Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Luongo.
Hi Sharon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born on Marine base Camp LeJeune in N.C. I spent the first 3 years of my life in New Jersey, and then the family moved to Toronto, Canada.
At 27, I made a career move that would forever impact my life. I joined Emirates Airlines as a Flight Attendant and lived in Dubai for 13 years. This was the mid-90s and travel wasn’t as common and accessible as it is today.
During my travels, I would experience Spa modalities from around the world, i.e. Reflexology in Singapore, Hammam in Morocco, Ayurveda in India, and Thai massage in Bangkok. It was during a visit to a Phuket spa that I would have an epiphany that I would love to create a space in North America where people can experience the natural healing of spa therapy. A place where massage would support a person’s intention to relax, feel good and maintain well-being.
In 2007, I moved to Fort Lauderdale and enrolled in the Dr. Vodder School for Manual Lymphatic Drainage. I’ve worked at Hotel Spas, and Plastic Surgeons’ offices, and in 2019 opened my own Studio.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It was difficult repatriating myself back to “normal” life in North America. The year was 2007 and the Recession was upon us. My life in Dubai was a jet-set world of international travel, opulence, and a guaranteed paycheck. My company pretty much paid for everything; life was easy but I was yearning to grow as a human being and I needed change.
Switching from employee to entrepreneur was the biggest challenge. The recession had hit and no one wanted to spend money on a massage. I had to close my first business and got a job at a leading Spa. During the pandemic, the Spa closed down and I realized that I had to create my own stream of income by opening my own business. I was scared that I would not be able to find clients or pay the rent.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician. I have specialized in Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). What many people don’t realize is that MLD is meant to be a gentle light touch. It calms the nervous system and promotes homeostasis in a most profound way.
I work with clients post-cosmetic surgery, and with those who want to detox and cleanse their systems. I treat everyone as an individual and structure the treatment protocol according to what a person needs on the day. My favorite is to combine a Facial and Bodywork into one top to toe treatment.
I feel society today is always in a hurry. People feel guilty to give themselves time for self-care. However, self-care maintains a person’s physical and emotional well-being. My tagline is “Give your body the attention it deserves”
I am proud of the level of customer service and skill that I provide to my clients. My years working for a world-class airline, and integrating the high standard of customer service from the Middle and Far East, have given me the skills to provide a First class and satisfying experience to everyone I see.
What were you like growing up?
I have had an international upbringing with a Trinidadian mother and an American-Italian father. In Toronto, I would spend time with my Trinidadian family eating wonderful food and learning how to dance to calypso music. In the summer I would go down on my own to New Jersey and spend time with my Italian grandparents. I took my first solo plane ride at 5 years old.
Growing up in Canada I learned to ice skate in winter and when the weather was warmer we would go camping on the weekends. As an only child, I learned to be independent and self-sufficient. I was always outgoing and easily made friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: relaxglowboutique.com
- Instagram: @mldsharon
