I absolutely LOVE to make connections with other like-minded business owners here in the tri-state area, and Japhia just happens to also have previously worked as a doula and labor and delivery nurse in addition to her current role as the program chair for the healthcare specialist and therapeutic massage program at Ivy Tech here in Evansville. Did I mention that she is also a single mom to a gaggle of good looking kids? Japhia lights up the room with her vivacious personality and gentle spirit, and I always feel renewed every time we get to spend time together.
RN, MSN, CMT
First, here is a bit about Japhia’s business: Bella Terra is a boutique organic spa located in Evansville, IN. They offer massage therapy, facial treatments, pedicures/manicures, body scrubs/wraps, and more. Their massage therapists are trained and skilled in techniques ranging from relaxing spa treatments, to prenatal massage, to deep tissue for persistent back, neck, and hip pain. They choose to use only all natural and organic products for their spa services and strive to maintain a practice that is health-conscious, green, and environmentally friendly.
I wanted to know more, so here are the questions I asked Japhia (in bold) and her answers underneath:
1. What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love that I get to work with people who have become such good friends. Also, coming from being a Registered Nurse for 10 years to working as a massage therapist, it’s an entirely different vibe. I love being able to help people feel better while working in a beautiful, relaxing environment. I also really enjoy when I see my repeat clients month after month. We get to form a relationship and it makes being at work feel like I’m not working at all. It’s especially fun with my prenatal clients, because I get to see their bellies grow and then I love seeing pictures after the baby is here! In general, being a massage therapist is very rewarding. I feel like I get to make a difference in people’s lives, without the stresses I had in my previous career. Although it’s very true that being a business owner has plenty of stresses of its own.
2. What do you wish people knew about your business?
I wish people knew that we are the only spa in town that is committed to using only natural and organic products. Also, that our nail polish is seriously the best I have ever used! We get asked sometimes if we do gel nails, but we avoid anything like that. We don’t even use regular nail polish. Studies have shown that metabolites of harmful chemicals such as triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), which is used in many nail polishes, have been found in women’s bodies within hours of painting their nails. We use a nail polish brand that is free of chemicals like TPHP, toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP. Plus, it’s actually awesome polish. It’s extremely durable, hardly has any smell at all, and comes in a ton of colors.
Other than that, I wish people knew that massage therapy is not a one-and-done type thing. People come in for a massage when they’re hurting the most, and then they don’t come back for another year. Massage is like starting an exercise regimen or taking a vitamin; you wouldn’t do it just once and expect big results. Although getting a massage once or twice a year is better than not at all, the benefits really start to show when you receive it regularly. We recommend every 4-6 weeks for maintenance. If you have a chronic issue that’s causing dysfunction or discomfort, it may take a few sessions before you see a lasting change. Conditions caused by repetitive movement or poor posture didn’t occur overnight and they can’t be cured overnight. Your body has to heal and relearn better movement and posture patterns. Massage can definitely help with that, and regular sessions will help keep you feeling your best. That’s why we offer a discount for clients that book monthly.
3. What is the most stressful thing about your job?
Honestly, managing other people. If I worked for someone else I wouldn’t have that problem, but I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Taking care of the scheduling, making sure everyone is happy, running the payroll, and really, just delegating anything can be stressful for me. I’m working on that though. Doing all of the administrative stuff, marketing, finances, etc. takes up a lot of time and is really my least favorite part.
4. What is your favorite thing about living in the tri-state area?
I like how close we are to everything. We are only a 2.5-3 hour drive from about 4 or 5 major cities. I love going to see live music, and even though a lot of my favorite bands don’t necessarily come through Evansville, I can make a day trip pretty much anywhere they stop in the Midwest. I’m from Chicago, and I’ve lived in smaller towns, but I feel like here we have the best of both worlds. We have a small town vibe, with some city amenities.
5. Where can people find you if they want to learn more about your services?
People can go to our website, www.thebellaterraspa.com, email us at info@thebellaterraspa.com, or call us at 812-598-2835. We’re also on Instagram, @bellaterraspa and Facebook, @thebellaterraspa. Thanks!
All birth doula clients of Doula Group of Evansville will receive a free 30-minute prenatal massage, while these coupons last!
Not everyone loves massage or even likes being touched, but there are so very many benefits to massage for those of us who it helps relax and be more in tune with our bodies. Being in tune with your body and its needs is extremely beneficial especially when preparing for birth!
When was the last time you got a massage?