possible address

Clyde A Pugh III

home

583 Sixth Ave

Gold Hill, OR 97525-9765

(541) 855-7996

Haven is almost six months old!

I'm posting some photos for your enjoyment. There's been very little news and very few changes business-wise lately. I'm enjoying teaching tremendously. Many of my clients are enjoying their vacations at the moment. Most of their children are enjoying summer break. Enjoyment all around!

First Staff Meeting on Friday

I had my first staff meeting at the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy last Friday. Today is my first class as a faculty member.

I came home absolutely buzzing with excitement. From the perspective of an alumni I had great respect for the owners and teachers at the school. I knew that they welcomed input and worked as a cohesive unit to make it the best place possible. From my new perspective, I can say that this impression has only been reinforced.

Part of the reason I am so enamored with SSMT as opposed to the other schools in the area is that I know it's not simply taking up space for the purpose of making someone money. Joe and Stephanie bought the school because they have a burning passion for bodywork and wanted to share it with the new kids. As far as I know from speaking with previous owners, this has been the unspoken credo of the school. It's there to serve the population of future massage therapists. Joe is truly interested in making the experience a wonderful one for both students and faculty. He acts as more of a moderator for discussion rather than as a dictator. This makes all the difference in the school.

I've been a student at FCNH and all I have to say is that they definitely are a business. I've heard the same from students at other local schools including Kaiser and MTI.

I can't wait to see how my first class goes! I've spent my entire life with a love of knowledge and the desire to share it; usually this has made me the class "know it all" and has lost me any chance at popularity I might have had. Students at most schools are there to get through it and move on to the next thing. A classmate who is interested and wants to add to the burden of learning? No way, Jose! I can't wait to step into the role of teacher and be appreciated for a natural part of my personality.

So, that being said, what are /you/ doing today to move towards your long-term goals? How can I help?

Fourth Annual Customer Survey Results

Edit Note: I apologize for this appearing as such as mess! I've edited it three times in blogger and I have no clue what's causing it to display so oddly.

We recently sent out an email offer for the first twenty respondents: a
free 20-minute Brain Bliss Massage.

The Brain Bliss Massage is concentrated entirely on the face and scalp. It's a truly decadent treatment that relaxes you from head to toe. Normally 30 minutes, this treat is a perfect choice for your lunchhour! $45 For more details visit http://www.lightweavermassage.com/
or call 941-321-5311

In order to qualify for this free treatment the client had to click on a
link and complete a short survey. All twenty spots were filled in short
order.

Here are some of the results.

If you could verbally share one thing about Lizz or Jay at Light Weaver
Massage with your friends, family members, or coworkers, what would that
be?

I already have shared this with my co-workers and friends: I feel Lizz genuinely
cares about me, my health and my well being. It makes my visits very personal. ~Kelly Lulofs, Sarasota

They're the dynamic duo. They're client oriented and will meet you at your home
if your uncomfortable. Perfect for the first time massage. ~Alison Almy, Bradenton

Lizz is the only person I'll go to because she's the only one who adjusts her pressure when I ask. I've been hurt by several other therapists and was actually afraid to get another massage. Lizz has never hurt me and I can truly relax with her. ~J.K., Sarasota

Lizz gave me the best massage I've ever had; and I've had massages all over the world! She's the only massage therapist that I'll go to. ~T.A., Sarasota

They explain things about my body in a way that I can understand. They don't use big words to make themselves sound smart. They break it down into pieces I can relate to. This makes me care more about my body and understand how massage helps me. I love that they don't talk down tome. ~B.B., Parrish

So many therapists I've gone to before give the same massage. Lizz changes it up based on what I need at the time. ~Jake C., Osprey

You've never hurt me! I don't like deep work and you adjust your pressure so it still feels firm but it's not tickle-light. ~Amy S., Venice

I love the after work massage time. It's great to be able to come get a massage on a Friday. What a great way to start my weekend! ~Jen C., Sarasota

You make each massage a one of a kind experience by constantly asking for feedback. I have had many massages at other places where they had a pre set routine for a particular type of massage and they did not seem to care what the client needed that day. You seem to be more of a caring service than just a business. ~Bob G., Sarasota

What is your number-one favorite thing about our business?

