The Hermiston Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member – Grounded Mama Massage Therapy – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the chamber office on Thursday.
Genevieve Hock opened mobile massage therapy business in June and has been busy ever since.
“It progressed pretty rapidly through word of mouth,” Hock said.
She was a massage therapist at a local chiropractic office in Hermiston prior to opening her mobile massage therapy business. She also has experience in the health care field including time spent as an EMT.
She has a studio at her home but does most of her business from her vehicle. Typically, a client will schedule an appointment and Hock packs up her vehicle and heads to the client’s home.
“The goal is to be completely mobile in the near future – to have a complete studio in my vehicle,” she said. For that to happen, she will first need a bigger vehicle. She is currently seeking grants to help pay for it.
“A bigger vehicle will allow me to help more people in areas outside of Hermiston,” Hock said.
Hock describes herself as “kind of a hippie,” thus the name Grounded Mama.
Hock said massage therapy requires training and a license from the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists.
Hock said she doesn’t offer “relaxing” massages, but instead “fixing” massages.
“My clients are people who struggle with chronic issues like pain and inflammation,” Hock said. “I focus on getting to the root problem and solving the issue.”
Hock is certified in Thai stretching, a technique in which she helps her clients perform passive stretches and yoga poses to promote well-being.
“You leave feeling more flexible,” she said.
Another technique she uses is cupping, which uses suction to draw blood to the skin’s surface and stimulate healing.
Hock said her massage therapy business is a natural fit for her.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people,” she said. “I’m excited to grow my business and help more people.”
For more information, visit the Grounded Mama Massage website.
