Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Thomason.
Cathy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became interested in acupuncture while working as an English teacher in South Korea. I was struggling with some tendonitis issues and was delighted to find that acupuncture worked remarkably well to ease my pain.
I decided to become an acupuncturist so that I could help people just as I had been helped. Upon returning to America I moved to Boston so I could attend the New England School of Acupuncture. My husband and I fell in love with Boston and decided to stay.
I started out renting space from a chiropractor in Central Square, and moved into my current clinic in Davis Square in 2005. I currently share space with Bluefern Massage Therapy and Jasmine Acupuncture.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall I have had a fairly smooth road in my business. The biggest and most unexpected struggle has been real estate. It’s challenging to find the right kind of space for the work that I do. I’ve also had some trouble with dishonest landlords along the way.
As Somerville real estate gets more and more expensive small businesses like mine are being priced out of the neighborhoods we help make cool. Fortunately I have a good lease now with a good landlord, but I expect my rent to go up when my lease term is over so I will likely be searching for new space in a couple of years.
Great Way Wellness Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist I believe my job is to help people with whatever is causing them suffering. I try to let compassion be my guide in all of my interactions with my patients because I understand that they have come to see me to ease their suffering.
My office is an oasis of calm in busy Davis Square. My patients always tell me they start to relax as soon as they open the door. I’m so pleased when people tell me this–my goal was to create a space where people could find peace and relaxation, so it’s gratifying to hear that we succeeded.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I can’t think of one particular moment that stands out–helping people every day makes me proud.
Pricing:
- Initial visit, 90-minutes: $110
- Follow-up visits, 1 hour, $90
Contact Info:
- Address: 278 Elm St., Ste. 227
Somerville, MA 02144 - Website: GreatWayWellness.com
- Phone: 617-852-0690
- Email: cathy@greatwaywellness.com
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