Meet Gem Mittenberg of Kneaded Spa in Sunnyslope

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gem Mittenberg.

Gem, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Two weeks before my 50th birthday, my husband who is a veteran received an email from the VA informing him that his dependents qualified for Chapter 35 support while going to school. He asked if I had ever wanted to go to school, I told him I would love to be a massage therapist. So we did some research and I applied to Arizona School of Massage Therapy-Phoenix Campus. It was the best birthday present ever!

While in school I was asked if I ever thought of getting my dual license in Esthetics. I had not, but a discussion with my husband lead me to enroll in the Esthetics program after I graduated Massage Therapy.

I found my little suite and signed the lease even before I had finished my Esthetics program. It just like the right spot for my little spa.

I have been in customer service for 30 years, but I honestly have never been a business person. Each day is a new learning curve, so far I am holding my own. Although social media is still stumping me.

Great, 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?
The road to Kneaded Spa hit a few bumps along the way, Twelve days after graduating from my Massage Therapy program, and while on a vacation, before I started my Esthetics program, I suffered a double frontal lobe brain aneurism, with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I had brain surgery to coil the aneurysms and spent three weeks in the neurological ICU.

While I was recovering I spent my time wondering if I would be able to use my license and complete my Esthetics program to get my dual licensing. I was grateful that I had not only survived but was thriving I didn’t want to waste the gift I had been given by being scared to take a chance on a dream.

I decided I wanted to open my own little spa, where I could apply my knowledge to help their bodies heal themselves, and hold space while they put the burdens of life down for a little bit, a place where skincare is about seeing your beauty with healthy, glowing skin.

I opened Kneaded Spa with no client book, just a hope and a dream, and the unbelievable unwavering support of my husband and kids. I have been open 4 months and each month keeps getting better, thanks to my wonderful clients. They make my dream come true every day.

Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
Kneaded Spa is built on the idea of Me Moments, women do not take enough time to pamper themselves. Being older I understand the self-confidence ebb and flow when we notice those fine lines or the sun damage from living in the Valley of the Sun. I am always researching what is the best minimally invasive treatment that brings self-confidence roaring back no matter the age.

I specialize in Prenatal massage, so many myths surround massage and pregnancy and I am on a mission to dispel them. Massage is safe for all stages of pregnancy when the mother and baby are healthy.

Any predictions for the industry over the next few years?
I see massage and skin health being accepted as more mainstream then a luxury that you only do on a special occasion.

We as a society are becoming more aware of self-care, and alternative health practices. More and more people are seeking massage therapy as a way to unwind, de-stress and assist with chronic pain, instead of prescriptions. Medical professionals are also recognizing the importance of self-care, and the value of alternative health practices.

People are realizing that skincare is not just about finding the fountain of youth, but about skin health and self-care.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8821 N 7th St
  Phoenix, AZ
  85020
  Located inside Wellness Collective Studios#305
• Website: Kneadedspa.com
• Phone: 914-393-9899
• Email: kneadespa@gmail.com
• Instagram: Kneadedspa
• Facebook: Facebook.com/kneadamemoment

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