A Year At Hooge

By Becca Brown, LMT

A course is taken, a few tests are passed, insurance purchased and with the click of a lotion holster belt, BAM, I’m a licensed massage therapist. While the mentioned process seems simple and easy, it was meant to. Being a massage therapist has come naturally and has been the career that has easily fit into my life. Massage therapy is in my blood thanks to my grandmother, Patricia. She practiced as a massage therapist during my childhood and we have a special connection that formed while she lived with us. Taking up the family mantle of massage therapist is something I should have pursued from the start.

Waiting has seemed to work out, though, as I’m happy to have landed here and now at a special place called Hooge. Pronounced, HOO-GAH, for those who aren’t familiar. Don’t worry, I wasn’t sure how to say it until massage school classmate Kristin Melville taught me. She worked, and still does, as an esthetician at Hooge while pursuing her massage license. Kristin is part of what makes Hooge special, along with the other wonderful people I get to call my colleagues. No one can deny breaking out into a returning smile after being greeted and welcomed by a warm, positive, and upbeat Kristin.

After walking into the salon and being welcomed by Kristin, you’ll most likely meet the beating heart of the salon and spa, Carmen Young. She had a vision of how her small business should operate guided by a Danish principle called, hooge. You might have seen it as “hygge” before in the wild. No matter the spelling it means a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. The principle does not only extend to clients, but team members as well.

The past year of providing massage services has only solidified my belief that this career was the right move for both soul and sanity. Being able to facilitate relaxation for those in my community gives a sense of purpose I have never connected with or felt at work before. This career aligns with a trait that boils down to caring. Caring about others no matter what they bring or carry when they enter through the massage room door. Providing an environment that allows for the connection of humanity through massage. If I lost you here due to my corniness, I’ll admit it does sound corny.

However, the feelings and driving forces of my sense of purpose are genuine. I care. And sure, there are days when it might feel more like a job than others. I am human just like everyone else. But I am also reminded that another person is allowing themselves a moment of time to relax, reflect, and let go. And I am lucky and honored when clients choose me to be the person to assist through massage therapy. Thank you to all the wonderful clients I’ve met and am looking forward to meeting many more.