Meet Emma Anderson | Orthopedic Massage Specialist & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, how do you think about risk?
In the past, I have always taken unnecessary risks that panned out terribly for me. Amongst the many nuances that played their role, the most damning was not having a sense of any self worth. Something really amazing happens to our realities when we start living by our personal principles and are able to hold those boundaries in a graceful way.

Not to say I’ve been historically graceful, but since starting Casita Bodywork, I’ve learned to sashay just a tad.

When my father passed away in 2021, I was not afforded the opportunity to say goodbye to him. The level of resentment towards myself for living a life full of fear and complacency was overwhelming enough was overwhelming. I was ready to risk whatever I had left in my life (wasn’t much!) and leave a real estate job I despised and find a career that brought me joy.

So of course, I did things backwards and signed a lease with the current office, and THEN enrolled in Massage School. This is where I believe divine intervention happened, and my dad was floored to see the kinds of business risk I was up to now (insert laughing emoji). I promised myself that this time I would do all the things I disliked about running business and to dive feet first into the things that scared me.

It wasn’t until the end of year two where I began implementing policies and operating systems. This is where I took another risk, and hired my amazingly talented business manager. It’s going well.

I am able to continue taking calculated risks because of the people in my life that love and support me. The amount of support I have at this time in my life is something I have never experienced in my life, and I am forever grateful to finally be heard, seen, and appreciated.

Make a plan rooted in reality, water with risk, and be patient for your dreams to bloom.

Was the juice worth the squeeze? I would climb the whole tree again in an instant.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Casita Bodywork is an upscale Wellness club that is focuses on creating an experience, rather than providing a service. The office itself is a hidden gem, perched above an office building with a “secret” roof patio where Cold Plunge and Tea Service are enjoyed. Most Massage Therapy services in my area are either in a loud gym with classes running daily, or they’re in strip malls where you get may 2 minutes to talk to your therapist before service.

The loft can be adjusted to accommodate different preferences like brighter room or dimmer feel. Casita Bodywork is fortunate to have a space that specializes with seasonal treatments.

Members visit weekly to use the offered amenities like Cold Plunge, Compression Therapy, Muscle Stimulation, and Red Light Therapy facials.

My background includes competing in competitive sports like Strongman and 10 years of Real Estate. I find myself always gravitating towards services that have a casual luxury approach to hospitality, and that is exactly what I wanted to create for others.

The most difficult challenge was finally getting treatment for C-PTSD and moderate OCD. It was incredibly frightening to challenge deep rooted rhetoric about mental health and seek treatment, but deep down I knew if I didn’t get help my business would fail like the my others. If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self that I am not defective for seeking mental health, and that in reality, it’s the ones who keep you from getting better that are the problem.

The most important lessons I’ve learned arise from situations where I’m able to ask myself in the moment, “does what I’m about to say/do align with my principles?”, and act accordingly. Conversely, the times where I don’t act accordingly and have to sort the consequences with accountability. That’s the risk of betting of yourself, and you should always bet on yourself.

I want the world to know this: I started my practice right after my father passed away, his name is Joe. I am grateful for my grief because without it, I wouldn’t be able to feel. And for the first time ever in my life, I feel hopeful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Little Ethiopia for dinner The Broad Museum
The Hammer
Pine St Long Beach
Redondo Beach Pier

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ken and Cindy Vick of Vive Recovery

Miss Cindy, Miss Sherry, and Mr Jacinto from Massage School

Elizabeth Lemus- Plantitas by Liz

Mary- Highest Good Crystal

Maya- Del Sol Candles

Liz- Paradise Crystal Co

Loely- The Plant Edg Chick

Aryana Gathings – Plant Bitch LA

Haddy LA

Dr Erica Davis – Range of Motion Chiropractic

Dave and Lisa Dawson Chiropractic

Dr Ethan Kreiswirth

Website: www.casitabodywork.com

Instagram: @casitabodywork