Top answers: customization of each massage; atmosphere of caring and
compassion; availability of both housecalls and an office; ability to
educate without "talking down".

If you had to pick one area we could improve upon, which area would it
be and how would you do it? (Be as detailed as possible.)

Location was mentioned several times, specifically the effects of being
next to Bee Ridge Road. Thank you for being honest about this feedback;
I've contacted the spa owner and we will be discussing ways to cut down
on the road noise soon. We are currently using some insulation between
the window and room, a large fan, and the music. Obviously we need to do
something else. I'm also glad several people mentioned that while it's
noticeable, it's not terribly distracting; you aren't likely to go
elsewhere simply because of it.

We were asked to possibly add more hours. Several clients appreciated
our Monday thru Saturday availability prior to taking our leave. This is
no longer a possibility. I am now involved with teaching at the Sarasota
School of Massage Therapy, which takes up time during the week. It's
been a big goal of mine for several years and now that I have the
capability of sharing my passion for bodywork with newbies, I can't tell
you how excited I am!

I also have always wanted to spend most of my time with my children,
once I had them. It's never been my intention to have kids and then
shuttle them to daycare. While that scenario works for millions of moms
around the country, part of the reason I chose this profession was
because of the flexibility it would give me to stay home with my family
during the week. I've spent the last four years 100% focused on my
business and six-day work weeks weren't difficult. Now I need to focus
on my family as well.

The most creative suggestion goes to Bob G: He suggested giving the
client an interesting focal point on the ceiling to help clients stay
awake! Glad to know that our clients are so relaxed that they have a
problem like falling asleep! *Big Grin* I'm going to discuss this with
the therapist who shares the room with me and we'll see if it's a
possibility.

Several clients pointed out that I still don't have business cards for
the new location! It seems like every time I log on to the computer for
business reasons, I get sidetracked by a hungry baby or dirty diaper. I
love being a mom! Business cards should be ordered this week.

If you have not come to see us in awhile, why not? What can we do to
earn back your business?

The number 1 answer was that I had been on maternity leave and by the
way, welcome back. Thanks for the kind words!

Other popular answers: moved too far away to come regularly; changed jobs (financial situation changed); major life event (new baby, marriage, divorce, etc.); receiving care for another medical condition and lack time, energy, and funds for massage.

What is your favorite part of the massage?

Neck and Feet were tied as the top favorites, followed in second place
by Head and Back.

Lizz is currently looking for 2-3 onsite chair massage clients per
month. Do you know of anyone that might be interested in receiving
information?

We received several leads. Thanks for your suggestions and please keep
us in mind if you come across someone in the future!


Is there anything else you'd like to tell us, either ways we can
improve, things you love, or just general comments?

We received lots and lots of positive comments. Thanks so much!

What would you like to see added to our email newsletter on a regular
basis? (Check only those that you would really like to see.)

Everyone voted for Open Appointment Times. Most of you voted for Health
Tips and Specials. Massage News, Featured Services, Getting-to-know-us,
and FAQs were also very popular choices.

Is there anything you would like us to add or change about our
website? If so, please be detailed.

One of our clients mentioned that several spa gift certificate sites
exist where you can get a printable certificate without having to deal
with calling a phone number or sending an email. I'm glad that there are
businesses profiting from this ability; I'm not interested at this time.
Massage is almost as personal a service as you can have; I'd like to
keep it that way. That means, to me, directly working with my clients. I
enjoy talking to you guys when you call! I really do. And I love getting
email updates from you from time to time.

We had one client, a website designer, point out a repetition which has
since been corrected.

Another client hadn't seen our website in awhile and asked for us to add a place to sign up for the regular newsletter. This has been added. (You can also sign up for the headaches-only newsletter, which is sent daily
for about three weeks with information and tips, from our Services page.
I desperately need to up date this and fix the formatting, but it still
is full of good information as it is now.)

Clients were also asked for the following information:

May we share any of the above information with other clients and potential clients?
Please enter your first and last name
Please enter your phone number
Please enter the best time to reach you
Please enter the approximate date of your last massage with us

Update!

Guess what!

I'm going to start working for the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy. I start in two weeks. I am so very excited. Sharing my passion and knowledge with new students has been something I've looked forward to for a long time. This school is truly, I believe, the best in the area.

