City Lit caught up with Taru Venäläinen to learn how she discovered massage and where it’s taken her. Starting with a single course, Taru found that training in massage opened doors to new opportunities and helped her grow her practice in ways she never imagined.
If you’re curious about massage, why not give it a try? There’s so much to explore, and the learning never stops. Our beginners’ courses are the perfect way to start your journey.
Q: Could you tell us a little about your background, and what led you to train in massage?
A: I had previously completed a degree in nutrition but became unhappy doing so much work sitting at a desk and working at a computer. So, I came to City Lit to do the entry-level holistic massage course.
At first, I took the course just to entertain myself and see if I'd enjoy practising in massage. If I am honest. I had no great expectations at all or no real plans to make it a profession, but this is where the course led me.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about working in massage and complementary therapies?
A: I enjoy helping others to feel better and well in their own skin is wonderful.
Q: What courses have you taken, and what skills, knowledge and experience did you gain through your studies?
A: After the City Lit Holistic massage course, I completed a Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapy course for couple of years and I have completed short courses in Oncology, Deep Tissue and Chair Massage, etc. There are so many different areas to build your practice, and the course opened these opportunities.
Q: What did you enjoy the most about training with City Lit?
A: The course I did was a gentle introduction to massage and delivered in a relaxed yet informative way.
Q: What are you doing now after completing your training?
A: I had a busy London practice for four years, but I've recently moved to Somerset where I now need to re-build the practice from scratch again! An exciting and slightly daunting challenge.
Q: What advice would you offer to anyone interested in training in this area?
A: Dip your toe in with an entry-level massage course - then if you enjoy it, go deeper (and the learning never ends!). It's difficult to know in advance whether you will like doing massage (even if you love receiving a massage yourself), but I highly recommend trying it out.
I also encourage anyone interested to enjoy the duality of physicality along with the knowledge of anatomy and physiology required.
Taru started with our Holistic Massage course just to dip a toe in and see where it might lead. It opened the door to new opportunities and transformed her practice.
You can take that first step too. Join us on a beginners’ massage course and discover the skills, confidence and inspiration to begin your own journey. We’ll guide you in a supportive, hands-on environment designed to ignite your passion for massage.
