Spotlight on: Massage Therapist Sara

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Sunday, 26 May 2024

Meet Sara, our talented Deep Tissue massage therapist. Discover what ignited her passion for holistic healing, how her journey as a massage therapist started and her secret talents outside the treatment room. 

1.      Sara, where are you from and what brought you to London?

I’m from Iran and I was born in Tehran. I got married in 1999 and that’s when I came to London. My husband had been living in London already since he was 19, he studied here, so he brought me with him after our wedding.

2. How did you become a massage therapist?

A few things lead to it. One thing I remember since I was a child is that my mother had always suffered from migraines. I used to volunteer to massage her head and neck to relieve her pain and my massage often worked. That led to me developing an interest in the human body. I then used to sculpt as a pastime (I was deeply passionate about it) and often focused on the anatomy of the body. I believe these early interests significantly influenced my journey to becoming a massage therapist. I also got inspired by my uncle who was a physio and massage therapist for the German national handball team, he was very successful in his career. I remember he once came to Iran, set up his massage couch in our house and started treating us!  I really miss those days; they inspired me in many ways. 

3. What do you like about your job at Fulham Massage & Wellness? What motivates you to come to work each day?

I love that I make a positive change in my clients’ life and put them at ease. That’s the most enjoyable part for me.

4. What is the best advice you have ever received in your life?

To let go of the negative things, take life easy. Just concentrate on the most important thing in life – love.

5. What are you most proud of?

Helping my clients improve their well-being, and see the positive impact of my work on their lives. It’s such a positive role that influences others and myself!

6. How did you meet your husband?

Oh, we knew each other for a while but if someone told me I would marry him, I would say they’re crazy!  My husband has a twin brother who was in love with my older sister when they were both young. But when the Iran-Iraq war started, my husband’s dad decided to take him and his brother to the UK. My husband’s twin brother and my older sister would have this lovely relationship, writing letters to each other and somehow me and my husband got closer as well. Our relationship gradually evolved and one day he asked me to marry him.

7. What inspires you in life? Where do you draw your energy from?

Hmmm, it must be related to love - my family, my son - this inspires me every day. It leads me through challenges in life.

8. What books do you enjoy reading?

I think books by Carlos Castaneda. I love his books. But I don’t read lots of books these days, I used to read a lot more. Now books choose me😊

9. Dream place to visit or travel?

The first thing that comes to my mind is Peru. It would be a dream to see Peru, Machu Picchu, mountains. Hopefully, one day in the future…  

10. What is 1 thing you don’t like about yourself?

My fears – they stop me from doing many things. But at the same time, I am learning how to use them as an opportunity to challenge myself. I take it now more as an adventure to improve myself in many ways. 

11. How would your family or friends describe you?

Ask them! But I think they would say: straightforward and frank, so honest. Sometimes people might not like it.

12. What was your best birthday and how did you celebrate it?

When I was very young, they were interesting, I loved to have parties. Now I’m not that fussed about my birthdays. It’s not about numbers of age, maybe just my perception changed.

13. What’s your favourite dish to cook?

Roast chicken. I’m very good at cooking that. (Son confirmed😊)

14. Have you got a favourite herb or spice?

There are many herbs I love, parsley the most, then coriander. Iranians use a lot of herbs.

15. What’s your favourite way to relax?

Sometimes being lazy, just staying in bed, then going for long walks in nature, doing some breathing techniques and meditation. And my breakfast!  This is my thing, I love this time of the day for myself.

16. Is there any sport or physical activity that you would like to take up but never had the time or courage to do that?

When I was younger, I used to do mountain climbing in Tehran. I absolutely loved climbing in the early mornings. And also skiing.  Oh, I really miss those days!  One of my wishes is to do it again.

17. Have you got any cultural traditions that you would like to pass on to your son?

One of my favourites is the Persian New Year. It’s very ancient, very spiritual, and related to nature and the first day of spring. I’m very proud of it, it’s such a beautiful cultural tradition. 

18. Do you have any bad habits?

Haha, using my Dyson hover too much… My son hates that noise!

This or that:

London or Oxford? London

Movie or book? Book

Sweet or savoury? Savoury

Plane or train? Train

Summer or winter? Both, or in between – maybe spring

Cooking or cleaning? Cleaning

Dine in or dine out? Both, sometimes in and something out

Love or money? Love

Singing or dancing? Dancing, but sometimes singing as well

To give or to receive? Both

Sunrise or sunset? Both

Indoor or outdoor? Indoor

Cookie or cake? None

Cat or dog? Dog

Relaxing massage or deep tissue massage? Deep tissue massage!