Andrew is warm, safe, engaging, committed to your health goals; and his massages are AMAZING!! Just supremely relaxing, knows the best depth of pressure, and each session is specifically tailored to your needs. He comes to us with a full and happy clientele with all of the intuitive listening skills and informed presence that you know as Rise Up Massage! I knew Andrew was the one I could trust to send my favorite people to, and I’m SO stoked that you get to bask in his professional talents too.
Get to know him a little better in this conversation between Andrew Bailey and Katy Cañete.
Andrew
Through my experience in the military, I learned to appreciate the little things and the true value of hard work; which was really great and inspiring at such a young age. Showing up for people around me, working together to get the mission accomplished, and plenty of teamwork opportunities. It’s a lot of selfless acts and attention to detail in the service. With massage, you have to value your craft, be intentional with your word and actions, and always go the extra mile. I’m grateful to show up for my clients each and every day.
Katy
I would also say that your tidying is spectacular…military clean. I don’t know if that’s always been a part of you. Were you always so tidy?
Andrew
My father was, therefore my brothers and I were. He was a former Army officer, and everything was done with attention to detail.
Katy
Oh, got it. So you grew up that way?
Andrew
Oh, yeah. Had to clean things with a toothbrush and everything.
Katy
How did the military shape how you think about health and wellness?
Andrew
Obviously, they value taking good care of yourself. You had to be ready at any given moment. I always tried to show up for myself to the best that I could. Being human, we all ebb and flow and have our moments where sometimes we’re just on it, and other times struggling.
The military definitely laid a baseline for me early in life. Working out early in the mornings, and there was always a lot of running. So I was definitely a runner back then, but not so much now. I enjoy lifting weights and casual bike rides now. Neighborhood walks and stopping to take the occasional photos. Wellness takes on a different meaning than it did for me even just 15 years ago. Nowadays I value and view myself better; with a strong focus on my mental wellbeing and quality time with strong, supportive people who care about me.
Katy
And when you came out of the military, remind me how you got interested in massage school.
Andrew
I was actually in the middle of my contract with the Army National Guard when I ended up jumping into the massage field. I signed up for the service when I was 18, and a freshman at the UW. When I got into massage school I was about 21 years old. I just decided to step away from college after a few years to pursue a trade school. Lo and behold, here I am.
Katy
Here you are!
Andrew
I felt lost when I was in college in my early years. I worked hard to get into a great institution; parents made it seem like you needed to go to college to get a great job and set yourself up financially. I didn’t know who I was, or what I wanted as a student at the UW. It was nice to step away on my own and intentionally decide to pursue something that felt right. I could help and heal other people, and there’s nothing better than helping your community. So, it’s very rewarding what we do as massage practitioners/therapists. I’ve always been a hands-on type of person, and I enjoy being able to be there for people. That’s just who I am, naturally. So, being able to just show up and help people every day, it’s a nice little cherry on top of this thing we call life. I’m grateful for what I get to do.
Katy
That’s really cool. Was there anything about massage school that totally surprised you?
Andrew
Not necessarily. There were a lot of people that were wired like me, very hands-on and natural healers. A thirst for healing and treating people. I enjoyed my graduating class; all very heartfelt, and good people. It opened my eyes up to the variety of other people out there because there are some really cool people in the healing arts, man. I was having a good time just getting to meet, learn, and grow with some of those people. I still chit-chat with some of them today.
Katy
What do you love the most about the clients that you work with?
Andrew
It’s kind of similar, but the variety. We’re all so different, but in so many ways, we’re all so similar. That’s what’s really fun. You get to meet people where they’re at. I like when people are truly raw, authentic, and kind. It’s just getting to be real with people, that’s a pleasure. Seattle’s demographic has changed so much, even in the short 11 years I’ve been in practice. It’s great to get to meet people not just from other parts of the U.S., but the world.
We have to create such a space of warmth, safety, and security. I love being able to foster that for people. It helps people relax more, and it really brings out some positive and great conversations. Touch is really powerful, and I don’t ever take that for granted what I can provide. I wake up many mornings and remind myself I’m grateful for what I do. To be able to make physical, mental, and emotional impacts on those in the community is truly a gift I get every day.
