You might think you are at the wrong address the first time you visit Alyse Nelson's massage studio in downtown White Plains.
The front porch at 62 Waller Ave. feels more like a residence than a traditional office space. Once inside, the narrow staircase leading to the third floor leaves you thinking you might walk into someone's bedroom, not an office.
But owner Alyse Nelson said the homey feel in the top floor of the building is exactly what she was looking for when she decided to open Amethyst Integrative Massage.
"I didn't want to be in one of the anonymous office building places," she said. "I was looking for something a little more charming."
And there is a charm to the place. After walking into the entryway, there is a comfortable room to the right where Nelson gives customers a variety of massages, including the amethyst signature, deep tissue and relaxation. The small space provides a different type of experience for her growing client list, she said.
She also takes a different approach to massage than larger businesses in the region.
"I think that I'm a little more spiritual than other massage therapists that are a little more clinical," Nelson said. "I think that's what sets me apart is that holistic, less conventional, type of massage therapy."
That approach still yields the same results people are looking for in a massage, Nelson said. Benefits include lower blood pressure, reduced stress and decreased muscle tension.
That's what Nelson said got her into the massage therapy business in the first place—she wanted to help people. After deciding to leave the food service industry, she thought about nursing before deciding massage therapy was for her. After seven months of training, Nelson was certified and started to practice.
After a slow start this summer, Nelson said she is building a list of regular clients, mostly through word of mouth.
You can find out more about Amethyst Integrative Massage by visiting their website.
