Fit Columbia and Midlands Anchor honors local women in fitness with a monthly feature celebrating their contributions to our midlands community. These women are the best of the best in the health and wellness industry. These women are local small business owners, active in the community and have a minimum of five years experience. Our February feature is Joy Holman. Our feature is written by Eve Black, Fit Columbia Intern and University of South Carolina exercise science student.
Personal Bio: I moved here a year ago for a fresh start, so my current business is mostly mobile to Charlotte as that's where my roots are, but I do have a private space I work out of for both the surrounding Charlotte and Columbia area.
Most people associate me with my family-owned and operated business aka Basil Thai Cuisine. I enjoy the flexibility of working for family and the ability to share my practice as I am a woman with much more talent than running daily restaurant operations. I understand that I have a gift, a natural one - of touch and powerful healing.
My passion lies within holistic care and healing. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Asian Studies from Furman University to pursue International Business in Marketing. Just like my Bachelor's degree and getting back to my heritage, my certifications primarily are focused in Asian massage modalities: Thai yoga massage, Ashiatsu, Thai poultice, Bamboo, and Reiki. These all quickly sparked my interest immediately after school and I then pursued certification to teach yoga while deepening my personal yoga practice (RYT-200 hr). All of these things have led me to my path of how these amazing life experiences have made me feel and I want to share the power of touch, (physical or energetic) - with others. All in all, it's an awakening of mind, body, and spirit experience.
Q: How did you get started in this field?
A: I always belonged to this field of touch. Healing. I knew since the age of 5 years old. I started massaging family members: from my dad and mom. To sisters and uncles and then to my brother-in-laws. Friends. It was never awkward. I always wanted to share my gift with those special to me. And now I am able to share this with those who cross my path and are willing to allow me to put my hands on them
Q: What services do you provide?
A: From basic Swedish and Deep Tissue. To Pre-natal and Hot stones. And a little more complex massage techniques like Thai Yoga and Thai Foot Massage (like Reflexology) to the power of healing energetic touch - Reiki.
Q: What made you decide to practice Thai Yoga Massage Therapy as opposed to regular yoga?
A: I definitely still have my own personal practice of yoga and try to meet myself on the mat however after moving to a new city I decided to take a break from instructing yoga. I had to get grounded in a new place and Thai Yoga massage is about serving one at a time versus a multitude of persons in one class. It's a much more intimate setting beingone-on-one. It does fill my heart to teach a class, but making a vast impact on one's life one at a time has a different meaning. It's a different fulfillment. Don't get me wrong, I like the aspect of giving to the community and serving others as you can do in a yoga-room setting. However, I found by serving others in a classroom setting, I lost interest in my own practice. With Thai yoga massage, it's as if this person chose you or was brought to you by the Universe and choose to spend this time with you. And to be able to open their energy lines, stretch, relax and give peace is all a win-win to me.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: No. At the moment, I do not have any serious pets per se. I was a proud-mommy and owner of the sweetest, smartest, most-obedient yet head-strong like me pit-bull named head coach. He is very much alive and well. I currently have a fish-tank in my bedroom and I am responsible for five beautiful fish. I do enjoythe back-ground white-noise of the flowing water while falling asleep.
Sue's Personal Philosophy:
The pursuit of happiness begins with you and within. Two thoughts I would like to share:
1.) My mantra: Follow your heart.
2.) Know yourself and know that you are enough.
Lastly, I am a tea-enthusiast. And I enjoy making a cup of tea with TLC. Usually to be shared with family, staff, or a customer in need that seems to be ailing. I listen to your need and I truly believe that what is put in massage body work, energy-work, or tea is set forth with intentions.
