly and her family are on the frontlines battling the insurance companies as well as missing time from work to be available to care for Molly. That said, an evening of entertainment and silent auction in Molly’s benefit has been arranged.

Please come out and support Miracles for Molly on Thursday, September 17th, at The Brick on Moulton Street in Decatur, AL. Bidding will start at 5pm and run through 8pm. Eight Years Later, Bishop Black, and Big Junk will be playing beginning at 6:30pm. There will also be a raffle and door prizes all evening.

Lots of items, large and small, will be available to bid on including a gift certificate for a one-hour massage from Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology.

Hope to see you there!

To read more about Molly’s amazing journey, please visit her Caring Bridge page http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mollymoses/mystory or Facebook at the Miracles for Molly group.

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Things I Hate To See

1 Comment / Massage PSAs /

Issues in Massage Therapy

Man with his hand held up towards the camera with the word "No" written in red.

One of the things I’m really sensitive about as a massage therapist is the unfortunate and continuing association with prostitution. The Alabama Board of Massage Therapy has regulations that govern the manner in which we can advertise and how we conduct our business. These laws are in place in order to foster a sense of professionalism, legitimacy and to disassociate our profession with that of the older one. These laws also serve as a resource pointing to changes being made and asking the public to examine their preconceptions. This is an issue in massage therapy that’s been around for a long time; it’s time to change it.

So when I watched the local news this morning I was dismayed to see that two separate “spas” were raided and arrests were made for allegedly promoting prostitution. Reading the story online (link is unfortunately, broken) made me pretty sure that none of the people arrested are trained and licensed massage therapists.

Perhaps you’re one of us who don’t think of massage therapy and prostitution in the same realm. Unfortunately, we are the exception. Even my own grandmother was worried when I took up this new path into massage therapy.

So what can we do?

Well, if you get a massage, tell people. Tell people how it made you feel better and safe. Good PR never hurts.

If you experience something during a massage that makes you suspect you’re being propositioned or if someone blatantly offers you a sexual favor, report it to the local authorities and the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy.

When stories like this hit the airwaves, I cringe inside and wonder if we’ll ever win this battle. I choose to believe, though, that every day is an opportunity to educate someone to the benefits of safe, therapeutic touch making the pool of like-minded individuals larger than it was yesterday.

If you’re interested in reading more about this topic, check out the articles and resources I’ve linked below.

A Client’s Bill of Rights
How to Get a Massage Therapist License in Alabama
End Human Trafficking – Alabama
National Human Trafficking Task Force – 1-888-373-7888

Updated: 12/16/2023

Sharon Bryant at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy
is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapist!

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Back to School

Specials /

In our area of the country elementary and secondary schools have already started back. Some colleges are starting up and by the end of the month almost all will be teeming with students. When I was a kid, school didn’t start back until after Labor Day. I find it a little sad that summer has been reduced to nine short weeks.

Nonetheless, this time of schedule transitions, increased responsibilities, and homework added to the worst time of summer heat can cause a lot of stress.

In honor of all the teachers, parents, kids, bus drivers, school custodians, crossing guards, and rush hour commuters, I’m offering $5 off any one-hour massage scheduled between now and the end of this month. Just mention you saw the Back to School Special on the website and you’re eligible.

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Happy Birthday!

Business & Marketing for Massage /

While the machinations to make Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology a reality started long before August 2008, it was a year ago this month that I finally received my license from the State of Alabama and was able to officially open my practice.

It’s been a good year. If you’re one of my many clients who have helped me realize a dream, thank you. If you haven’t been to see me yet, what’s keeping you?

Happy Birthday!

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Run Across Alabama

Massage PSAs /

I am not a runner. I’ve always wished I could run thinking it would do wonders for my metabolism, but I’ve never been athletic and the few times I’ve tried to run, I’ve ended up hurting myself.

Therefore, when I was offered the opportunity to support the participants in Run Across Alabama I quickly agreed.

You may be wondering what Run Across Alabama is and why would anyone run in this heat? Run Across Alabama  is a group raising money in support of the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association. Why are they running in the Alabama heat? For Elliott, a little boy who was born with Tay-Sachs.

Please go to their site and read more about Elliott, the participants, and Tay-Sachs disease.  I won’t ask you to  make a monetary donation. Their website does an excellent job of soliciting to those who feel moved to do so.  I will ask that if you are along the route to please come out and lend a bit of moral support to the runners.

I’ll be in Hartselle July 2nd, doing my part by donating a bit of restorative massage for some of the runners.

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