(Jan. 9, 2015) A new massage parlor in north Ocean City is providing serenity and relaxation in a beach themed atmosphere with soothing music and bright colors.
Karen Thibault and Sharon Phillips opened OC Massage on Dec. 12. in the OC Square Shopping Center on 120th Street.
They specialize in and offer couple’s massages, individual massages and hot stone foot massages. Swedish and deep tissue massages are available for the same price. A full body hot stone therapy will be available in the near future. Couple’s massage is the most popular service they offer.
Thibault and Phillips previously provided massages at the Grand Hotel on the Boardwalk. They left there on Dec. 10. Thibault had been working there 11 years and Phillips four years.
The move into their own space has allowed for more freedom, independence and opportunity to grow their practice. Teaming up with additional hotels in Ocean City is a goal they have to generate more business and being on their own gives them the opportunity to advertise in their own way. In addition, the new business venture gave them control of the music selection.
Providing a serene atmosphere for their clients was a main priority.
“We wanted to bring the ocean, waves, sand, earthy tones and water colors to the new place because that’s the atmosphere OC Massage should have,” Thibault said.
Business has been steady since they opened almost a month ago. The message therapists have regular clients who now come to their new location and a number of gift certificates were sold during the holidays.
OC Massage could not be in a better location for complimentary service stores. The shopping center is also home to OC Beach Wax, OC Haircutters, OC Nails, Barefoot Bride and Old Time photo.
These businesses provide facials, removal of unwanted hair, haircuts, manicures, pedicures, bridal services and photos.
The businesses have already started working together by recommending each other to their own customers.
Thibault and Phillips are both state and nationally certified massage therapists in Maryland who want their customers to leave with a relaxing experience.
“People come here [Ocean City] to get away from their busy schedules and unwind. We make sure our relaxing music and proper lighting captures the ambiance of beach life and relaxation,” Thibault said.
The business is small, which enables the massage therapists to provide personal service and focus entirely on their clients. They do not have a receptionist, Thibault or Phillips will answer the phone when clients call. It is comforting to know that the same people who are giving the massages are answering customer questions and helping make the person feel as comfortable as possible.
The intimate space allows them to get to know the person and their specific needs. When a customer is taken back for their massage, the women find out what areas or concerns they may have and their desired pressure.
“Pressure makes or breaks your massage. Each customer is different and we customize our massages to the person’s wants and needs. We want everyone to enjoy their time and come back,” Thibault said.
The pair want customers to receive exactly what they pay for and to make them feel like they are more than just another number. Massages will not be five to 10 minutes shorter than the listed time and they schedule a half hour between massages to make sure there is no overlap.
Thibault and Phillips are thankful for the quiet, perfect space their new business is located in and the help they received from two people. Lisa Coleman of Long and Foster Real Estate helped find the location. Larry Sawyer, a contractor and developer, built the finished product, created the space and helped fix it up.
Thibault is a licensed and certified massage therapist and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She has extensive training in several massage therapy techniques. Thibault graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in February 1996.
Phillips is a Registered Massage Practitioner and a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. She has several years of extensive training and graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in November 2008.
Prices for individual massages are $50 for 30 minutes, $90 for an hour and $130 for 90 minutes. Couple massage prices are double for each time period. A 30 minute hot stone foot massage is $50.
OC Massage is open seven days a week, year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located in the OC Square Shopping Center.
For more information, visit www.massageoceancity.com/. To schedule an appointment, call 410-390-3318 or text 410-629-9900.
Karen Thibault, left and Sharon Phillips take time to pose
in front of their front desk at OC Massage which opened
Dec. 12 in the OC Square Shopping Center on 120th Street.
