Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnie Leavy.
Hi Ronnie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a sixth-time award-winning therapist. I have been a therapist since 2003; I graduated from Concorde Career College with honors. I received my first award in 2006 for regional therapist; I was the first to receive this award. I received this reward while working at Massage Envy. I was the lead therapist and most requested during my time there from 2006-2009. After my time at Massage Envy, I worked at Lifetime Fitness, where I received 5 national artistry awards. I was the first to receive these awards in Collierville out of 200 employees. I was ranked in the top 3% nationally out of 200 locations. I have been featured on Fox 13 News Memphis Fitness Thursdays. I was also featured in the Arkansas Christian Journal in 2016. I am employed at Gould’s Day Spa and Salon and have been there since 2014. I also have my own mobile business, which is called Heavnlyhands2u.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting with me being a male in a predominately female workspace, males always get booked last. I had to overcome those challenges, and it was not easy, especially being an African American male. Many people didn’t book with me, considering that I was male and African American. My expertise in deep tissue massage in sports-related injuries requires specific knowledge. So, people usually come to me for those services because no one specializes in the services I offer.
Let’s switch gears and talk about work. What should we know about your job?
I specialize more in Eastern Modalities, specifically TUINA. It is like going to a chiropractor, physical therapist, acupressure, massage, etc. Western philosophy treats symptoms, whereas Eastern Philosophy believes the mind, body, and spirit are all one.
We’re always looking for lessons that can be learned from any situation, including tragic ones like the COVID-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, it has made me more cautious of the environment. It has also taught me to be more careful in my practice because my job is hands-on. Therefore, as a precaution, I wear gloves and a mask more often.
