Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Becksted.
Hi Barbara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At age 38, I found myself searching for myself. With 3 grown sons and an ended marriage, I was adrift. When I didn’t believe life could be any bleaker, I found hope in a career in massage. I had been working in a chiropractic clinic, had the knowledge of how to run a practice and easily shifted into my world as a therapist.
Long story short, 5 years later I ended up purchasing the building and establishing a healing center. I was blessed with 20 plus therapists, practitioners coming and going over the next 27 years. Naomi is still with me, the others have moved onward to their own practices or other endeavors. Christi, Jess, Randi and Alicia are presently practicing at Acacia Studios with me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I loved the schooling, learning all the diverse modalities of bodywork! Working with clientele with new techniques, that was awesome. Being a chiropractic clinic manager, assistant prior and a people person, the structure of my practice and people that I treated all fell into sync.
A few years into my practice I realized I needed to relocate, or somehow shift the energy of where I was working. It was a painful process. All the other possible locations I looked into fell aside for one reason or another. My sister Sharon owned a video store across the street from my practice, the chiropractic clinic. We were discussing my situation, “why don’t you buy the building you’re already in?” OMG! Brilliant!!
That is when I became a proud owner of a 2 story limestone/brick building in historic Downtown Cannon Falls. When “my new teacher arrived”, as I say at times. Rental apartments upstairs, some lovely tenants and some not so lovely. Challenging, to say the least.
The lower level was the healing center, that was incredible! Not always easy, but truly a treasure. Well worth the blood, sweat and tears
We’ve been impressed with Acacia Studios Massage & Healing Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Acacia is a name as well as an energy.. A tree in Africa that nourishes, grounds and provides shelter, this name was chosen to bring forth what that vision is. Proud to say it is definitely a concept brought to life. What began with 6 treatment rooms filled to between 4-8 therapists during its peak (massage, energy therapy, reiki, acupuncture, counseling, homeopathy and art) to post covid 3 massage therapists, an esthetician, energy therapist, yoga instructor and ADD, ADHD life coach. My last count was well over 20 practitioners have come and gone on to their own private practices, etc. We are a healing place not only for clients but each other. A place of healing…
In 2023 I asked the tenants upstairs to move along. Thus began another chapter upstairs, short term rental! This journey has been delightful . From creation, remodel to ongoing guests, such an adventure!! The Historic Cozy Lofts. My 1887 building feels cherished. Airbnb.com/p/cozylofts
What makes you happy?
Connecting deeply with people makes me happy. It needn’t be profound, simply honest. I don’t believe there is enough connection between humans. Whether families, communities, professionally…we are all so busy striving. Why? Because at the end of the day, relationships are the only things that matter.
I am now married to a great guy, beautiful blended families. 20 grandkids I adore along with adding their spouses and 3 great grandchildren.
Still practicing and learning massage techniques, now 70 yrs old. It’s a beautiful life, indeed!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Acacistudios.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcaciaStudiosMassageHealingCenter
- Yelp: Acacia Studios Massage & Healing Center
- Other: https://Airbnb.com/p/cozylofts
