![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0615.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAndrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> So, I wouldn’t necessarily chalk it up to like a “wellness thing.” It’s just another way of eating and being. I don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> My being a therapist of color hasn\u2019t 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\u2019m not defined by my skin color, but I do recognize my own privileges I\u2019ve had that many others have not had. I made a decision to be here, but I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> Katy<\/strong> Andrew<\/strong> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1599,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[28,27,26],"class_list":["post-1598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-diversity-in-massage-therapy","tag-massage-therapy","tag-seattle-massage"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0615.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1598"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1609,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1598\/revisions\/1609"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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\u2019m grateful to show up for my clients each and every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My father was, therefore my brothers and I were. He was a former Army officer, and everything was done with attention to detail.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, got it. So you grew up that way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, yeah. Had to clean things with a toothbrush and everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the military shape how you think about health and wellness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when you came out of the military, remind me how you got interested in massage school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here you are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>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\u2019t 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\u2019m grateful for what I get to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s really cool. Was there anything about massage school that totally surprised you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you love the most about the clients that you work with?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s demographic has changed so much, even in the short 11 years I\u2019ve been in practice. It\u2019s great to get to meet people not just from other parts of the U.S., but the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So cool. That’s great. How do you generally feel in your body?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hmmm, I\u2019m 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\u2019m 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\u2019m a work in progress, but like many of us out there, some days I\u2019m on, and some days I can feel a bit off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it feel like when you’re “off?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019m on in my own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the things that you tend to do for yourself when you think of it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.\u00a0 At home, I try to be really good about doing some PT exercises I was prescribed for a chronic ailment I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you have your massage gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019m capable of showing up at my best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does your vegan lifestyle play into your wellness or your sense of wellness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riseupmassage.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0623-rotated.jpg\")
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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\u2019m no greater than them, and I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does that play into your sense of wellness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For BIPOC practitioners?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, for many reasons that I won\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Right. Has that stretched your boundaries of your sense of inclusivity, about working with other types of people?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019d love for the opportunity to work with more and more people from diverse, ethnic backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019m 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019m very happy to be associated with Rise Up Therapeutic Massage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n