Editor’s note: It seems like Chamber member Amber Loy-Boston, owner of Cloud Nine Therapeutic Massage, is always on the go. We got lucky recently when we caught up with her for a few minutes, just long enough to ask a few questions about what made her decide to go into massage therapy, how she started her business, what led to all the other services, and what she sees in her future. Following is the result of that conversation. Q: What led you to decide to go into business for yourself? A: It was 2008. During a birthday party for my best friend’s son, the moment had come to break the news that we were moving to Florida. It was mentioned for me to go to massage therapy school to continue what Amber Ball had already pioneered seven years prior in Elwood. I had worked for 15 years as a CT scan technologist at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Healthcare had changed and friends were losing their jobs. I thought this would at least cover what I made in overtime, which was nonexistent in those days. The red tape as a supervisor was exhausting, and working night shift meant missing out on so much at home. I had friends that had taken on a holistic approach to their healthcare and it fascinated me. Q: How did that work out for you? A: It was a rough year, but the education I received from Alexandria School of Scientific Therapeutics in Alexandria was worth it in every way. Friends and family thought I was crazy. This is something that always makes me smile. I have lots of conversations with clients, even today, where they give me the “look,” and then they go home, do their own research, and text me later! Q: What did you do when you were ready to open your business? A: By mid-2009, I had to make a decision on where I would set up shop. Rent was really expensive, and I wanted to set up shop in Elwood. My husband, Chad, and I owned a rental property at 1101 Main Street in town, so we took a shot and asked the zoning board if they would rezone it for business since it was so close to the heart of the city. Thanks to the zoning board’s approval and a steady flow of word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients, Cloud Nine Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork was born. The business was doing so well that I went part-time at the hospital in 2011. In 2014, I quit my hospital job and converted the residential rental property in Elwood to a shop. Q: How have things worked out for you since then? A: By now, every room has been remodeled, and I’ve sublet space to related businesses, such as Boston Baked Pottery, Rebellious Makeup by Morgan, as well as a hypnotist, iridologist, reflexologist, intuitive healer, and others. I am constantly in search of new holistic providers for my Cloud Nine clientele. I am looking to find natural ways to help them have better lives. It all started with massage therapy. Now we are seeing huge benefits to the whole body/mind approach. Q: Is the Elwood community on board with the holistic approach to health? A: My associates and I offer only services we personally subscribe to and believe in. We call ourselves “out of the boxers,” because what we offer are practical alternatives to traditional, mainstream therapies. Clients come from all parts of Madison County and surrounding areas and include adults and children with autism, depression, hyperactivity, Asperser’s, and ADD. We’re seeing huge improvements using energy work and massage, particularly with the children. They’re like family to me, and I do so appreciate their support and understanding. They are the reason the business continues to grow and evolve. Q: Has your success surprised you? A: This morning I thought how, if someone had told me 10 years ago that I’d have my own business and be able to help all these people, I’d have told them, ‘Are you kidding me? No way!’ Looking back, I’ve never regretted making the tough decision to take a different path, but I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support and encouragement. I am very thankful I have a husband who is okay with having a dreamer for a wife. I also have two amazing kids and parents that understand what it takes to run several businesses. … I’m really blessed.” Cloud Nine Therapeutic Massage is located at 1101 Main Street, Elwood. To make an appointment, call or text Amber at (765) 623-0258 or send her a private message via her Facebook page. Services available at Cloud Nine include: Pfrimmer deep muscle therapy, hypnosis, intuitive healing, jewelry mined from the earth, reflexology, reiki, facials, waxing, threading, spray tans, makeup artistry, paint-your-own pottery, and psychic readings. For more information about Cloud Nine, visit Amber’s website at www.cloudninerocks.com.
1 Comment
6/26/2023 04:41:06 am
Thank you for this informative blog post on massage services in Indianapolis! As a resident of the area, I'm always on the lookout for reputable and relaxing massage establishments, and your article provided some valuable insights.
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