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Go Native Makers | Lucy Suttor of Nicetouch Massage

Written by on July 23rd, 2018.      0 comments

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Above: Lucy outside her Auckland massage studio, located at Shop 21, St. Kevin’s Arcade, Karangahape Road.

Hi Lucy. Tell us a bit about you and Nicetouch Massage. What do you do, and how did the business come about?

Hi! My name is Lucy. I was born and bred in Gisborne. I studied acting at Toi Whakaari Drama School in Wellington, and then moved up to Auckland, and have been acting up here whenever I get the chance to for the last five years, as well as working at the Basement Theatre.

About two years ago I was in Thailand for my brother’s wedding and I was getting massages every day and it was AWESOME. It suddenly dawned on me that I wanted to make people feel that awesome and that I wanted to become a massage therapist. So literally the week I got back I enrolled in the Certificate of Relaxation Massage course at Wellpark College. After that I worked from home (I can’t thank my flatmates enough for letting me do this!) giving massages to other people in the arts community – actors, technicians, dancers, directors, musicians etc – and just like that, Nicetouch was born.

It was March this year when I saw a dreamy little pop-up space become available in St. Kevin’s Arcade. I was absolutely ready to take the next step with Nicetouch, so I moved on in! I have been there a couple of months now and it has been fantastic!

My aim with Nicetouch was to create an accessible, affordable massage business that is available to everyone.

I specialise in Swedish relaxation and deep tissue massage, but my style is also influenced heavily by Kahuna, a type of Hawaiian massage. I also incorporate reflexology into my massage sessions as well. My aim with Nicetouch was to create an accessible, affordable massage business that is available to everyone.

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Where are you based? How important is location to what you do?

Shop 21, St. Kevin’s Arcade, Karangahape Road, Auckland.

Location is very important, there aren’t many therapeutic massage studios in the CBD this side of Ponsonby, so it’s great for people who are able to stop in for a 30-minute massage on their lunch break or after work (on the evenings when I stay open later). Being in the Arcade is also means that I get plenty of walk-ins, people who are Sunday brunching or doing a bit of shopping. It is a very accessible spot

Tell us a bit about the Go Native products you use in your massage therapy.

I make my own massage oil using coconut, macadamia and grapeseed oils as a base. I like to think I have created a Nicetouch signature scent, which is rose and sandalwood. Dreamy.

When did you discover Go Native?

I am both a friend of Chelsea’s (one of the Go Native team members), and also Tanya Barlow (of Hello Tanya) who uses the Go Native range for her cuticle oils.

What's the coolest thing you've learned in the process of running your business and making your products?

Probably how amazing friends are when you are trying to make the big scary leap into the world of business owning! I’ve called on many a favour from many of my talented friends during this process and it has been a very humbling experience.

In regards to products, it probably has been the way people react to different scents and how the memories and thoughts they associate with those scents influences their mood.

What natural beauty products or ingredients do you find yourself recommending most often?

Olive oil and brown sugar face exfoliant. Seriously, try it.

Who are your favourite social media follows for inspiration?

One is definitely my pal and business wife, Tanya Barlow of Hello Tanya! She has been a great mentor throughout this process and we also have a cute wee collab together called ‘Sunday Feels’ - massage and nails, so lush.

Also Nopesisters. A couple of rad sisters (Johanna and Britt) killing it with their embroidered t-shirt business, and their Instagram game is on point. At the risk of sounding plug-crazy, you can also buy their t-shirts at Nicetouch!

What’s the best advice you’ve received on the journey to starting your business?

Don’t let the worry of competition stop you from full heartedly going for it. When you are going out on your own it can be really scary to think that you will be the face of a brand. Sometimes you find yourself thinking things like “Am I really good/interesting enough? Why should people care what I have to say?” I have had those thoughts more than once. But you’ve just gotta shake them! I have tried really hard to create a strong brand for Nicetouch and it has become something that is fully and authentically me, purely because I have poured my heart and soul into it and backed myself.
 

People can physically find you in St Kevin’s Arcade, but where can they follow you online?

Instagram - @nicetouch.massage
, Facebook - Nicetouch NZ. 
You can find my booking link at either of those places, or email me at: massage.nicetouch@gmail.com

If you're a maker that uses Go Native ingredients, we'd love to feature you on these pages! Drop us a line at chelsea@gonative.co.nz

 

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