Darren Jamieson: Welcome to today’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer. You’re in for a treat! Today, I’m interviewing Jane Lee—a podiatrist, massage therapist, belly dancer, dog massager, and teller of the most bizarre stories.
We’ll talk about how she got into massage therapy, her unique techniques, her experience with two heart attacks, and her plans for the future—including massaging tigers! Let’s dive right in.
[01:29]
Darren Jamieson: Jane, I tried to find more about your history online, but I couldn’t find much. That’s unusual!
Jane Lee: I don’t broadcast myself very much. I prefer a quieter approach.
Darren Jamieson: That’s interesting from a marketing perspective. How’s that working out for you?
Jane Lee: Pretty well! I have A-boards outside my practice and a website that helps people find me.
Darren Jamieson: I saw that. Is it a Yell website?
Jane Lee: No! I don’t know how Yell got on there. It used to be, but I’ve redesigned it. A friend is setting up the new version for me.
Darren Jamieson: What do you hope the new website will do for you?
Jane Lee: It will better reflect what I do now. Since I had two heart attacks post-COVID, I’ve scaled down a bit and want to showcase my current services more effectively.
Darren Jamieson: Two heart attacks?! And you’re still here? That’s impressive!
Jane Lee: Yes, still standing and still working!
[04:16]
Darren Jamieson: What was that experience like?
Jane Lee: I’d worked a long day doing carpal tunnel massage—intensive work. I got home, exhausted, went to grab food from the fridge, and suddenly, it felt like a vice clamping on my chest. My knees buckled. I held onto the counter because the floor looked cold.
Darren Jamieson: Logical thought while dying!
Jane Lee: Exactly. I stayed there until my partner found me. I told him to get a stool, sat for a bit, went to bed, cooked supper later, and worked the next day.
Darren Jamieson: You went to bed after a heart attack?
Jane Lee: Yes. I finally went to the hospital four days later. The doctor announced in the waiting room, “You’ve had a heart attack.” I was just glad it wasn’t something embarrassing!
Darren Jamieson: Did they admit you immediately?
Jane Lee: They tried. I refused at first because I had a course in Brighton. Eventually, I gave in, but the ward was full of elderly patients with dementia. I left the next day and went to my course!
[08:14]
Darren Jamieson: When was the second one?
Jane Lee: About four or five months later. I had a feeling it was coming. I told my partner, “We might be going to the hospital tonight.” At 4 AM, I said, “We’re going.”
Darren Jamieson: At least you went straight away this time!
Jane Lee: Yes. Perks of heart issues—you skip the hospital queue! I stayed five days, read the Dalai Lama’s book, and had a lovely rest.
[12:06]
Darren Jamieson: You mentioned a technique called No Hands Massage. What is that?
Jane Lee: It’s a method where I don’t use my hands much. I use my forearms, elbows, shoulders, head, knees, and thighs.
Darren Jamieson: That sounds… unconventional.
Jane Lee: It’s amazing! It was developed by Gerry Pyves, a sports massage therapist. He fainted from hand pain during a massage, landed on a Russian client, and the client loved it! That’s how the technique started.
Darren Jamieson: So, an accidental wrestling move led to a whole new massage technique?
Jane Lee: Exactly!
[19:43]
Darren Jamieson: What got you into massage in the first place?
Jane Lee: I was a belly dancer.
Darren Jamieson: Of course you were!
Jane Lee: After qualifying as a podiatrist, I was invited to a North African dance retreat. I started giving foot massages, and people loved it. I was busy the whole week! Made £800 in cash—26 years ago. That’s when I decided to learn massage properly.
[27:59]
Darren Jamieson: Where do most of your clients come from?
Jane Lee: Believe it or not, my A-boards! I get builders, electricians, and footballers with injuries. I had a lorry driver who sneezed while driving past my sign, hurt his ribs, and came in!
Darren Jamieson: Brilliant marketing.
[42:28]
Darren Jamieson: You also massage animals?
Jane Lee: Yes! Dogs, donkeys—one Romanian rescue dog went from aggressive to affectionate after one session.
Darren Jamieson: Do you work with zoos?
Jane Lee: Not yet, but I’d love to. I’ve adopted a baby tiger in Africa, though!
Darren Jamieson: You adopted a tiger?!
Jane Lee: Yes!
[50:32]
Darren Jamieson: What’s next for you? Expanding? Teaching?
Jane Lee: I’m staying solo for now. I’m also training as a relationship coach. My partner and I have been together 49 years—I must know something!
Darren Jamieson: How are you marketing that?
Jane Lee: I’ve hired someone for social media and redesigned my website.
Darren Jamieson: You’re a dream client for a marketer—so many amazing stories!
Jane Lee: I love what I do. Sometimes I feel like I should be paying them!
[51:45]
Darren Jamieson: This has been one of the most enjoyable podcasts I’ve ever recorded! If anyone wants to contact you, where can they find you?
Jane Lee: My website: walkingonairguildford.co.uk.
Darren Jamieson: Fantastic. Jane, thank you—it’s been an experience!