 

I'll probably post some of my experiences here. I have at least two go-rounds as a teaching assistant and then they might let me have my own class. I really hope I enjoy it as much as I think I'm going to. I can also teach practicum classes after one go-round. *crosses fingers* This might not end up being my main path, but it's sure going to be fun exploring the branch, at least!

 

Lizz Pugh, LMT

Light Weaver Massage

941-321-5311

www.lightweavermassage.com

 

New Location Picture: Out Front

New location!

Back to Work!

If you haven't received my email newsletter, here's the newest news:

We're currently located on the corner of Bee Ridge Road and Shade in Sarasota in SaKiRo.

We're offering Sarasota massages on Mondays and Fridays at the office; housecall massages Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Couple's massages are available in the evenings Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

I am looking for weekly, biweekly, or monthly regular clients for the following appointments:
Mondays at 2:30 and 7:00
Fridays at 2:30 and 5:30

Thanks!
Lizz Pugh, LMT
Light Weaver Massage
941-321-5311
www.lightweavermassage.com

8 Weeks!

I sent an email newsletter out to my clients making them aware of my impending return to the wonderful world of massage. For some reason I didn't update the blog!

I've been in a delightful little baby bubble and am loving every mommy-minute of it. Due to the physically demanding nature of massage therapy I've decided, along with the input of my health team and husband, to return at the beginning of March!

We're currently looking for space and I'm pretty sure we've found our location. There are a few others we are going to look at before we make our final decision. The place we are thinking of is only a few miles down 41 from our old Gulf Gate location.

I'll be accepting appointments on Mondays and Fridays as well as some Wednesdays. Jay will be accepting evening appointments (one slot at 6:30 and one at 8:00) Monday thru Thursday.

I will be doing housecalls IF they are a couple's massage (both Jay and I go), or the client has their own massage table, or its an onsite chair massage. Jay will continue to do both office and solo-housecall massage in addition to couple's massage and so forth.

Gift Certificates: If your gift certificate expired in November or December I am going to HONOR IT until April 30. You must call ASAP to schedule that appointment, however. If you call in mid-March and I'm fully booked we are not going to extend the valid dates again. I'm doing this because many of the certificates we sell are sold for Christmas and they expire at the end of the year. Since I was unavailable the last two months of the year I'm going to honor them for two months. Please call me ASAP if you have one of these and get on the books!

I can't wait to see everyone!

Best,
Lizz

The best Christmas present ever!!! (January 2008 Newsletter)

She's finally here!
Our daughter arrived safely into the world just in time for Christmas!

Thanks again for everyone's patience while I've been on maternity leave preparing for the birth of our daughter.

Many clients have written me a quick email asking, "is she here yet?" As a new mom I'm sure you understand that I'm too busy to respond to everyone individually--even my favorite clients!--so I've decided to send a newsletter update to you all at once.

Haven was born on Christmas Eve at 9:11 AM. She weighed 8lbs 8oz and was 20 3/4" long. (Luckily she had normal-size shoulders. For those of you who've met Jay, you'll understand why I had a concern there!) It was a natural birth. I'm very proud of myself for getting through it but not quite sure I want to do that again!
Jay will probably be returning to doing housecalls at the end of this month sometime. (Watch for our next update.) As I've mentioned in other emails, I'm not sure when I will return to work, but I'll let everyone know. Part of it includes being physically recovered enough to do massage (which is quite demanding on the body) and part of it is getting settled in at home.

I've included a picture of our new lovely darling for you all to enjoy.

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas. (Though I'm sure no one got a better present than I did!)

Be well,
Lizz

She's here!

Dear clients and friends:

 

We won't be checking voice mail for a few days. Haven Lea was born on Christmas Eve at 9:11 AM. 8lbs 8oz, 20 3/4" long. We were able to have her at home in the water. Amazing!

 

Happy Holidays!

~Lizz and Jay

Update (Part Two): Gift Certificates

Jay and I decided that we are going to sell holiday gift certificates for 2008, however, we are only going to sell housecalls with Jay.

This means that when I come back to work, I will also honor those gift certificates. It means that when we have an office location again, the customer can apply the value of the housecall to an office visit (and end up with a longer treatment to boot!).

