WHERE MASSAGE MEETS MEANINGFUL WELLNESS
As the seasons shift and the pace of summer begins to slow, fall offers a natural opportunity to turn our attention back toward wellness. For Cameron Martin, owner of Shine On Massage, that means encouraging clients to think of massage not simply as an occasional indulgence, but as an important part of taking care of the body. Located in Wilmington’s vibrant Cargo District, Shine On takes a decidedly therapeutic approach to massage, focusing on the individual needs of each client rather than a one-size-fits-all experience. With a team of therapists bringing their own unique skills and modalities to the practice, every session is designed to be as individual as the person on the table. Add in complementary hot stones, hot towels and aromatherapy, an unmistakable earthy, tropical-inspired atmosphere, and a growing range of wellness services, and Shine On offers an experience that is anything but cookie-cutter.
This fall, the practice is expanding its offerings with new services, massage-and-facial combinations and membership options designed to make regular wellness more accessible. We caught up with Cameron Martin to talk about the changing needs of clients, the philosophy behind Shine On, the importance of regular massage and what’s ahead for the practice this season.
As we head into fall and people begin refocusing on wellness and self-care, what are you seeing clients seek most from massage and bodywork?
One thing I’ve noticed clients seeking most in the fall is incorporating more sauna sessions to accompany their massages, as well as taking advantage of our amazing esthetician partner, Anna, who has her own practice right here in the same building. The “off-season” is also a chance for my team and me to avoid being overwhelmed by the demand of tourist season (which we love!) and to have more space to focus on our weekly regulars.
What makes Shine On Massage different from a traditional spa experience, and how would you describe the atmosphere and philosophy behind your practice?
At Shine On, we focus on the work itself and take a more therapeutic approach to the craft versus what I tend to call the “fufu” approach. We offer hot stones, hot towels and aromatherapy as complementary add-ons, whereas many places charge for them.
Each of my therapists has unique modalities and skills that they literally bring to the table, meaning you will not be getting cookie-cutter massages at Shine On. We cater every session to the individual needs of the client. And talk about atmosphere! My goal when creating the Shine On experience was to have a completely different aesthetic than any other place I had ever seen. When you walk into Shine On, you’ll find a rich, earthy color palette, plants growing from every wall and corner, and raw wood lining the walls. My goal was to make Shine On look like the Swiss Family Robinson designed it. We also partnered with a very talented esthetician, Suntoucher Skinworks, and work synergistically alongside her.
The Cargo District has become one of Wilmington’s most creative and energetic neighborhoods. What do you love about being part of this community, and how does Shine On fit into the district’s growing wellness scene?
The Cargo District was always the goal from the moment I heard about it. Everything about the Cargo District revolves around entrepreneurs taking the big leap to venture out into the uncharted waters of owning your own business. Shine On fits perfectly into this Tetris-like community by offering an experience usually only found in big cities or largely developed areas engulfed in corporate franchises. I believe that, for the most part, the majority of business owners in the Cargo District support their neighbors, even if they are in similar trades. We are just thrilled to be a part of this community.
For someone who may think of massage as an occasional indulgence, what would you like them to understand about the role regular massage can play in an overall wellness routine?
You don’t know how much pain you have been constantly living in until you get a massage. I love the quote, “If you think wellness is too expensive, try illness.”
I could go on for 30 pages as to why even just a once-a-month massage could change your life. Stress, stagnation and inflammation are the root of most illness, and massage can help alleviate all three. Not to mention, you may even save a few bucks if you don’t feel the need to take ibuprofen throughout the day anymore! You hopefully wouldn’t drive your car on E with the check-engine light flashing and one flat tire, so why would you do that with your body?
What can clients look forward to at Shine On this fall—from seasonal offerings and new services to anything else you’re excited to introduce?
We will be offering more massage-and-facial combo deals with our esthetician partner, Suntoucher Skinworks, as well as a few new services, such as Reiki and activated stretching add-ons. We also have a few new LMBTs coming on board this month.
We will also be offering a $75-per-month Detox Den membership to accompany our $150-per-month, all-inclusive membership for people who are ready to take the first steps toward wellness but aren’t quite ready to fully commit yet!
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