Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisia Ray.
Hi Alisia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my business when I was 23 years old, that was a little over 23 years ago. I moved to Minneapolis to start a massage business. The path that lead me to Minnesota was unexpected but I think it was written in my stars. Within 1 year I was traveling with bands and working with professional athletes and pro teams. In 2007 I was hired by the MN Vikings and my business was soon after branded with almost every luxury hotel in town. When I think back to those days, it was so serendipitous. Minneapolis was the place I had found my flow. It’s hard to say but I do feel like there was a special magic for me here I may not have found anywhere else.
Those beginning years of building HALO Healing Therapies co. I was not the most skilled massage therapist in this town, I give 150% to everything I do; I will out-work anyone. It was my work ethic that set me apart. I poured all of myself into my clients and my business. It was my whole life.
People often ask me “how did you build this business, what steps did you take? “. The honest truth is, the first 15 years I didn’t have a mentor. My great teacher was failure….. I’d try something new, fall on my face….. get back up…. Pivot …. Try it a different way. I’m very good at getting up and brushing myself off. The past 10 years I have had mentors, one in particular. Most would probably assume that person would be a business coach but actually, my mentor and I never talk about business. We get down to the roots of the ways I need to evolve and grow, so I can get out of my own way. We work one cleaning up my ego, my self saboteurs, and my past trauma, I’m brutally honest w myself and my mentor about everything, especially the aspects of myself I need to work on. This work has transformed my personal life and my business. I’m always getting better. I’m always getting better at handling problems, being a great mentor and leader to my team.
Walking through the fires of myself and refining who I am has made all the difference.
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 don’t think any of it has been easy. It’s been rewarding and fulfilling but none of it has been easy. I was a kid, a girl, doing business with very powerful men. That will wash the “sweet” out of you fast. Working with NFL teams/players/owners of Hotels taught me to stand my ground and take no bullshit. I’m 46 now and I am definitely known for having fierce boundaries. I stepped into this aspect of myself over time. The outcome, I will go completely out of my way to curate a magical experience for you, but I don’t budge on my cancellation policies or the standards I hold my team to, or our clients. Somehow I sailed through stock market crashes, 911 and this most recent COVID pandemic. I am at my best when things are hard. I am an oak tree in a storm. I tribute this to life’s journey. The great gift of having a hard life is the gift of having beautiful perspective.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of my passions is creating unique spaces, i pour my heart into them. I want people to feel at home, cozy, connected and at ease. It’s so important to me to curate magical experiences for each person.
Mentoring is another passion of mine. I spend a lot of time with my team helping them step into their greatness, I one on one teach them all the ins and outs how to be a business owner. I also work with them on expanding their massage skill sets. I’m very passionate about empowering women step into their own.
Nothing fills my heart with more joy than watching someone step into themselves. The people on my team grow at a lightning pace skill wise, in their confidence and watching their lives improve is the icing on the cake. When they buy their first house or car, pay for their first major vacation. It is amazing to watch someone create a beautiful life. I feel so proud I get to be a conduit for that to happen.
Halo healing therapist co is known for deep tissue massage. We are known for working with athletes of all levels. We are know for couples massages. We are know for curating a luxury experience and perfectionists love us. We are detailed. We are known for creating a connected experience. We really do care about each person and making the time you spend with us healing and memorable.
My team and the personal vibe of our spaces is probably what sets us apart from the others. I spend all my time interviewing and searching for the “rare gems” and then I mentor them to be detailed beasts. Haha, they really are the magic that makes HALO Healing Therapies co so special.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very shy and quiet. I was a rule follower and the oldest in my family. I was definitely a caretaker and I remember being a worrier.
Now I am literally none of those things….other than I’m still the oldest child in my family. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Halohealingtherapies.com
- Instagram: @halohealingtherapies
- Facebook: Halohealingtherapies