However, this in turn means that I can take my time coming back to work and we can wait to find an office location (hopefully the same one, cause we love the office so much!).

Don't panic! I'm not saying that I'm not coming back! I love massage and can't imagine doing anything else, so take heart--I'm not abandoning my beloved clients.

This way, however, clients will understand that they will be getting a massage with a male therapist if they use their gift certificate early in the year and there is a strong possibility he is the only one that will be available later on. There will be no misunderstandings.

(Again, not saying that I'm not coming back--just giving myself OPTIONS. Since I'm a first time mommy (or will be soon) I want to make sure I leave all possible doors open.)

As always, no refunds on gift certificates. And, as always, they will be beautifully customized for your recipient and, if mailed, printed on nice paper with gold edging in beautiful full-color and placed in a hand-made gift certificate holder.

Update! (Part One)

Jay and I recently enjoyed another "She Crop" at K2 Scrapbook Studio. (This is also where I had my baby shower.) Wonderful photographers provide their services for scrapbooking ladies--because we're always the ones taking the photos rather than being in them!

I had such a great selection of photos from the first time that I decided to do the November She Crop and get some good pictures of the two of us together. Here are two of my favorites:

Baby Shower Photo

For the customers who have sent me emails saying, "Just how big are you now?" This photo is from my baby shower on Sunday.

I had a chance to look at the various digital camera photos and disposable camera ones that we got developed (which, by the way--anyone else think film development prices are ridiculous these days???). All I could think was, "Boy, I look fat!" And that thought was quickly followed by, "Oh yeah--DUH! I'm eight months pregnant!"



Another common question that I've gotten via email, "how are things going now that you're a lady of leisure?"

Jay likes to tease me because I just can't be un-busy. I have to have stuff going on. I have to have projects, or be learning something, or be busy with friends and acquaintances. This is my second week of maternity leave and I haven't had a day off yet!

Thanks to everyone for their well-wishes.

Jay is still taking appointments in the evenings and has a few openings left between now and Nov 24 when he'll be taking time off as well. Call me if you'd like to see him. 941-321-5311

Best,
Lizz

Common Referral Request

One of the more common requests that I get from my cutomers is for someone who does web design. Locally, I highly (highly highly highly) recommend Pat Simmons from Web Wise Concepts (www.webwiseconcepts.com) for your professional web design.

Some people don't want to pay to have their site done by a professional, however. For you, I would say to find a company that offers a wide range of designs (so that you don't have a site that looks like everyone else's), has customer service available BY PHONE, and that is easy to use.

Homestead offers small business website design, including web design for real estate. They also offer custom website design and ecommerce web design functions!

Regardless of whether you do it yourself or pay them to do it for you, YOU have control of making easy changes to your site.

In case you're curious about who did our massage therapy website, the answer is... ME! Some of my clients don't know this, but my background is actually in graphic design and computers. (A bit of a stretch, but my brain loves both creative and logical stuff.)

Officially on Maternity Leave

My 31-week checkup was today and as per doctor I am no longer performing massages. (I knew it was going to be the 26th or the 31st, but after pulling a muscle in my back after a massage yesterday, sooner was better.)

I have a few more scheduled clients that I need to get in touch with and break the bad news to, but other than that, everything is looking up! Baby is doing great, I'm doing great, disability paperwork is filled out and ready to be filed *crosses fingers*, and I've got a lot of great ideas for articles to work on while I'm resting.

I'll still be available via 941-321-5311 or email to answer questions, take gift certificate orders, and schedule appointments for Jay.

I am so very touched!

When you see someone every week, or even just every month, for a long period of time they become a part of your life. Some of my regular clients have been with me for almost four years! Others have been coming every week for months and months. I get used to seeing them, getting updates on their lives, hearing the exciting things that are happening...

Several of my clients over the last two weeks have expressed that they are going to miss me just as much as I am going to miss them. I am so touched by this--I can't really even find the words.

I look forward to getting back to work in late February or March and seeing all of you again! Thank you so much for your support over the past four years (or six months, or few days...)

Please keep checking back to find out updated information about both the business and about this new mommy-to-be.

Modified October Special (November too!)

