“I’ve been interested and involved in holistic health since the 80s. I lived overseas for several decades, was a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist, and started my own holistic health clinic before returning to the US. I attended SWIHA so the AZ board would recognize my European qualifications and medical massage experience. I firmly believe in helping others as naturally as possible so they may live pain-free.”
Living with the values and beliefs of wanting to help other people in life is what made becoming a massage Therapist such an obvious choice for Franchesca Booth. Franchesca is a great graduate of the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts’ 750-hour Massage Therapy Program with a certificate in Shamanic Principles and Pathways. Having experience in the holistic world of the healing arts, Franchesca worked hard to get licensed in the US and started her own practice. However, before starting her own business, Franchesca also had experience offering massage through various chains, resort spa settings, clinical settings, and even mobile services! Franchesca’s business is now centered on mobile services and is called ‘Desert Energy Mobile Massage’.
Although Franchesca was already practicing Massage outside of the United States, once she moved to Arizona, SWIHA became a clear choice for her to pursue her transfer of license, as well as, continue her education and broaden her skills. Franchesca enrolled in the 750-hour Massage program, and many new modalities were introduced to her! Franchesca shares, “There are always other methodologies available as your level of awareness grows and expands with awareness and your potential is limitless even when not understood by all.” Having an open mind to learn new things definitely set her up for success throughout the program! Franchesca recalls Joel Hamilton, SWIHA Massage Instructor, had a significant influence on her experience and “led with his compassionate care.”
Now having graduated, Franchesca is working independently within a new wellness center in the North Scottsdale area, as well as, running her own business. Franchesca states, “With connections already being forged with local cancer centers, charities, and naturopathic doctors offices referring to my list of services where I will be focusing on medical massage spanning across Oncology care, EOL transitions, Lymphatic drainage and over a dozen modalities and enhancements that include heated, chilled, combined, and sound wave therapy while changing my business name to simply Desert Energy Massage alongside my business partner Christina Mitchell.”
In addition to all of this, Franchesca also started a women's business group called Desert Vibes Business (DVB) in North Scottsdale to collaborate and connect with others in the field. Franchesca is also pursuing qualifications for teaching massage modalities for CEUs! On the more personal side of her life, Franchesca is recently engaged - so lots of exciting things are happening all around!
If Franchesca could offer advice to any future massage therapists, it would be to “Have an open heart, and mind, and to stay grounded.”
“We’ve all gone through things in life yet it doesn’t have to define you; what matters is how you grow and develop in a positive way through your difficulties then figuring out how you’ll give back to the world as an example of hope and strength for others.”
