Ep 3 From the Skies to the Spa
Brandon Ross is a Massage Therapist and the Founder of Romie Massage
In this Substack:
An introduction to this 30 minute podcast
My deeper analysis as a coach on why Brandon is so aligned and thriving
Brandon’s New York City recommendations
Meet Brandon…
Brandon Ross, a former flight attendant turned massage therapist and founder of Romie Massage in New York City joins me for a story of reinvention, courage, and self-acceptance.
From a delayed blooming growing up gay in a conservative Christian household, to an angry rebellion and building his first career as a flight attendant, and then switching it all up to create an entrepreneurial career around what energized him, Brandon’s story is one for the dreamers who know they were made for more.
On this episode of Character, Brandon joins me to talk about:
Navigating his love for dance and choreography while growing up in a strict religious household that didn’t embrace this self-expression
The freedom and adventure he found as a flight attendant — and why it ultimately left him searching for more
How he discovered massage therapy through years of travel, curiosity, and noticing the artistry of touch
The leap of faith it took to leave corporate stability and build his own practice
Lessons on identity, devotion over discipline, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision
4 Coaching Lessons From My Conversation with Brandon
TLDR: Brandon let his interests guide him, he gave himself permission to make changes gradually, he kept his whys front and center, and he chooses devotion over perfection.
Lesson 1: Brandon let his interests guide him
“Sometimes I would go get a massage. And I began to notice things that one therapist would do in one city that somebody else wouldn't do in another that I was kind of expecting or I thought was basic. I know that I told both of them that I had the same issue with something. And it was interesting to see who did what for that issue or what techniques they chose. And as time progressed, I was like, I could do this. I could do this, I could totally learn how to do this.”
Becoming a flight attendant, a massage therapist, and an entrepreneur all happened because Brandon was tuned into what interested him and gave himself permission to go after it. Carving out space in your life beyond your day to day obligations to cultivate your curiosities allows you to stumble upon things that grab you imagination. Give yourself space to express yourself and when you find something that lights you up, give yourself space to go deeper. It’s through cultivating your interests that passion emerges.
Lesson 2: Brandon let change happen gradually
“When I was about 26, I really got into fitness and the gym and I wanted to learn more about muscles, anatomy, all that stuff. And I had done a little bit of research on the massage therapist, just with YouTube, seeing what people would say about what they didn't like about the career, what they did love and also asking myself like, would you one day want to give up these flight benefits and all these things or would you want to do both?”
Too often I see my clients jump ahead one hundred steps and then write off the idea because those hundred steps seem hard when assessed all at once. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Brandon gave himself permission to wonder about a career in massage when he realized how much he enjoyed thinking about it. He started with a bit of research, started considering the reality, started talking to people… and only went further when he felt ready and the momentum felt good.
Lesson 3: Brandon got clear on his whys
“Writing down all the good stuff that I had planned [kept me committed when I was struggling]. It was in a note on my phone, a list of why you need to keep going… just so when I'd have anxiety or I was unsure about something that list and encouragement from friends and also my own will and determination helped me finish the program.”
Life is a 50/50 of comfortable and uncomfortable emotional experiences. And discomfort is absolutely the price of whatever you’re dreaming of. When we’re in the midst of moving through discomfort, coming back to the reason we’re putting ourselves through the discomfort to begin with can be a lifeline that keeps us motivated and taking action.
Lesson 4: Brandon focuses on devotion over perfection
“Perfectionism is a prison, right? But being devoted, it's commitment it doesn't mean that you have to guarantee getting everything done to be happy with yourself... the fact that you're devoted is what can keep you going. I think discipline is related to perfectionism.”
Brandon’s devotion is a spiritual practice that closes that gap between the known and unknown in a healthy way. One of the only things you can control is your commitment to yourself and your dreams. Commitment is a great substitute for perfection and often what I advise people to focus on when creating new healthy habits around exercise or sleep, but it’s a great philosophy for building a business too. It’s simply a commitment to figuring it out. A commitment to showing up.
Brandon’s New York
EAT: Maloya Creole kitchen food in Bushwick
FUN: In the summer take the Seastreak Ferry to Sandy Hook, Gunnison Beach in New Jersey (clothing optional). Or I love to dance at St. James Joy block party in Clinton Hill for my favorite house music. Or I love film. Especially any awkward yet entertaining A24 film. I usually find what I’m looking for at Nighthawk Cinemas in Prospect Park.
SHOP: Lockwood in Williamsburg is a fun crafty shop great for gifts, cards, candles, incense etc. 28 Scott in Bushwick - the owner travels the world and grabs vintage pieces to bring back to the shop and sell. The sister shop for men, Another Vintage, is across the street.
RESET: Come visit me at Romie Massage! Or grab a gift card for a loved one’s birthday :) Or I love a night ride in Prospect Park… A good mix in my ears, bike lights on, and loops until I’m ready to head home. Love a Night Ride. Or I’m at the sauna at Chelsea Piers at least four times a week.
Inspired and want this for yourself?
I help people create energizing careers they love.
I do this by helping them connect to themselves, trust themselves, and build a network around them to guide them and open doors.
You can learn more about my philosophy by downloading my *free* Career Fulfillment Playbook.
Or by taking my *free* strengths test, The Flow Zone Assessment.
Or check out my 3 month group coaching program, The Career Studio.
Surround yourself with a group of others committed to creating fulfilling careers that support their lifestyle priorities. Through a mix of 1x1 and Group coaching you release long-held blocks creating fear, insecurity, and confusion and build your confidence and self-trust from the inside out.
You leave clear on your most aligned next step, and in momentum to making it happen.