Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcela Lopes.
Hi Marcela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2014 I moved from Brazil to the United States on an exchanged program called Au pair. i was 22 and I wanted to learn the language and go on adventures! It was a 2 years program. After my contracted ended I continued to work as a nanny while figuring out I wanted to do with my life. Having a career that I was passionate about it was always a big goal in my life. I always valued education but the traditional college experience didnt feel like the right path for me. I worked for a family in the suburbs of NJ for almost 4 years and in 2018 I decided to for into massage school. I knew that I was good with people and I wanted eventually have my own business. After graduating I got a job at Sports and Medic rehab center where I worked as a massage therapist for almost 4 years. The dream of work for myself started to come alive again but I felt that I needed more education and I wanted to get specialized in something because I believed that from the business point of view it would increase my chances of success. I had then during continue education classes heard about Rolfing. I did a brief google and found that that the only school for it was in Boulder CO. It was a 7 month full time program. I didnt know much about it, never met anyone who had experienced it but from what I read it was something that made sense when treating a human body. So I quit my job, ended my apart lease and in January of 2022 I moved to Colorado do become a Rolfer. In November of 2022 I moved back to NJ and started my own clinic. The first 6 months was rough and I didnt make enough to cover the basic bills but after that things started growing and Rolfing by Marcela is the dream career I always looked for. Every day I get to help people overcome chronic pain, improve their relationship with their bodies and have better quality of life while being able to support myself and have ownership of my time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The beginning was a bit difficult mostly because trying to start a business while relying on that income to survive is very stressful. The struggles I encountered I believe were starting a practice that is not well know by mass population even though it has been around since the early 70s, so spreading the word and educating the community is something that I continue to work on, a lot of people dont know what it is and how they can benefit from my services. Other than that I think the struggles were like anyone who works in the service industry encounter like filling up the schedule, figuring out my target group and creating a social media figure. I wouldn’t considered a huge struggle and I knew it was just a matter of time and trust.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rolfing by Marcela. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Im a massage therapist and I do a specialized manual therapy called Rolfing Structural Integration. The goal is to improve postural alignment and function of the body. My clients are folks who haven’t found sustainable results from traditional health care practices. They usually tell me that they tried everything else but haven’t found the results they are looking for. Traditionally this work is done in 10 sessions (possibly more). It’s a progressive and systematic approach that focus on treating the body a whole. Typically where symptoms is experienced (pain, lack of mobility, restrict range of motion) is not the source of the imbalance. Traditional health practices focus on symptoms. In a Rolfing session we look at the body as a unit and have a change to investigate what is the source of the imbalance that is resulting in dysfunction in the body. It’s an opportunity to learn about the human body and its relationships. The goal is not only get people out pain but also improve their wellbeing and how they sense their body in space. Im proud of the relationship I develop with my clients throughout the course of their treatment. Im a change facilitator and I guide my clients through a path of self discovery and support them while they unlock their self healing power. It requires people to be vulnerable and create space for change, not only in their physical body but with their sense of self. I like to think that Im contributing to the Rolfing community by spreading the word and get more people familiar with this practice. I hope that each client that gets on my table get a chance to experience gratitude for the body that carries them through life and allows them to live beautiful adventures because there is no better feeling and feeling ourselves .
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I dont like the lack of parking spots. I love the community aspect, I love how receptive and welcoming people are. It brings so much joy to see people enjoying outdoor sites and sharing memories. As a foreign citizen I appreciate the diversity of the city.
Pricing:
- Rolfing sessions $200 ( 90min session)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rolfingbymarcela.com
- Instagram: @rolfingbymarcela
