Meet Joanne Sikora. LMT, a native saratogian who strives each day to try and help people feel better, get out of pain and assist them in their healing journey. I have been lucky enough to know Joanne for a very long time ( I am not putting the years it will make us both look old). But one thing that has always been consistent with Joanne is her kindness. Whenever you see her she has a compelling smile on her face just instantly making you feel warm and comfortable. So without any reservation, I knew she would be an amazing fit for this blog because kindness is the most badass trait to have. After reading this I hope you jump on the opportunity to have her make you feel better and a version of your best self !
Q. 1 When did the entrepreneur bug bite you?
Mid-pandemic I felt the itch to get out and do something new, something bigger, giving me more freedom and independence! I have already been doing massage therapy for 6 years, so when I said I felt the itch to get out and do something new, it was more in regards to being more independent becoming an independent contractor instead of an employee. I was just ready to spread my wings!
Q. 2 What is your passion?
My passion truly is my job, helping people feel better and get out of pain. I love assisting people on their healing journey. Getting a regular massage is beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being! While it may absolutely be viewed as a luxury or an occasional treat, which is great, more and more people are incorporating it into part of their health care and self-care routines. Real progress can start to be seen and maintained once on a regular massage schedule.
Q.3 Who were the women mentors that encouraged you or inspired you?
My coworkers inspire me every single day! They are the wonderful ladies who created the business that I am proud to be a part of! Krissy Nelligan Wood and Chloe Vickery are the owners of Breathe Salon & Spa. They are the amazing hairstylists who created the vision of our space and made it all come to fruition. Then there is Julie Natale, the esthetician, and myself. Together as a team, we show up every day and hold space for people to come in as they are, and allow people a little escape from everyday life, a respite. Q.4 Why did you pick your business niche? Was this something you went to school for etc? I originally got a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, and then 4 years later went back to school for massage therapy. I realized I wanted to practice more of a hands-on modality that would help people truly feel their best. It's an amazing feeling, not only to help people get out of pain, but hopefully help them figure out why they are in pain, and to fix the problem, not just relieve the symptoms. Q.5 What do you do for encouragement or to be motivated? Honestly, the women I work with motivate me every day. They always show up with a positive attitude ready to conquer the day! Q. 6 How do you balance your entrepreneur life with friends/family that don’t understand the challenges we experience? I actually have a lot of people in my life who are on a similar journey and it’s great to share our experiences and be open and honest with each other about our challenges, and also our successes.
(Her husband is also a local entrepreneur@greenfields lawn and landscaping! )
Q.7 What Is the mission of your business/job?
Our mission is to provide a healing environment where people can come in, truly as themselves, feel comfortable, and take a break from the world where they can rest, relax, and rejuvenate.
Q.8 What do you want readers to know about your business?
If you are reading this, release your shoulders from your ears, relax your jaw and remove your tongue from the roof of your mouth. We physically seem to hold onto stress in the least noticeable ways. Take a deep breath. Relax. Booking a massage can help elevate the stress putting you on the path to success. Investing in your self-care is most important!
Q.9 Finally - What is a quote that inspires you! My favorite quote is honestly the mission/vision statement of our business, Breathe! "Breathe. Pause. Amidst the busyness. During the days of back-to-back appointments, celebrations, and chaos. During the moments when life seems to be moving too quickly. Pause. Take it all in, right where you are now. Reacquaint yourself with who you are. Remind yourself that you're doing the best and it is enough. Pause. Allow yourself to take a moment to stretch and feel your muscles relax. Let any tension fall away. Take in as much air as your lungs will allow... Just Breathe" ( I love writing these blogs and featuring these amazing ladies, I do ask if you could give them a follow or like on their social media as support, Women supporting Women ) Joanne Sikora. LMT
4 Franklin Square Suite A, Saratoga Springs NY 12866
(518) 369-6531
Joanne Sikora - Instagram
