About Erin
Full disclosure - this pic is very outdated and will be updated soon :)
My background and qualifications
Welcome! With over two decades of experience, my journey as a remedial massage therapist has been one of passion, learning, and growth. It all began a few years after high school when I serendipitously fell into a career that quickly became my calling.
Since then, I've earned diplomas in remedial massage and aromatherapy, as well as a Certificate IV in reflexology. I have extensive experience in pregnancy massage. Most recently, I completed a bachelor of health science degree in naturopathy.
A little push goes a long way...
At age 18, I was working as a legal secretary. A job I thought I was going to love! Three months in, I could not have hated it more…. I realised I wasn’t cut out for the pressure, the stress and an office! During lunch my coworker and I would discuss what we would rather be doing. I tried to imagine the opposite work environment to what I was in. I said I wanted to do massages in a pretty room with chilled-out people, nice music and no nasty boss! As my co-worker was reading the paper one day, she read an ad for a massage course. As a bit of a joke, I rang the number. I spoke to the lady who was running the courses. I remember she told me the course was seven hundred dollars. At 18 years old and earning an award wage, this seemed like an impossible amount to save up. And I told her that. She said quite abruptly that if you wanted something badly enough, you would make it happen. How could I argue with that? I enrolled in the course and am so thankful to that lady for giving me that push. I returned to her school for many of my courses and am grateful for her role in helping me carve out this amazing career.
My first massage job paved the way for the knowledge I now have...
My first job as a massage therapist was working alongside an Osteopath. It was a perfect start for my career. I would stand in on his consultations and then do the massage work required for the patient’s treatment. I loved this job. I gained invaluable knowledge about anatomy, biomechanics, injury rehabilitation, massage techniques, and consultation skills during the consultations. The knowledge and confidence I gained from this role led me to take on another job as a massage therapist, seeing my clients from start to finish. I’m actually really honoured to say that I still see clients that I initially met at both the Osteopathic and Massage clinics 20 years ago!
Filling the demand for Reflexology...
Towards the end of 2000, I decided to incorporate a mobile massage service as a temporary means of income until I found another “real” job…. I ran that mobile massage business full-time until 2008, when I had my first son! It turned out to be a great idea and was very successful.
During this time I noticed clients often asked me if I knew anyone who did Reflexology. I didn’t and found it difficult to find a practitioner to refer these clients to. So, I decided to complete my Certificate IV in Reflexology. I incorporate reflexology treatments into massage treatments, I no longer offer it as a stand alone treatment.
An interest in essential oils led me to study Aromatherapy...
As a massage therapist who uses essential oils in my massage oils, I had an idea about using them as the key ingredient in skin and hair care products. Times were changing, and people were becoming aware of how toxic many household products, including toiletries, could be. I began researching ingredients and suppliers, and I thought I needed to know more about how these oils work. In 2008, I began my studies to become an aromatherapist.
Since then, I have developed my own range of paraben and sulphate-free (ingredients that negatively impact our hormones) shampoo and conditioners. The active ingredients are only essential oils, primarily rosemary essential oil.
Working at a gym, I learned much more about sports massage & recovery.....
After some downtime to raise my boy, I worked a bit from home and also set up my practice in a gym. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with personal trainers to get the most for our clients, improve their performance, and/or rehabilitate from injury. During this time, I learned a lot about sports massage and performance. The years I worked at that gym were great times. I gained much experience, grew my business, and met and worked with fantastic people.
I knew I had to bring all my learning together under one roof...
After I had my second son, I decided it was time to incorporate a more holistic approach to my treatment. This meant the environment needed to be serene, with soft music and essential oils…. Calming for all the senses enables each client to get the most they can out of each treatment. It was time to combine all my skills to provide practical remedial massage with many more elements. So, in 2013, my Dad converted my garage into a beautiful treatment room for me. Standing in my room for the first time, I had a flashback to the day in that legal office where I pictured myself as far from that environment as possible. I was now standing in that room!
The space I developed for my clients—full disclosure: This is a very old picture and will be updated soon!
Advancing in Naturopathy
In 2018, driven by a desire to enhance my practice further, I embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey to earn a degree in naturopathy. My philosophy centres on driving meaningful change in my patient's lives through mindset shifts, diet, and lifestyle adjustments, with herbs and supplements used as supportive tools when necessary.
My Philosophy
I am committed to empowering my clients to achieve optimal health and wellness through holistic and natural methods. By focusing on sustainable, long-term improvements, I strive to help each unlock their full potential and live their healthiest, happiest life.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to being a part of your wellness journey!
When I’m not at work…..
When I’m not working, my favourite is spending time with family and friends. I'm currently rebuilding social connections and making up for lost time with my boys. My studies have been a priority for the last five years, so I'm learning to socialise again!
I’m so lucky to have my super supportive parents, who helped with the kids while I spent all weekends finishing assignments, leaving home at 5:30 a.m. for 12 months to complete my student clinic placement, and getting my kids to school. I can say with 100% certainty I would not have achieved this goal without them.
My health and fitness were put on the back burner while I was studying. Now, getting back to the gym and prioritising self-care are also at the top of my list.
Do you want to work with me?
If you want to get in touch with me to say hello or book an appointment, click on the Facebook Messenger icon you see at the bottom right of this page or call me on 0416119049 or email me at erin@byerinmassage.com
Feel free to follow Erin Kemp Naturopath & Remedial Massage on Facebook and Instagram as well.