Today’s Barefoot Massage Instructor spotlight is coming at you from Richardson, TX, a suburb of Dallas. Say hello to Hillary!
Your name
Hillary Arrieta
Tell us about your puppies.
I have two dogs, Winnie (Maltese mix age 11) Luna (Great Pyrenees mix age 3). Both are girls. (And she shamelessly puts capes on them sometimes).
Tell us about your family too!
NAH…hahah! Just kidding. My husband and I have been married for 10 years and we love to do things with our dogs and travel when we can. He has a nerdy job with a company where he makes 3D printed collectibles and props for movies.
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
I wanted to work for myself because I have a strong need for autonomy. It’s also in my blood. My grandpa owned his own service station for 50 years in the small town where my mom grew up and I always looked up to him.
Where do you teach?
I teach in a suburb of Dallas, Texas called Richardson at my workshop space at Gaia Bodywork.
What’s cool about your city?
Richardson is a great place to EAT. Especially if you like a large variety for all different kinds of food.
Which classes do you teach?
I teach FUNdamentals, Fijian, and the Relax track classes (currently Hot Ashi).
How has doing barefoot massage changed your career?
It’s made me enjoy massage therapy so much more. I don’t get bored and I feel like it’s creative and challenging every day. I use my mind and my body which I think helps to keep me engaged.
What do you love about teaching barefoot massage?
I love seeing my students get excited. For some of them, It’s been a long time since they’ve felt passionate about their career. I feel like I get to be a part of bringing that spark back to their massage practice.
Other than doing barefoot massage until you die, what would you do when it comes time to retire?
Move to Costa Rica, be a beach bum, and chill out with a billion dogs on the beach.
Hobbies?
Herbalism and kitchen witchery, reading, walking, gardening, and skin care.
Can you drive a stick shift, scooter, motorcycle, boat? (If so, what? Or any other random thing you can drive.
Nope. hahah!
Any tips to keep yourself healthy as a massage therapist?
I think sleep is super important because I need that regeneration time and also taking breaks to keep a healthy mindset.
What’s a random thing that most people don’t know about you?
I use to take syncronized swimming classes growing up. I don’t think you can get any more random than that! HAHA!
What are your favorite foods?
Pizza.
Where have you been published?
Where can people schedule an appointment with you?
🌎At Gaia in Richardson! (Note: Mary-Claire here. I had a client who visited Hillary when he was in town for a wedding. He LOVED his barefoot massage!)
🌎 Find Hillary at the Center for Barefoot Massage
🌎 Texas Ashiatsu: Instagram
🌎 GaiaBodywork: Instagram
Hillary’s official bio:
Hillary Arrieta is a holistic wellness expert, licensed massage therapist, industry educator, and small business owner. She specializes in barefoot massage and Ayurvedic therapies to help her health-conscious clients reach their wellness goals.
Located in Dallas, Texas, Hillary’s customized sessions are infused with Western herbalism, aromatics, mediation, and restorative bodywork to ease her clients towards radiance and joyful living.
Hillary has taught massage therapists since 2008 from the basic certification program to her own workshops at Gaia Bodywork. Hillary has the honor of teaching as an approved instructor for the Center for Barefoot Massage. She strives to create an organized and comfortable learning environment.
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