04/25/2020
Hi friends! First, I feel I should apologize for being silent the last few days as the Governor announced reopening personal care businesses but to be honest I didn't know what to say. All you are able to see is that Oklahoma says its OK to go get a massage now but its not on the news that all of the leaders in our industry, the organizations and advisors whom include pathology experts are strongly urging us to stay put and not reopen yet. They have also laid a foundation for those who choose to ignore their warnings of things they feel are necessary and that list is so long its exhausting to read, I can't imagine actually doing all of those things just to do an appointment( ex...pre apt intake calls to decide if I'm willing to even schedule you at this time, 3 hr waiting period between clients, taking Temps, changing my clothes between apts, air purifiers, UV lights, all cloth be removed from office, everything digital including payment before apt, windows open and several more) Now SOME of these things will still need to happen even in the future but my thinking is if its going to take a checklist of a crazy number of things and 4 hours to be able to do 1 appointment than I shouldn't be doing them. Remember I have 2 kids plus homeschooling right now!
I have spent several hours everyday for the past 5 days reading everything I can that pertains to the massage industry nation wide as well as talking to other therapists in our state and locally. I have stressed, lost sleep and even shed a few tears trying to decide what to do. My business and all of you are far more than just income to me! We talk, we share stories, experiences and hard times. When I ask about your job, your family or how your day is going it isn't small talk to pass the time, its because I truly care. The fact that I truly care about each and every client and your family is why I have spent the hours getting informed so I can make the best decision I can. If I didn't care I would have opened yesterday as the state said I could. Rather you agree or not, I do not feel in my gut or my heart that its time to open. I know some of you are hurting and trust me I have taken that into serious consideration but I cant ignore the bigger picture. I still cannot confidently give you a date of reopening, it will depend what happens in the next couple of weeks. If our numbers drop after this 1st phase I see the possibility of reopening, if they spike I will be glad I didn't participate in that.
Know that business when we return will not be as it always was. Masks are 1 thing that is mandatory not just for me but you as well.
Some other changes I know for sure are appointments will be limited, length of appointments will be shortened, and only certain Modalities will be offered during these times as recommended. I will have a much clearer picture of this for you before we book your 1st apt. I appreciate all of you who respect and support me in this decision. Feel free to reach out with any concerns, if you need advice on in home self care you can do in the meantime or also to let me know if you would like an apt when I reopen as I know some of you will want to continue to stay home even longer.
