HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS: Maria Jessie

Maria Jessie

Entreprenuer 

Cook Islander

My name is Maria Jessie, I'm of Cook Island & Maori decent & I'm the founder of 'Intuitive Hands'.

A little bit about yourself? 

Well here's a little. I was was brought up by my mother in Herne Bay/Ponsonby, in what I like to refer to as "the glue pot era". She came over to Auckland as a late teenager from Aitutaki, the most beautiful atoll in the pacific. Met a rather dashing Scottsman, (whom like many other papaa at that time had a rather strong fetish for Duski maidens) and voila... Here I am.

What inspired you to start massaging?

I was so fortunate to spend a couple of years living at home with my grandparents in Aitutaki as a young child.  And that is where I believe I was passed on the gift from my grandmother to help others through massage. She was a natural healer through medicinal plants and would treat everyone in our family and all over the island for many things.

Something special happened to me while I was in her care.

So when I returned I became known to my family as "the gifted one" with massage.... I just assumed they were just manipulating me to get free body work on tap, however i was happy enough to oblige. I eventually went on to dabble in studies of various modalities and schools from the age of 19 and finally began working full time as a massage therapist by the year 2000.

It's been a wonderful career choice and I am blessed to do something I really feel I was supposed to do. I've met the most amazing people and have sustained fantastic ties and relationships with many of them.

What makes your technique unique from other forms of massage?

My name Intuitive Hands really sums up my style of massage and what I'm all about. My hands know what to do and basically go about doing it.... It's all about tuning in to your clients body and energy field and letting and trusting the healing to start.  When both parties are in tune, the best work occurs.  It's a trust/trust dance.  The majority of my treatments are tailored to stress relief, a favourite amongst many are the "hot stone massage".

Does this take a toll on your own body, physically?

It's hard work juggling but the actual work has no stress attached.  It's a joy to treat people and have them feel better and appreciate you.

 
If you had a piece of advice for someone that was starting up their own business, what would it be?

If you want to start this type of work be ready for ups and downs.  It's taxing on your body so it's important to look after yourself. Be open and extremely empathetic.... As long as you care for others, it's for you. 


If you'd like to get treat yourself, or maybe even someone else with an 'Intuitive Hands' massage, you can contact Maria via email on mariajessie9@gmail.com. Vouchers available for purchase too.