#169 Karin Olsen: What I Learned From 30 Years as a Massage Therapist

Why your massage career doesn’t have to look the same forever, The advice Karin gives new massage therapists before opening their own practice, and Why nervous system regulation belongs in the massage therapy curriculum

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What does a 30-year career in massage therapy actually look like? For Karin Olsen, it has included hands-on practice, owning multiple businesses, managing a team of 30 employees, selling two businesses, teaching continuing education, business coaching, returning to solo practice and now stepping into her newest role: professor.

In this episode, Karin and I talk about the many seasons a massage career can move through and why the version of your practice that works for you today doesn't have to be the version you keep forever.

Karin also shares why she believes new massage therapists can benefit from spending time in a busy practice before starting their own business, why business education belongs in massage school and why nervous system regulation is becoming a foundational part of the new massage therapy program she is helping build at Centralia College.

One of my favourite parts of this conversation is Karin's reminder that there are many ways to stay in this profession.

Connect with Karin

Moon Hill Mystery School
www.moonhillmysteryschool.com

Centralia College Massage Therapy Program
Search "Massage Therapy" at Centralia College.

Connect with The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast

krista@theradicalrmt.com
www.theradicalrmt.com
Instagram: @theradicalmassagetherapist

About Karin Olsen

Karin Olsen is a licensed massage therapist, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the field of massage therapy and wellness. Since becoming licensed in 1995, Karin has built a career centered on therapeutic bodywork, education, leadership, and helping others develop the skills and confidence to care for themselves and their communities.

As the former owner of Radiance Herbs & Massage in Olympia, Washington, Karin spent 15 years building and managing a successful wellness business. She led a team of more than 30 employees, managed an annual budget exceeding $1 million, and developed a business that brought together massage therapy, herbalism, and holistic wellness.

Education has become an increasingly important part of Karin’s work. She has taught massage therapy and wellness-related subjects and has extensive experience developing curriculum, creating experiential learning environments, and mentoring students. Her work with Centralia College has included developing a comprehensive Massage Therapy program, including feasibility research, curriculum development, course design, program outcomes, and student learning experiences.

Karin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree in Ecopsychology from Naropa University. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to bring together hands-on clinical practice, business, education, creativity, and a deep understanding of the relationship between people and their environments.

Whether working with a massage client, mentoring a student, or developing educational programs, Karin brings curiosity, practical experience, and a commitment to creating thoughtful, accessible, and meaningful learning experiences.