At Peace Massage

Connie Scholl

Connie Scholl earned her license in massage therapy and has created a thriving corporate chair massage practice over the past ten years. Starting with less than $1000, but filled with self-confidence and technical expertise learned in massage school, Connie has grown her business slowly and steadily. She and her professional staff of massage therapists have brought seated chair massage to thousands of corporate employees in businesses in Fairfield County, CT through her company, Greenwich Muscular Therapy. Connie also conducts infant massage clinics for new and expectant mothers.

Connie Scholl Q and A

How long have you been a bodywork practitioner? What made you decide to enter the profession?

Two of my mother's cousins were chiropractors, and many family members were involved in or used complementary health care services, including massage. So, when I played field hockey in high school, and was bothered by aches or pains, it seemed perfectly natural to turn to massage for comfort and healing. It wasn't until I was 18 or 19 that I became aware of massage as a profession. I began to seek out schools and ultimately chose the Swedish Institute in New York City, the oldest school of massage therapy and allied health sciences in the United States.

What led you to specialize in seated chair massage?

One of my clients, a senior partner in a large financial firm, was  enthusiastic about massage and its benefits. He introduced me to his colleagues, and they agreed to allow me to provide on-site chair massage for all their employees. Eventually, an entire room was set aside, so that my staff and I could administer seated chair massage. Research indicates that chair massage improves employee morale. Ultimately, the employer benefits by having a grateful employee.

What are your credentials and how did you earn them?

After completing my training at the Swedish Institute, I became certified and licensed. I'm also certified as an infant massage instructor and I belong to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Without question, it's the feedback I receive from clients who say, "You've made me feel so good. You've changed my perspective, my entire outlook." It's especially gratifying to know that I've made someone feel better. Also, there's much to be said for using the gift you've been given, and I do feel that I've been given a gift in my ability to do this work. Finally, I know that through my bodywork practice, I've created something. Over the years that I've been in business, at least 3000 people have come through the door. It's really a give-and-take kind of process: I help them, and they in turn help me. My long-time clients are confident in my work. They send me referrals, and these have been and continue to be the biggest source of my business.

What do you think is your most distinctive characteristic as a bodywork practitioner? In other words, what do you bring to the client's experience that sets you apart from your competitors?

I would have to say that it's the way I interact with people from the moment they enter my office. Part of my gift lies in making people feel comfortable, putting them at ease. As a result, they trust me, and the work is always more effective and more healing if it is received in a trusting climate. I listen to my clients, tune in to them, so that I can make a connection. I greet each person with a smile and a handshake, and explain exactly what I will be doing. I'm confident in my ability, and they sense this. My confidence comes through, and instills trust.