Forget what they say, this is an honest job

Name: Carol Kerebi

Age: 29 years

Occupation: Massage Therapist

Education: Diploma in Cosmetology

College: of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Employer: Bella Beauty Parlour, Hurlingham 

Nothing could compare to the calming effect that an intense massage offers the body and soul after the physical and psychological rigours that come with work.

Carol Kerebi has been a massage therapist for six years now. So, what does this entail?

“Massage is the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing. Moving joints and stretching are some of the most performed procedures of massage. It involves touch and movement of the clients’ body parts,” Carol explains.

She reports to work at 9am, and assists with the daily setting up of the massage parlour, including cleaning. Besides massage, she is also an expert in waxing, facials, manicure and pedicure.

 “Most massage clients prefer afternoon sessions, so I am usually very busy around this time, and rarely have time to break for lunch.”

She adds, “We are located at Hurlingham in Nairobi, therefore most of our clients are drawn from the nearby posh suburban. However, through referrals and networking, we sometimes get clients from as far as Thika in Kiambu County.

So far, Carol is happy with how her career is panning out, though she wishes people would appreciate the stark difference between operating a massage parlour and operating a brothel.

“It is sad that some associate this career with prostitution, yet this is an actual career, one that I went to college to learn.”

There are challenges that come with her job.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

“This job is very personal. You stumble upon different temperaments every day, clients who are pushy, others who are stubborn and some outright patronising.”

Over the years, Carol says she has learnt how to handle all the personalities she comes across day-today.

“The trick is to treat each client as they desire. Over time, you build a good rapport with them, and it gets easier.”

To enhance health and healing of the body, Carol recommends massage therapy and yoga.

“The two forms of therapy have a lot in common, but their difference is significant. For yoga, you only need a mat and preferably, a serene environment. You can perform it by yourself, from anywhere, and is inclined towards meditation, and exploration of the inner being,” she explains, adding that for massage, there must be a second person, preferably an expert, to attend to the client.

She says her job is exciting since it offers her a wide range of platforms to practice.

“A career in beauty is incredibly diverse. You can specialise in manicure, pedicure, facials, body waxing or massage,” she says.

With determination to thank, Carol has all these skills up her sleeve, which translates into more income. “Whenever I’m not attending to a client, I get busy with other jobs in the parlour, which earns me more money.”

To be outstanding at this job, she says, one needs the gift of gab, and the ability to hold a conversation with just about anyone, from whatever social standing. One also needs confidence and a discerning mind.

PHYSICAL JOB

You also have to be a good listener.

“Some clients, especially those that I have a long-running relationship with, share their personal experiences with me, which I’m always willing to listen to – unburdening your heart is also a form of therapy. My listening to them satisfies them.”

This is what pays her bills.

“If you are a skilled and dedicated therapist, you can make good money. A session goes for an hour, and fetches roughly between Sh3,000 to 4,000, sometimes more - some regular clients visit the spa twice a week.”

She explains that her pay is commission-based, therefore, her output determines what she earns. The more the clients she attends to, the more she makes.

“Make no mistake, this job is physically tiring.”

Is it satisfying?

“To me, passion and satisfaction are inextricable. Besides, true fulfilment is derived from doing what one loves, and loving what one does, so yes, it is satisfying.”

For those who look down on the job of masseuses or dismiss it as prostitution, Carol says: “Massage therapy and any other jobs in the beauty industry is a legitimate job that requires skill to execute, skill that is learnt in school.”

So who should have a massage?

Carol emphasises the importance of a regular massage for everyone. “It provides a total relaxation of the mind, release of tension and fatigue, improves blood circulation and skin texture, amongst many other benefits.”

What requirements does one need to work as a massage therapist?

“To begin with, a diploma in beauty is recommended. There are many beauty colleges in the country offering this course. Also, one must be taken through practical training sessions to master the basics. You must also have the passion for beauty, have an easy-going personality, and be able to interact with clients from diverse backgrounds.”

Carol describes herself as strongly business-minded, and though she is happy with how her career has progressed, her long-term plan is to start up her own beauty parlour.

When taking a break from work, she enjoys experimenting with various Kenyan dishes and meeting new friends. She also enjoys listening to music and dancing.