Tess Johnson graduated from the Academy of Salons in February 2022, obtaining her professional license immediately thereafter.
With three years of experience in the field, Tess has a longstanding passion for healing and a diverse background in mental health. Prior to her current career, she worked with the State of Montana conducting licensing surveys for group homes and with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Unfortunately, Tess began experiencing vision loss, which hindered her ability to continue her work with the state, ultimately leading to her resignation.
Fueled by her desire to remain in a helping profession, she turned to vocational rehabilitation to transition into massage therapy. She recognized that massage would be an ideal fit, as it relies heavily on tactile sensitivity and intuition.
Tess appreciates the support provided by the vocational rehabilitation program, particularly in learning how to use adaptive equipment to access educational materials and in establishing her first office. She expresses her gratitude for the vocational rehabilitation program, proudly identifying herself as one of its success stories.
Tess operates her business, Blessed Bee Massage, five days a week, as she is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Her vision for her practice is to create a heart-centered environment that allows her to prioritize both her client’s needs and her own well-being. Tess began her career at Tim McAllister’s salon, where she practiced for the first year and a half. However, seeking a quieter and more private environment for her work, she subsequently relocated to the Columbus Center, where she has been for the past year and a half.
Tess is committed to continuous learning and enhancing her skills. She has been a Reiki practitioner since the 1990’s and became a certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioner, also known as tapping, in 2018. These practices, along with her background in counseling psychology and religious studies, provide her with a holistic approach to healing.
Tess believes in assisting individuals through challenging experiences, fostering calmness and resilience in her clients. “People talk to me as if I’m their counselor,” explained Tess. “I don’t provide formal counseling per SE, but I think that people feel comfortable around me, bringing their challenges to me and just talking about their sorrows or talking about what they’re struggling with.”
Tess is continuously learning and improving her techniques. Last year, she became certified in manual lymphatic drainage, a game changer for people undergoing and recovering from surgery. This technique helps to keep the lymphatic system clear, promotes healing, and minimizes scarring.
Tess is currently studying to become a certified menopause coach and plans to offer services starting in the spring of 2025. This is a topic that deeply affects women, yet we often avoid discussing it publicly. The changes can be overwhelming, and Tess hopes to provide support through luncheons and private one-on-one coaching.
“I love what I do,” explained Tess. “I am excited to get up and get to my office to help people and I see such great outcomes. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
For more information on Blessed Bee Massage, please contact Tess at (406) 231-6122, and let her know you found her in The Great Falls Gazette.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
