Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Apel.
Hi Crystal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Crystal Apel and I am a certified massage therapist! I completed my hands-on training at Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2020, specializing in both relaxation and therapeutic modalities. I did a lot of my hands-on training at the Pillsbury House, DeRusha clinic, the MN Oncology Center. I’m 2021, I began working for the Physical Therapy Consultants, working alongside physical therapists. Most of my training has involved clinical work, focusing on medically complex clients. This past May, I had my third daughter, which allowed me to really focus on what I wanted/needed out of my job. I realized that providing massage to clients who may have medical issues that make it difficult to leave their homes or clients who have really busy schedules and cannot get appointments in during normal business hours would benefit from a therapist coming to their homes. Being north of the cities as well, I found that the area didn’t have any options for mobile massage. So, in August 2022, I started up my business Traveling Hands Massage Therapy!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
With Minnesota not requiring massage therapists to be licensed, it has been a bumpy road to legally provide services. In MN, massage therapists need to follow each city’s ordinance laws. What that means for me is I have to pay in and register in each city I work in. Although bothersome and repetitive, we are constantly filing paperwork to reach as many different areas north of the cities as possible.
Another struggle we have found is that some clients may feel uncomfortable with someone in their home providing massage. We follow strict protocols and have done background checks to make sure both the therapist and client are comfortable in every session. We understand that it isn’t for everyone and continue to provide to those who benefit from this type of business and referral out to those who feel more comfortable not having sessions in their homes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Traveling hands brings the massage straight to your home! We provide all the supplies just like a typical spa would at their business location, except now you don’t have to worry about arriving late to your session as you don’t have to leave your home. We provide relaxation and clinical-based massage, prenatal, and chair massage, as well as incorporate cupping and hot stones into sessions. We currently have a website, travelinghandsmn.com where clients can look at the schedule and choose their own appointments whenever works best for them. We also have a Facebook and Instagram page you can follow to see the latest discounts and deals! We love to give back to the community as well as be festive so chances are you’ll see a fun promo for each month that correlates to a major holiday! Above all else, we take pride in creating a safe space for our clients and have created our business so we can prioritize each client’s health. We take our time and prioritize creating individualized plans to get clients back to living a pain-free lifestyle!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We also do party bookings! At discounted rates, you can book us for 1/2 day or full day and choose how you want sessions to run for all guests receiving a massage that day! A great option for bridal parties, birthday parties, business owners, and so many more!
Pricing:
- 60-minute clinical massage: $90 before taxes
- 60-minute relaxation massage: $80 before taxes
- Cupping Add on: $10 before tax
- Hot stone Add on: $10 before tax
- Party booking: $280 for 4 hrs $550 for 8 hrs before tax
Contact Info:
- Website: travelinghandsmn.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelinghandsMN/
- Instagram: @traveling_hands_mn
