Decades ago, our founders began their journeys as massage therapists. All from different walks of life, background, and experiences, they entered the world of the healing arts. Year after year they watched the massage industry evolve in both wonderful, and not-so-wonderful ways.
They witnessed awful employers make their mark on our industry, and they have devoted their careers to only working for ethical employers, or becoming one themselves. Because, “be the change you want to see in the world,” is not just a phrase, but an opportunity.
In the early 2000’s they experienced the first decline in massage therapy quality in Utah when the state transitioned away from the NCBTMB as a requirement for licensure and therefore removed the requirement for Continuing Education. During the past few years quality CE’s have been making their comeback, which is a huge tribute to our LMTs for devoting to continuing education via self-regulation.
In 2019 several major massage school locations closed, causing a significant dip in Utah’s supply of massage therapists. With an increase in demand and a decrease in supply, the massage industry has increased in market value but also struggled to maintain the demand of consumers due to staffing shortages. The 2020 pandemic certainly left its mark here as well.
Our founders found each other within the community, and all agreed that our local market was missing an important component of a successful industry: Community. Community with a capital “C” is a state of being and interaction, not to be confused with just a geographic location. They decided that the best way to create the change they want to see was to create an environment that fosters Community, and thus Utah Massage Employers was born!
UME Founders welcome you to join them in bringing a sense of Community and joy back to the massage therapy industry in Utah; we aren’t merely cogs in an industry, but rather we are invaluable assets for the people of Utah. Let’s show them what we can do as a collective!