Like many young Dominicans after leaving school, Jessica Bellevue had difficulty finding her niche in life. A degree in Sociology didn’t help and after taking a secretarial course, she decided that sitting behind an office desk wasn’t for her either. Gaining a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and serving as a Guide Leader came nearer the mark. So too did her training in Therapeutic Massage.
But finding regular employment in the things she liked doing best proved impossible. It was while working as a studio assistant for painter and sculptor Roger Burnett that she found that a creative environment challenges the mind to find solutions to seemingly impossible problems.
Generally, therapeutic massage conjures up images of expensive spas or long awaited appointments at hospital out-patients. For many, travelling to venues aggravates the pain and stress rather than relieving it. Thus the idea of home-visits was born. Jessica’s Home-Care Therapeutic Massage Services seeks to relieve muscular aches and pains in the convenience and comfort of the patient’s own home.
Therapeutic massage is proven to have the following benefits:
- Decreases anxiety and reduces fatigue.
- Improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart attacks.
- Boosts the human energy level and keeps the body agile.
- Aids recovery from accidents and illness.
To Jessica’s credit, her business has been initiative led rather than funding fed. To begin with, promotion was by way of hand-delivered fliers and attendance at Health Fairs. More recently it has been by doctor referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations. Hotels and Guest Houses have also begun to use Jessica’s services for their guests on an ad-hoc basis.
Home-care therapeutic massage is cost effective. Fees for a home visit range from EC$60 for a foot massage to EC$100-$150 for a full body/deep-tissue massage. A course of treatment is eligible for a discounted rate. A small fee is charged for travelling beyond Roseau and environs.
To arrange an introductory visit telephone: 449-2550/245-2232/317-4289.
Or e-mail: [email protected]
The attached picture shows Jessica talking to participants at last year’s Dominica Council on Ageing Health Fair.
Therapeutic massage? hmm. Anything with the word massage in it. Behind closed doors I bet you it’s something else.
They also have several massage therapists at the Healthy Wellness center. She needs to be careful when she goes to peoples’ homes or hotel rooms.
Happy for you girl.
Great job Jessica….will be calling you sooner than ever for a massage.
Let no one hinder your progress. All the best. Will be praying for you…
I may have missed it, but I’d like to know what, if any, formal training Ms. Bellevue had and at what institution.
Proper training is critical to providing this type of service (therapeutic) to PATIENTS.
Don’t know how you wrangled that free promotional editorial Jessica but kudos to you!
Way to go! Good luck. Keep up the spirits. Very good initiative.
Good idea Jessica. But please don’t go to these people homes all by yourself.
Great initiative. Best of luck.
Great initiative young lady. All the best.
Health and Wellness is the “Dominican Way”!
I wish it was but the amount of obese people we have suggest otherwise Emperor Goodbelly!