NICKI ISKANDER
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS.
I'm a Registered Massage Therapist with a women-only massage studio in my Parkdale century home. I provide a body-positive, trans-friendly space where women can relax and ignore the outside world. As a bonus, I play Otis Redding instead of spa music!
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I got tired of working for The Man (and working for men!). Massage therapy is a very intimate profession. My clients place a lot of trust in me and I don't take that responsibility lightly. I saw a need for a safe space for women and decided to create it myself.
WHAT WAS ONE HIGH POINT FOR YOU?
I once had a woman cry after her massage because it was the first time in a week that she wasn't in pain.
WAS THERE EVER A SITUATION WHERE YOU WANTED TO GIVE UP? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT (YOUR A-HA MOMENT)?:
Honestly, no. I love my job and, to toot my own horn, I'm good at what I do. There have been tough moments for sure, but I've never considered quitting.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A B.A.B.E.?
I love that B.A.B.E. is a community of women supporting women. Girl power!
TELL ME 3 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU.
I have two cats named Dave Grohl and Marla Singer.
I've received massages in 10 countries.
I have webbed toes!
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US?
Before you start a business, make sure there's a market for what you're looking to sell. Then differentiate yourself from the pack by being the badass that you are.