Our original October special was for couple's massage: come to the office with a friend, family member, or someone you've grabbed off the street for a couple's massage and get $20 off!

Well, we had a great response to that. In fact, we continued to have a great response even after my appointment book was full.

So, I've decided to modify our October special and also extend it into November.

Have Jay come out for a housecall and add a family member, friend, etc. (you get the idea). The first massage will be our regular housecall price, however each additional massage afterwards will be at the in-office price.

Example:
- Choose the service you wish to receive
- For our basic service area (call to confirm you're in it our outside of it) add $20 to change it into a housecall
- Use our regular office service price for each person afterwards

75-minute relaxation massage: $80
Add $20 for housecall: $100
Add $80 for second person: $180
Normal housecall price: $200
Save: $20!

Depending on the service area you are in, you can save more than $50!

(Normal Per Person: Basic service area adds $20. Secondary adds $30. Extended adds $50.)

Call me today at 941-321-5311 to book your housecall (or regular office visit) with Jay today!

Link about electronics

I've been considering a new digital camera for our "before and after" photos as well as one or two lights. Of course, this is going to come next year after baby!

I found a product review website called Zinju that seems to have a lot of different products. It was very easy for me to search for "digital cameras". You can compare prices and look at features as well. The site's currently in beta-hope they stick around!

Electronics seems to be a topic that comes up with some of my clients, so I thought I'd share.

October Newsletter

End of October... *sighs*
Please read this important note about Lizz and Jay's schedule


Dear Clients:

It is with a very heavy belly (and heart) that I write this newsletter update. Originally I had intended to offer massage until a few weeks before my due date. Boy, if I had only known how ambitious that was!

After a long discussion with Jay and my doctor, its been decided that my last day to offer massages will likely be either October 26th or Wednesday, October 31. This is sooner than I had intended, however I am looking forward to the chance to get some extra rest before dealing with a newbornand our first at that!

At this point I have as many clients as I can handle between now and the end of the month. In fact, I even have a waiting list of clients who are hoping someone else cancels so they can get in!

Jay will be offering massages until Friday, November 23. At that point we are closing down the office and are both going to be on leave until sometime in mid to late February.

We will still be checking email and voice messages, and aside from the few days surrounding the actual birth any holiday gift certificates will still be mailed or emailed within 24 hours.

Jay is staying home to help me around the house while Im big, exhausted, and awkward, and is going to continue to help out until our household routine is established and the initial excitement calms down after the birth. Hell be back to massaging straight after, however!

Ill be back to work as soon as my doctor clears me. He says at least six weeks after the birth at the soonest. Im due Dec 23, but since its my first, that could mean six weeks after mid-December to mid-January. For now I'm planning on mid to late February.

We ARE both coming back into the massage world! As tempting as being a stay at home mom is, Id be crawling the walls, and financially its not workable right now either. So have heartI know youll miss me, but I also know that the majority of you will understand completely and are supportive.

We're also going to have our yearly specials on gift certificates for the holidays as well, so if you need some, just give me a call!

It is likely that while Im on maternity leave we will wait to reestablish our office location. Jay will offer house calls in the meantime.

Thank you for your patience. Ill update our online blog as often as I can.

If you have ANY questions or need a referral to a massage therapist in the meantime, please give me a call! 941-321-5311

Blessings to you all,
Lizz

PS: Many of our clients have asked, "what are you going to do with yourself?" The main answer is: get the house ready and rest! I've also found a lovely massage therapist who is going to teach me how to do insurance billing, something I've wanted to expand into but haven't had the time (or someone to show me) to do so. This means we'll be able to accept physician referrals and accept insurance. Hopefully we'll be able to expand our client base and include those who couldn't otherwise afford massage.

Another question I've been frequently asked is where am I registered. The answer is Target and BabiesRUs. (If you can't find me under Lizz Pugh, try Elizabeth Pugh.)

October Special

October Special: $20 off in-office couple's massages!

To figure out the price of your couple's massage, multiply the price per massage times two and then subtract $20.

1 hour: $65/pp
75 minutes: $80/pp
90 minutes: $90/pp

Call 941-321-5311 today to book your Sarasota Couple's Massage with Light Weaver Massage & Esthetics.