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