Inspiring Conversations with Nick Ngo of Fluffy Tiger Massage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Ngo.

Hi Nick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Missing tip money, gender discrimination and finished with building someone’s wealth for them, I jumped the cliff to open a fluffy tiger massage in June 2017. My small, local business has found success within the Durham community and the Triangle because I serve the communities with integrity, empathy, effective therapeutic work, and staying true to the code of ethics. All of my clients come to the office via word of mouth or professional referrals.

I got into Massage Therapy because I was inspired by an Oncology Massage Therapist in 2001. As I was visiting my thyroid-cancer-fighting Mother in the hospital, a soft-spoken lady peaked her head in the room and asked, “would she like to have a free oncology massage”? All I heard and understood was free and massage. Sure, I said. Do you mind if I stay and observe? Not at all, please stay, she responded.

At this stage of her cancer, my mother was hooked up to a morphine pump to keep her comfortable. Little to none comfort was accomplished. What this lady achieved in fifteen minutes of touch had me amazed, and I will always remember that moment as I said to myself, “man, I want to be like her one day”. My mother was finally able to fall asleep for a bit as this wonderful therapist did her magic.

Mama Susan passed away in October 2001, and I walked away from Fitchburg State University to pursue something other than a Teaching Degree. Finally, in 2004 I followed the voice within and enrolled in a 650 hours Massage Therapy program in Lowell, Massachusetts. Then it took another ten years to be certified as an Oncology Massage Therapist as I needed time to build up the emotional and mental strength to serve cancer patients.

Today, I get to serve cancer patients at my own practice and volunteer every Wednesday at the Caring House in Durham. For the patients to have faith and trust that I will do right by them, it is a blessing.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was ready to face all and any obstacles when I decided to jump the cliff. Failure or giving up was not an option as I have to support my lady, children and a dog. In the field of Massage Therapy, it is a challenge for a male Therapist to build a clientele. Most men do not want to be touched by another man. Many women would feel more comfortable with a female Therapist. Being a new cat on the block, no advertising, no leads are my other challenges. It was tough in the first eight months of business. I had to dip into my savings account to get by.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My practice offers therapeutic massage therapy. I utilize the natural healing properties of massage therapy to facilitate pain relief to the public. After sixteen years in the trade, I specialize in nothing but giving my clients the best rate of return on their investment at my practice. I am known for being traditional and authentic in therapeutic work. Traditional fire cupping is a niche that the community appreciates and values. My brand represents an immigrant’s entrepreneurial dream. Integrity, empathy, effectiveness, and ethics are values branded on my business name. When your readers see the white tiger within the orange sun logo, I would hope they appreciate, relate and reciprocate the values.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck definitely has its role in my life and business. I am lucky to have been dating my lady since 1999. She played a huge role in our success as she supported my goals and allowed me to do my thing with confidence. Luck also helped me to meet Olivia Stancil, who facilitated an opportunity with Kelly Mulhern for my forever gig at the Caring House to serve cancer warriors. Luck is real. Believe it in.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.fluffytigermassage.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluffytigermassage/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluffytigermassage