Covid was not all bad. In life we have learnt to always focus on the good. Make no mistake it was devastating to have to close our business just 6 months after opening our Gypsy Wagons, but a lot of good also came out of it.
Two days before lock down started we decided to spend it in Clarens. We were living in Joburg at the time and managing the guest house from a distance. We travelled up and down a lot!! We packed up as much as we could, fishes and plants included. Like overloaded hill billies we drove down to Clarens, not knowing what was instore for us. It was a surreal time. Queues at the toll gates. Military vehicles. Empty busses. The worry was on everyone’s faces. Uncertain times ahead.
We spent a very peaceful time during lock down in our favourite spot in the world. Shane was working remotely for his corporate company. Sandy started her online business. It was during this time the idea of our Gypsy vans started to form… more about this later.
Shortly after lock down Shane was summoned to work back in the office… but he now had the taste of living and working in Clarens and loved it. Sandy and the kids stayed in Clarens. Then a few months later he was retrenched. Devastating on one hand. Exciting on the other hand. (more exciting for Sandy than for Shane!)
Shane was forced to make a transition into self employment and entrepreneurship. It was not easy. The corporate life was engrained after being in it for over 25 years.
The retrenchment writing was on the wall, so we had already started making alternative plans. During lock down Shane did some soul searching and remembered his natural skills and love of massage. (sitting at a braai, you will often find Shane standing behind someone, giving them a soothing shoulder massage!) As soon as lock down restrictions allowed he enrolled for formal training, with one of the top massage training institute’s in the country. And so began Shanes new journey. Studying and massaging his student trial clients part time at first. He was very surprised to learn that the massage industry is very male dominated industry. Even the school he attended was run by a man. Most of the lecturers were also male. Remedial massage therapy, is very different to the massage that is taught at beauty schools.
Massage therapy is very complimentary to our Gypsy guest house and a wonderful extra service to offer our clients. Sandy renovated an outside store room into a tranquil private space, just perfect for Shane Gypsy Massage Studio.
Massage Room
Shane also offers his services to Clarens locals. He is a mobile massage therapist so often travels to his clients and attends sports events. He is qualified in Swedish and sports massage. He using a combination of these skills for this treatments. Give him a call if you would like him to attend an event of yours. Sports event or any Happy Hippie Gypsy type of event.
As per everything in our Gypsy world… Shanes massage technique is totally unique and can not be compared to your average hour session at the spa. Before booking the appointment, Shane will chat to his potential client to ascertain what they require from the treatment and to confirm that they have no health complications, that would impede the massage. He preps his studio, to make it warm and comfortable. There is even an electric blanket for those chilly Clarens days.
For something extra special try, a night time massage. Under the stars and outdoors if the weather is fair! Your senses will be awakened.
This is not just a soothing rub with oils. It is a physical, spiritual and emotional self-care treatment. He has an innate ability to really sooth and target the problem areas.
If Shane is not feeling well, he will not massage, as he believes strongly in the transfer of healing energies.
Most of his clients feel a huge sense of release after their session. Sometimes physical, sometimes emotional. Have a look at the reviews on his Facebook page and read what his clients are saying about him.
https://www.facebook.com/Gypsymassagetherapy
https://www.instagram.com/gypsymassagetherapy/
Give Shane a call to find out more about his service and to see how he can assist. 083 411 7905 or email [email protected]