Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is proud to share that one of our very own massage therapists is competing in this year’s American Massage Championship at the World Massage Festival on July 20, 2022. Ashley Morris is Hand & Stone’s first Elite Massage Therapist based out of our Creekside spa in the Woodlands, Texas. We are so excited for her to represent our brand on massage’s biggest stage, so we wanted to catch up with her before the competition.
Samantha Tacca: Congratulations on qualifying for the American Massage Championship! How did you hear about the competition?
Ashley Morris: I'm very excited and nervous about the competition. I've wanted to compete in it ever since Nathan Nordstrom, Hand & Stone’s Senior Director of Training & Massage Therapy Industry Relations, told me about it a few years ago.
ST: How long have you been a licensed massage therapist and when did you join Hand & Stone?
AM: I've been an LMT for the past 17years. I am also a licensed massage instructor and approved CE provider in the State of Texas.I have been with Hand & Stone for seven years and a corporate trainer for five years. My home spa is Creekside in the Woodlands, Texas, owned by Brittany & Tony Rodgers. They are amazing people and one of the reasons why I love this company. I'm probably one of Hand & Stones' biggest cheerleaders.
ST: It’s no surprise to us that you are competing in the championship since you were Hand & Stone’s first Elite Massage Therapist in our system! How does it feel to hold this title and what do you tell new massage therapists joining our brand?
AM: As a therapist, I could practice anywhere, I chose to stay at Hand & Stone because they set you up for success and growth in this profession. The trainings and CE courses that are offered give therapists the tools they need to grow their craft and be successful. More importantly, it’s my owners, management, and a team that make me feel like a valued team member.
ST: What's your favorite type of massage to perform?
AM: I enjoy doing deep, therapeutic bodywork, where I can be very deliberate and intentional with my technique. But my favorite client is someone that has had a bad experience with massage or hot stones. because I know I can bring back and help them love massage again.
ST: If you had a life motto, what would it be?
AM: "I love what I do and where I do it."
