Today we’d like to introduce you to Liana Carrasquilla.
Liana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Helping, guiding and healing!!! That is how I started and what still drives me today. I’m Liana, your local Massage Therapist, owner of Found Balance Wellness, lover of all-natural healing and herbal enthusiast! It started as a child, nurturing and doing the little things that made my family feel good, from massages to thoughtful little trinkets, notes, etc. left them so appreciative and in turn, filled me with tremendous joy. My parents are big-time helpers to all and seeing this growing up has inspired me to do the same. I’ve tried to follow in their footsteps and give back in several different ways, but one that I enjoy the most is being of service to those who may have hurdles or not have the resources but are still trying their best. I think we can’t help everyone, but we can all help a little.
In the not so long ago past, I’ve taken collections of items or monetary donations to help or put together my own donation drives. I believe these have made a small impact. I am grateful in so many different ways that I plan on getting back to doing more drives and helping in bigger ways very soon! Into my adult life & now I’ve tried to be that healing light for those close to me or even strangers. I either tend to push people in the direction of their dreams, share a bit of wisdom that I think may help them, be that motivational voice when they’re feeling down, or their biggest cheerleader when they’re accomplishing something I know makes them happy. Ultimately all this is what put me on the path of service to others and led me to open Found Balance Wellness. I may not have known it then, but it’s very clear now that its where I’m supposed to be contributing in this life. So yea, I would say I’m a healer in many senses of the word, but Massage and making herbal products is where I’m at with it today. I love what I do; I love hearing that my clients pain is reduced or that their headache is gone or that they just feel so relaxed and rejuvenated because they see me regularly. You know, a big part of my clients progress does come from my 14 years of knowledge and experience, but I also don’t want to discredit them. A big part of feeling better or reducing pain comes from being open, relaxed, and in a mental state to receive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say its been a tough road, but I’ve had to get out of my own way so to speak. One being that after 12 years of being a Massage Therapist, I’ve only recently chosen the official business name, with the matching website and Instagram page! lol, I’m no longer Mobile Massage By Liana, with thepoweroftouch website and completely unmatching social media names too! I tend to dabble in a lot of different things, hobbies, handcrafting, working at a restaurant, vending at farmers markets/festivals, and saying yes to all my friend’s invites. And while all that is awesome and we should be playing and experiencing in everything that interests us, I had to put it all aside for a little while and focus on making my goal happen. Another struggle would be that I’ve have had personal clients for 14 years, but in 2016, I left to backpack different parts of the world for a little over a year. I didn’t think I was going to be gone more than three, maybe six months. In short, I lost a good amount of clients when I came back, but I’m sure to other great fellow therapists.
Shortly after is when I started making my business and name ” more official”. It was a push in the right direction. Last, a few people may relate to this one, it’s a bit personal, but part of being a Healer is to share in hopes of helping others. While on my backpacking trip, I fell in love. It was great until it wasn’t and it got worse when I was back stateside and doing long distance with him. Long story short, I lost my self-worth and interest in all the things that brought me joy. I managed to pick myself back up and through creating/selling my handmade items and hitting the goal of vending at the street markets, I got my confidence and self-worth back. I’d say an obstacle I still face is having to screen my new clients. I have to be safe as well. You know, I go to their homes so I let every new client know that I’m strictly professional and hope they get the picture and go away if they’re looking for something inappropriate. I think this is a great question, and I’m glad you’re asking. Certain Struggles are definitely important for self-growth in business and in all aspects of our lives. Mine helped me grow my business. I also love that Voyage welcomes and allows us to show and learn from each other that we are perfectly imperfect.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Found Balance Wellness?
I love what I do. How could I not? I help others and in return, I receive healing as well. I have years of practice and continuing education to offer. I’ve also had some pretty cool experiences while traveling/backpacking that I can bring to the table as well. I had the chance to take a course in Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand, along with relaxation/living in the present techniques that I learned while on a five-day silent retreat in the Kandy Mountains of Sri Lanka. I’m well-rounded and knowledgeable. My Massage Therapy tends to be detailed in nature and I like to bring the relaxing aspect, with some tailored to you medical techniques along with some feel-good energy vibes to every Massage!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Aside from the more thorough cleanliness practices and some operational changes, I’d say just gratitude for where I’m at. I’m not where I want to be. Many of us are not, but we will get there again and then some! Just knowing that others are going through a real hard time with loss or work or lacking necessities makes it hard for me to be anything other than grateful to where my business/family lies due to Covid.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.foundbalancewellness.com
- Instagram: @foundbalancewellness
Image Credits
Fusion Studios Orlando
