Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Cross.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up legally blind can be a challenging experience for many individuals. It can affect every aspect of their lives, from their education to their social interactions.
Personally, I have faced obstacles along the way. I was born in 1993 in Cary, NC. I entered this world at 29 weeks. Receiving too much oxygen as a premature newborn resulted to the eye condition I have now, Retinopathy of prematurity.
At the age of 19, I attended Culinary Arts school. It compelled me to not give up, despite all the challenges I faced. I graduated Wake Technical Community College in 2015 with an associates in culinary arts, along with a certificate in baking and pastry arts and restaurant management. My initial dream was to start a Restaurant. My love for food fueling my passion.
I continued to work professionally alongside wonderful chefs for the next 4 years. They gave me the chance and accommodations I needed to thrive within the career. Being a legally blind individual and working in professional, high-volume, fast-paced kitchens became extremely tiresome.
I began the search for a different career path. Thinking back to a decade ago, when I received my first massage and loved the benefits of receiving bodywork. It clicked! A career in massage therapy was the next chapter!
I did research on schools that were close by to the Raleigh area and started classes in 2017 at Gwinnett College. Those 9 months were long yet filled with self-discovery, knowledge, and a new passion! Attending school during the week and working 30-hour weekends cooking professionally was the new way of life for myself.
As soon as I knew it, I completed the 750 educational credit hours / clinical hours. I passed the North Carolina massage and bodywork licensing exam and started working for a local spa. I learned the ins and outs of what it took to run a successful business and maintain a professional client-therapist relationship. I then said goodbye to the culinary arts field for good and started doing massage full-time.
My confidence, skill set, and knowledge thrived. I researched offices locally that were leasing space for independent businesses. I met with the owner and jumped on the opportunity to start my own massage practice.
In 2019, “Taylor’s Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork“ was born! I resided my business in north Raleigh. The first year of business was a learning experience, from marketing myself to client retention, but I still persevered.
2020 then brought the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, I also embarked on the single motherhood journey and gave birth to my first child. My business was shut down for a few months during the pandemic and maternity leave. I reopened a few months later.
In 2022 I was presented the opportunity to partner up with Power Chiropractic and relocate my business within their building in Cary. Since relocating to Cary, my massage practice has become a success. It has become more than an honor to assist my clients of the triangle with muscular pain relief.
Despite my disability, I am so grateful I found the fire within me to not get discouraged, and I hope to inspire others who feel lost. Sometimes it takes a few times to find your true passion!
My dream is to purchase a building of my own and hire other blind licensed massage therapists and together we can help heal the triangle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been obstacles along the way. Especially in school, from being excluded, laughed at, misunderstood, left behind, and questioning my capabilities. From failing multiple times to struggling to fit it. I never gave up towards the end result…
We’ve been impressed with Taylor’s Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed massage therapist. My practice is located inside the AccessHealth Chiropractic Center in Cary. I specialize in deep tissue, Swedish, myofascial release, prenatal, and sports massage. I also do cupping, Gus-sha, and hot stones,
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Optimism, it is very important to remain positive each day! To show up every day with a smile, even though you may not feel like smiling that day.
Pricing:
- 60-minute session $70
- 90-minute session $100
- 120-minute session $130
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylorcrossmassage.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylorstherapeuticmassage?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorcrossmassage?mibextid=LQQJ4d
