ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Kate Hall

13/05/2009

Kate Hall took her future into her own hands (literally) and after many hours studying in the lounge room on her family farm she has emerged a professional and passionate Remedial Massage Therapist

What first interested you about Massage?

I was a 36 year old mother of two with baby number three on the way. Being farmers, we live on our property in country NSW which is a 26km drive from the nearest town, Narrandera (population approx 5,600). At that time I was where I needed to be, which was at home with the kids, but I knew that one day I wanted to get back into the paid workforce. I had previously spent fifteen years working in pharmacy, but I didn't see my current situation allowing me to juggle shop work with family. I was worried that before I knew it I would be 40 and unemployable! I decided it was time to take my future into my own hands. After lots of good (and bad) ideas, I stumbled across massage and it seemed to tick all the right boxes and there is a definite need for this type of service in town. The more I looked into it, the more I thought this was for me. I figured that I could study while still being at home with the kids and when the time came I could organise work to fit in with my family life. What I wasn't expecting was to get so much out of the studying and learning. What started out as a good job idea has turned into a career that I love and I am very passionate about.

How long have you been massaging?

I spent almost 3 years studying and then opened my own business - Narrandera Massage, in February this year. I currently work two days a week which is perfect for me and my family at this stage.

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

I love the fact that I can use my skills to take away pain, improve quality of life, or just make someone feel good. It´s a very rewarding career as you are helping people on a daily basis.

"The big thing for me though is the flexibility; I can easily manage my work and my family life. I don´t feel as if my children are missing out on anything by me working, but at the same time I am able to do something that I really enjoy. It´s a great balance."

What was your experience at ACM like?

When initially making enquiries and researching Colleges, I rang a few different educators. I was sent three different introductory packages and all seemed to offer similar type subjects with the same qualification at the end. Out of the three ACM was by far the most professional and gave the most information in a well set out, easy to understand format – exactly what I was looking for from the course itself.

Throughout my Diploma ACM was fantastic and it was due to their flexibility that I was able to get my diploma. There was never any pressure to finish subjects within a certain time and I was able to juggle the study with caring for three small children. Everything was very easy to understand and follow and if I did have any questions, the administration staff were always very obliging and helpful. Organising my assessments was easy; in fact the staff went out of their way to help me.

"I actually completed my course where I started it – on my farm. It was great having the ACM assessor visit our farm for my final assessment."

How have your studies at ACM assisted preparing you for working in the massage industry?

I felt very confident starting up my own business after I completed my Diploma with ACM. Whilst I continue to learn new things everyday and there is so much more out there I want to know about, I believe that ACM provided me with the solid platform from which to start my new career.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

Go for it! It´s amazing the opportunities that open up when you put your heart, soul and mind into something. Don´t let your situation or circumstances hold you back, just believe that you can do whatever you set out to.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

It´s hard to pick a highlight as this whole venture has been amazing. I still get a buzz every time a new client has finished their first session and they want to book in for another. I can´t help but feel a little bit pleased with myself in that they think I am good enough that they are prepared to pay and come back. It´s like a little pat on the back and it´s such a nice and rewarding feeling. Best still, it´s a highlight you get to experience every day!

ACM Note: Congratulations Kate! You are a true credit to the Massage Industry and we are sure that your services are truly appreciated by the Narrandera local community – who would have previously had to travel to Wagga Wagga for Remedial Massage treatments. It just goes to show that no matter where you are, how busy you are or how isolated you are – if you put your mind to something and work on it you can achieve great outcomes.