Spotlight on Agata, Owner of FMW

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Wednesday, 01 June 2022

This time we turn the Spotlights on one of the masterminds behind Fulham Massage&Wellness. Together with Fran, Agata constantly works behind the scenes to ensure that our clinic keeps providing the highest standards of service.

From training with the therapists, coaching sessions, amazing aftercare to our clients and constant support to the team come meet this truly exceptional woman. 

1. How did the FMW adventure start? 

Oh, it’s quite a long story, but having a sports and remedial massage clinic has always been my dream. Meeting Fran, my business partner, helped to realise this dream as we share similar values and philosophies. Based on his and my experience, we decided to create a place that helps people. We are both extremely passionate about clinical massage therapy, helping therapists develop and reach their full potential, increase the standards of industry, offer support to people in local community by enhancing their physical and emotional wellbeing.

2. How did you come up with the name for your company? 

We kept it super simple. We wanted people to know who we are just by looking at the name – we are based in Fulham, offer Massage & we advocate Wellness.

3. What is unique about your company?

Hmmm, perhaps energy? My personal desire as Managing Director and Owner has been to create a place where you feel good and healing energy. I always wanted a place that welcomes clients and reassures them that we are here to help and support, go the extra mile. But I also want that for my staff. Having worked in many places where sometimes you dreaded to go to work, I aimed to create a workplace where staff members feel like they belong, are being welcomed, appreciated, supported, where there are clear boundaries but also a sense of direction; where there is a flow. I’m sure there is still plenty we can improve as a company, but we choose our team very carefully in order to keep that internal harmony and positive team dynamic.

4. What do you miss the most about being a massage therapist and practice massage hands-on?

The interaction with clients, the sense of satisfaction when you achieve great results with clients, the relationship with people and the opportunity to show clients how massage can change their life. Being in a room with a client always made me a better person, I felt like I needed to leave all my personal baggage outside the room and focus fully on them. It was a form of meditation for me, emptying. It was all about turning pain, stress, tension, lack of hope in getting better, discomfort into something positive – a sense of care, love, support, relief, possibilities, creativity, lightness, confidence, etc. Although I am not treating clients anymore, I run hands-on training sessions and workshops for current and new starting  staff members so I’m very glad I can still have a bit of that “feeling”.

5. What is that you love the most about massage therapy?

It’s incredible what you can achieve with just two hands. The changes in the mind and body that occur with each treatment are so noticeable, it empowers me every time. In the world where there is so much stress, negativity or anger - having a tool that offers people what is good, what brings the support, help, love, care, positivity, understanding, relief, hope – it’s a real privilege! I honestly believe that massage therapy makes the world a better place!

6. If our industry didn't exist, what do you think you'd do for a living?

Something to do with properties. Probably property development, it fascinates me!

7. What do you like to do in your free time?

What free time?! Haha, I love cooking and baking, reading novels, watching Netflix series or movies, going for walks, dancing. The usual things.

8. What's your favourite children's book? 

I read them daily to my son, so this question is easy. I love kid’s books by Julia Donaldson, my favourite would be Stickman!

9. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m sure there is more than one thing. I’m very spiritual, can be short-tempered, I’m a bit of a control freak. Choose one😊

10. What do you consider the ultimate comfort food?

Coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts!

11. What are the top three ways you deal with stress?

I am still learning. It’s one of my biggest challenges as I tend to overthink, lose sleep, get far too emotional or indecisive when I am under stress.  Over years I noticed that meditation and visualisations help me to deal with stress better. Writing things down helps, too – putting things on paper, coming out with solutions and options seems to free up my mind and gives me clarity. And third would be to take action. I need to do something to tackle my stress otherwise I often feel helpless.

12. What's your favourite way to exercise?

Running/jogging. It’s helps me clear my mind and burn lots of calories. Two things I need the most!

13. Where do you want to travel the most?

I like the idea of traveling in Europe. There are so many amazing places that are close enough and still take your breath away. I’m a little anxious when it comes to traveling far, so I would be happy to discover more in Europe.

14. What's the biggest change you've experienced in the last 10 years? 

I became a mother. My very structured life turned upside down, inside out, etc. as you would expect when having a child. But I really needed to find myself again, I learned awful lot about my personality, boundaries, belief system, etc. Huge shift in life but I wouldn’t change a thing!

15. When was the moment in your life you laughed the hardest?

We have a puppy called Cookie and I don’t think I ever laughed as hard as since we got him. He is so funny. And the interaction between Cookie and my toddler, Oliver, often makes me burst in laughter.

16. What's the luckiest thing that's ever happened to you? 

There are a few things, but I would say meeting my husband. It’s not easy to find your soulmate, your life partner that really completes you. I was very lucky to meet the love of my life when I was quite young. Thanks to him and his support, I was then able to realise my life dreams - to build my company, pursue the career that I’m passionate about, have kids, buy the house, etc.

17. What foreign language(s) would you want to master and why?

 I like the idea of speaking Italian. When I was a teenager, I attempted to learn it myself but didn’t get very far. I like the way it sounds -  very emotional and passionate, just like me! 

18. If a song played every time you entered a room, what would it be?

Hmm, I have couple in mind, but I would have to go with “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.

THIS OR THAT

Sunny days outside or cosy rainy days inside? Cosy, rainy days inside.

Cats or dogs? Dogs.

Baking or cooking? Cooking.

Reading or writing? Reading.

Spend a month without a car or a month without the internet? A month without a car.

Be extremely smart or extremely lucky? Extremely smart.

Black coffee or cream and sugar? Cream and sugar.

Baseball or football? Football.

Share food or don’t share food? Share food.

Day or night? Night.

Time machine or magic wand? Magic wand.

Coffee date or cocktail date? Cocktail date.

Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage? Deep tissue!