Katy
So cool. That’s great. How do you generally feel in your body?
Andrew
Hmmm, I’m working on being more present with myself. I have a tendency to not really sit with my thoughts enough, and I definitely am not the best at addressing my own personal needs. If I’m being honest, right now I struggle with my own self-confidence issues and making myself a priority. I’ve stepped away from really focusing on what I need, and putting in that hard shadow work. I’m a work in progress, but like many of us out there, some days I’m on, and some days I can feel a bit off.
Katy
What does it feel like when you’re “off?”
Andrew
Your heart and mind aren’t really talking to each other. I realize that I don’t take enough time to just sit with myself, as much as I should. To meditate and think through, “how am I feeling in my body?” Just being more present, practicing mindfulness, and really asking, “Why is my body saying this to me?” I know what I need to do. I just need to be kinder to myself on this journey I’m on in my own life.
Katy
What are the things that you tend to do for yourself when you think of it?
Andrew
I used to be really good about getting massages almost weekly. Now I try to maintain my body’s needs with at least one massage a month. At home, I try to be really good about doing some PT exercises I was prescribed for a chronic ailment I’ve been having. Sometimes showing up for myself is just going for a walk, taking photos, hopping on the bike, visiting friends, playing with my nieces, or spending time with my partner. I want to start getting into yoga, and in the new year, I want to try some pilates classes. I do enjoy getting on the floor and stretching. Foam roller is a great tool for many soft tissue injuries, that and my trusty lacrosse ball.
Katy
And you have your massage gun.
Andrew
I do, yeah, the percussion tool. I definitely rock that thing. Sometimes, if I have some free time between clients, it’s nice to just stretch. I’m always stretching out my forearms and hands as they take the brunt of what we do, as you know. I try to do some hydrotherapy, so I’ll do hot-cold therapies at home. Just some things to try and keep everything fine-tuned so I’m capable of showing up at my best.
Katy
How does your vegan lifestyle play into your wellness or your sense of wellness?
Andrew
Since I made that decision a little over two years ago, I definitely feel amazing about my decision. It was a change brought on thanks to my partner who’s been vegan for many many years now. Like many of us, I was raised to consume animals growing up. Not making the ethical connection to what was on my plate. I always said I loved animals as a kid, and yet here I was eating them. I watched a really hard, yet impactful documentary on YouTube called “Dominion.” After watching that, that was it. I had transitioned from what was already a consistent plant-based diet, to being fully vegan. There’s no greater joy than acknowledging our furry friends and allowing them the opportunity to live full lives. I’m no greater than them, and I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless.
Katy
How does that play into your sense of wellness?
Andrew
To me, it’s more of an ethical thing. Especially now that I know those choices that I was making. When you make a decision to go vegan, it’s a selfless act. It’s more of just respecting animals. I grew up loving animals and wanting to be a Veterinarian, and then making the decision to pursue other avenues in college, and then, of course, the military, and now massage, but I always had a love for animals. Just makes me feel good trying to be more ethically-minded towards them.
So, I wouldn’t necessarily chalk it up to like a “wellness thing.” It’s just another way of eating and being. I don’t eat really any different than what I was eating before, except I’m a little bit more mindful about what I put in my body. Now I’ve just gotten used to living the lifestyle. When you meet other people that have chosen to be kind to animals, it’s pretty awesome, because you kind of feel like you’re part of this niche club, in a way. We live in a very agricultural, animal meat-hungry society which isn’t gonna change anytime soon. So I know I’m kind of an outlier to the norm. I hope as time passes, more people understand the impact of their choices when they decide to eat animal flesh. They are beautiful, and they think, feel, and love just like you or I.
Katy
Switching lanes, how does it feel to be a practitioner of color, and how does that play out in the massage world? As a practitioner, and then also with clients?
Andrew
At my last job, they researched the numbers on who decides to go to schools, such as physical therapy school or massage school, and other healthcare areas. BIPOC numbers are way down.
Katy
For BIPOC practitioners?
