feature: Sacred Sole Massage & Bodywork

Galena business owner Theresa Young (LMT) , recently sat down with Galena Guide to discuss her massage & bodywork practice and her new main street location. She is the owner of Sacred Sole Massage & Bodywork located at 412 S Main Street (Suite 202) Galena, Il.

GG: Can you please share with us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

Theresa: “I relocated to Galena from the Chicagoland area in 2009 after my 20-year marriage expired. Galena embraced me & my daughter, and it became the fertile ground for my dream seeds to bloom as my business Sacred Sole Massage & Bodywork. I am building what I have come to call my “GoodLife”.”

GG: How long have you been a professional massage therapist, and what initially drew you to it as a profession?

Theresa: “Massage therapy is my second career, and I have been dedicated to this work for five years now! For many years, I had an interest in therapeutic bodywork, but it wasn’t until I relocated to Galena that I finally found the courage to enroll in a program and embark on this dream!”
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GG: What are 2 things that you think people would be surprised to know about you?

Theresa: “I think people would be surprised to know that deep down I am really quite shy. Also, some people may be surprised to learn that I have an irrational fear of bats.”
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GG: What type of massage is your favorite?
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Theresa: “I specialize in Fijian Barefoot Massage. This modality is so beautifully grounded and effective, and the moment I put my feet on a body during my initial training, I just knew I connected most deeply with barefoot massage modalities. My barefoot work has evolved over the years to be a fusion of all my experiences as a bodyworker, and each session draws from the various methods of massage that I have learned.

Though I have designed my business Sacred Sole Massage & Bodywork to offer both Swedish (hands) massage as well as barefoot massage, it is the barefoot work that has evolved into my passion and lights my soul!”
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GG: Do you have any other businesses or hobbies besides Sacred Sole?
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Theresa: “I spin poi (a performance art).” Learn more about Spin Poi here: https://www.playpoi.com/inspiration/what-is-poi/

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GG: What are your 3 favorite places in Galena and why?

Theresa: ” 1) The River. Kayaking the River is one of my absolute favorite things to do.

2) Grant Park …. When I first moved to Galena, I had a tiny apartment with no yard. My daugher and I spent a great deal of time at Grant Park. We would even bring pillows and blankets and her toys! And though we have a small yard now, my daughter and I still love bringing music/books/picnic to Grant Park. You can often find us in the Gazebo or napping on a blanket under the trees by the fountain. We are great at picnicking!

3) The DeSoto House …. When I moved to Galena, I worked for the DeSoto House for a while before I pursued training in massage therapy. I fell in love with that place, and I still enjoy walking through the lobby, or eating in their restaurants because it is so important and special to Galena’s beautiful history.”
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GG: Thank-you Theresa for sharing with us, we wish you continued success! This interviewer had the pleasure of experiencing one of Theresa’s massage sessions in person and it was a truly relaxing and rejuvenating treat. Theresa’s warm personality and attention to detail for each client’s needs is what makes her one of the best. According to Theresa, ” Massage is a way for many of us to create a pause in our lives…a sacred space where we give ourselves permission to reconnect with our inner selves, and to breathe, relax, and receive healing touch.” Her studio space is comfortable and inviting and has an easy to find Galena main street location.