I used to be a night owl all the way but this year I made it my goal to become an early bird. Now I love it and feel so much more productive and ready for the day when I get an early start. 

2.  Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach your work?

I would have to say my biggest influencer when it comes to how I work would be my first boss Jessie who I met when I worked at the Asheville airport. I was very nervous on my first day and throughout my entire time there she taught and constantly reminded me that it was ok to approach my job with a fun attitude even if it was serious. This has continued to help me see the light in things and be able to approach stressful projects with a better mind set.

 3.  One thing that’s surprised you about working at Shoji?

The one thing that constantly surprises me about working at Shoji is how I find myself looking forward to coming to work. We have such a great team of employees and great relaxing environment we get to be in everyday.

 4.  What is one thing that you are trying to make a habit?

I used to be an avid reader. As I got busier with work and school that hasn’t been something I have kept up with much. I would definitely love to make reading a habit again and I hope I will one day.     

 5.  If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? 

If I could choose any superpower I would choose to be able to speak every language in the world fluently. I am already bi lingual and I love being able to switch back and forth between English and Romainian. It would also make traveling all the more exciting and easy.

 6.  What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show would have to be The Office. That’s a show that I’ve always got playing in the background and never fails to make me laugh.

Meet Lucas Stevenson!

He is one of our world-class massage therapists, offering us another look behind the scenes. We’re excited to share with you his thoughts on his craft, favorite relaxation techniques, and all things Shoji!

Where are you from?

Northeast Kansas

What brought you to Asheville?

Business – I began working a small company here in Asheville back in 2008.

When or why did you decide to get into massage therapy?

Back in 2005. I chose to go into massage therapy as a gateway into Alternative Health, and it became my primary practice.

What do you love most about massage therapy?

I love that people nearly always leave happier and healthier than when they came in, and I love using my knowledge of the human body to accomplish that.

What do you love most about working at Shoji?

Great atmosphere, great staff, great visitors! We get to work with relaxed people and make them even more relaxed.

Can you share with us a time when you helped someone with massage?

My favorite experience was with a young woman, a really talented musician who had severe arm and hand nerve issues. Her mom brought her in a couple of times each week for specific work. It was a group effort – her Physical Therapist, her mother, myself, and most especially her determination and hard work – but she is playing professionally and is now also a conductor. That makes me smile every time I think of it.

What kind of music or sounds do you like to play during massage therapy?

Anything relaxing that helps myself and the client get into the zone. Singing bowls, chanting, New Age music, nature sounds, etc.

Favorite Japanese food?

Sashimi – all of it!!

Kaleigh Goodford is a world-class masseuse who, like the rest of our talented team, make the Shoji Spa experience possible.

We recently had a chance to ask her some questions. Enjoy!

Q:   Where are you from?

A: Upstate New York & Western Pennsylvania

Q:   What brought you to Asheville?

A: Pursuing a massage career (to start my massage career)

Q: When or why did you decide to do massage therapy?

A: I didn’t… it found me.

Q: What do you love most about massage therapy?

A: Being in the Body and connected to our senses. It’s great for anxiety & overthinking.

Q: What do you love most about working at Shoji?

A: Relaxed atmosphere, the clinic is beautiful, it’s a really special place, and the flexibility – I can practice massage the way I want. To really help people.

Q: Can you share a story of how you helped someone with massage therapy?

A: I once had a client with massive discomfort issues in her hip – replacement, bersitis, etc. She could only get around using a cane. After our massages, her pain would disappear, and she could walk without her cane.

Q: Favorite massage oils? Types of massage?

A: For massage oils: olive, safflower, Hinoki (anything w/ grip). My favorite types of massage are Thai, Swedish, & abdominal work.

Q: What kinds of music or sounds do you like to play during the massage?

A: Anything atmospheric, sounds of crystal bowls

Q: Do you have any favorite parts of Japanese culture?

A:   Anime (i.e. Sailor Moon), acupuncture, shiatsu (a type of bodywork), martial arts… I’ve practiced Judo, Kendo, & Jiu Jitsu. And Bushido (code of honor, ideals, and way of life for samurai)

Food-wise: unagi, sashimi / sushi, tomago gohan, & dango dumplings

While the event’s genesis may have been in Australia, its reach is global; hot springs locations around the world will offer special events in celebration of the day, and many are also donating money to charitable causes with a focus on clean water.

Wilbur Hot Springs in Northern California is honouring the day with music and fundraising to benefit water.org. From 1-22 June, the hotel is donating 10 per cent of room revenue to the charitable organisation, which helps provide safe water and sanitation to those in need.

At Peninsula Hot Springs, a full day of storytelling and bathing activities will begin with a spiritual sunrise ceremony at the Hilltop Pool, and will also include water exercise classes, a body clay workshop, forest bathing walk, sound meditation and a sunset ceremony.

Participating thermal springs are asked to use the hashtag #worldbathingday to share photos of their celebrations.

With 844 million people – 1 in 9 worldwide – lacking access to safe water, hot springs leaders are also looking to move beyond fundraising, to petition the United Nations to formally recognize a World Bathing Day or International Day of Bathing.

“Bathing is an enjoyable, peaceful, social, multicultural and multigenerational activity that forms a common link across diverse cultural, spiritual and religions traditions, and plays a critical role in ensuring good health, dignity, confidence and comfort,” the petition states.

It also focuses on the importance of bathing for sanitary practices, and states that the day hopes to draw attention to the plight of the people for whom bathing is not yet an option, and those who lack access to sufficient drinking water.

“Access to water has a major impact on the health and future prospects of the world’s poor,” the petition states. “Every day nearly 1000 children die from water-related disease and women and girls spend 200 million hours simply gathering water. To them, water is time, education and hope.”

Original Post in Spa Business