Andrew
Yes, for many reasons that I won’t get into today, but it’s very much because of things such as, redlining, white privilege, and many of our social justice issues that have plagued this country for way too long.
My being a therapist of color hasn’t changed the way I go about what I do, or how others have interacted with me. I grew up half black/half white, and am used to just seeing me, the man. I’m not defined by my skin color, but I do recognize my own privileges I’ve had that many others have not had. I made a decision to be here, but I’m grateful that I had the institutions around, and the fortitude to network with those that I admired. I do represent a small percentage of BIPOC practitioners in the Seattle area, and I will continue to be a great, professional example for others.
I honestly didn’t really think too much of my being a mixed-race man going into this field. I am who I am, and will deliver my talents to anyone that seeks them. There’s still plenty more I’ve got to learn about the BIPOC community out there. I don’t care what your designation is, or what color you are, as long as you’re a good person. Sometimes you don’t vibe with everybody. I’m to the point now in my life where I know that that’s okay. I’m not supposed to please everybody.
Katy
Right. Has that stretched your boundaries of your sense of inclusivity, about working with other types of people?
Andrew
Sure. Seattle is a progressive area with many people with unique backgrounds. I’ve always been really grateful for being here. Definitely this last year, it’s opened my eyes a great deal about my own privileges, and opportunities. In my time here in Seattle you’re going to see some people of color, but not many that have been forced out by racial gentrification. Seattle is quite expensive, and unfortunately not affordable for many, many, many people out there. I do wish in time we see more diversity in this city and absolutely more affordable housing that insists on having more families of the BIPOC community. I’d love for the opportunity to work with more and more people from diverse, ethnic backgrounds.
Katy
Well, and I know it’s hard for BIPOC folks to find practitioners of color. Or people who really understand their bodies or their social situations or role and place in society, or that feeling of somebody really “getting them.” Do you feel like that plays into your work? I guess you’re mostly working with white people.
Andrew
I try not to overthink it. I mean, it’d be nice to be able to reach out to everybody, but we can only do so much. I think it’s great that we’re at least a business open to anybody and everybody. A safe space for anyone. That’s the beautiful thing about massage and what I bring. A human touch that comes from a place of understanding and a willingness to learn more from each and every individual. There’s a broader question of, how would we be able to reach out and get to some of these groups.
Katy
Well, it sounds like it’s also not as much of a priority for you to find practitioners for yourself of color, or is that something that you think about?
Andrew
At the end of the day, all I care about is are you good at what you do? You know? Are you a good person? Do you treat me with respect? I’m not trying to go out of my way necessarily to seek other professionals of color, except my barber in South Seattle. I do enjoy networking with other BIPOC professionals, of course, and welcome that. I don’t fall into the category where I only want to see such-and-such people. I know some people feel that way, or subconsciously make those choices, but that’s just not who I am. Based on just where we live, again, if you’re going to seek any sort of practitioner, more than likely, they’re probably going to be white, and I’m okay with that. I understand where I live. I’m also just like many other people and seek out businesses around me out of convenience. During 2020, definitely more people were better about wanting to go support Black businesses, and that was awesome. But like with many things, it was just the trendy thing to do, be, and support. I’m sure people are back to their usual ways by now, unfortunately.
Katy
Totally. Gosh, there are these moments in time, right, where things kind of open up and awareness expands, hopefully. And there’s always expansion and contraction.
Andrew
Yeah, I’m anxious to see things moving forward. But we, as a society, we’re so quick to just keep going back to what we’re used to and what we’re comfortable with. It’s just human nature. It’s what makes us feel safe.
Katy
Well, as practitioners, too, and as this business, we have the opportunity to keep that awareness there, staying open, and really welcoming people, and focusing on how to welcome a more diverse massage crowd. And also just how to reach more people that maybe don’t have the opportunity. So that’s a fun conversation to talk about, together.
Andrew
It’s great. I think it’s wonderful to be able to reach out to any and all kinds of people. I’m a big believer, obviously, in what we do and what we can provide. Everybody needs a massage regimen, and I love that we have not just the talent, but the skills to give to our great community. I’m very happy to be associated with Rise Up Therapeutic Massage.