We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carly Testa. Check out our conversation below.
Carly, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently I shared a moment with my two teenage boys that made me laugh so hard. A friend of mine had given me two bags of dresses that she was getting rid of but that were in good condition, so she wanted me to try them before donating. I did a fashion show for my boys so they could vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the dresses and I was not expecting the comedy that ensued. Let’s just say I was proud of myself for walking away unscathed because it was humbling to hear their feedback. Occasionally they both would casually say ‘yes’ to a dress so I knew it must look damn good because they were tough critics. It was highly entertaining and a great laugh for all of us. If you want to know pure, unfiltered truth, ask your teenage boys. Just check your ego at the door.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carly Testa and I am the owner of Body and Soul by Carly. I am a physical therapist, body worker, yoga instructor and most importantly a mom. I am passionate about helping others and I am grateful to do what I love and call it work. What is unique about my business is that I provide 1:1 services in a holistic way designed to address whatever the client needs. That could be an evaluation, diagnosis with treatment plan, exercise instruction followed by massage and stretching, a yoga class or an hour of recovery body work that includes massage, stretching, cupping and dry needling. I love having my own business because it allows me the autonomy to treat the client in the best possible way. I also love learning and developing new skills that can enhance my practice. I am currently studying Ayurvedic nutrition and will incorporate wellness plans in the future that focus on mind, body and soul.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I had the good fortune of living abroad in Tokyo, Japan for three years and that experience really shaped how I saw the world because I was immersed in a new culture very different from mine. That experience allowed me to view things from a contrasting lens seeing what the US and Japan do well, and in what areas could really be improved. Traveling that side of the world was an eye-opening experience that changed my life forever. I had my first baby boy while living in Tokyo and was pregnant with my second when we left. I returned to the US with such gratitude for everything and everyone including all the conveniences that we have and take for granted every single day. After missing everyone, time with family and friends felt more precious than ever. I have such respect for the Japanese culture and everything I learned and experienced there. Those three years are a time capsule in my life that will always stay treasured in my heart.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say something to my younger self it would be- you are stronger than you know, and everything will be ok. Strength is something that develops over time through experiences that are usually painful or challenging. The first time I felt truly strong was when I gave birth to my first born. As a woman, to experience the miracle of growing and giving birth to another human is something I really can’t put into words. What I can tell you, is in that moment, my son and my power were born. Amazing that it took me 32 years to feel it- which is why I would tell my younger self, just wait and see. Strong is a word that I’m frequently told that I am, except now I know, feel and understand that I am. Strength comes from inner confidence and our ability to be resilient. A muscle that I continue to exercise when faced with adversity because life is full of it. Lastly, I would tell my younger self everything will be ok because through so much life experience, I know this to be true!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I asked three of my best friends this question and the one word they all replied in common was kindness. I try to always treat people the way I want to be treated and so I lead with kindness. It is such an underrated quality that really disarms people and makes them feel comfortable. I want those around me to feel my warmth through my kindness.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the thing I hope people remember about me when I’m gone is the way that I made them feel. Whether that is the love I shared or the light I shined through mirroring what was needed in that moment. Not to sound cliche, but I’ve been called an angel countless times throughout my life. After hearing it so often, I believe it’s my purpose to take that compliment to heart and do my best to embody it. And now I have the blessing of helping people for a living! My favorite part of my job is when the physical healing and internal healing coincide. It feels like magic to me. I have to share that in this very moment as I am typing this, someone texted me to say thank you and called me an angel so I must be on the right path. I will continue my mission of spreading love and light.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodyandsoulbycarly.com
- Instagram: @bodyandsoulbycarly
Image Credits
@Akemi_Creative
www.akemicreative.com
