A little More About Me

My name is Stephanie Martinez.

I was born in the Dominican Republic. Shortly afterward, my family migrated to the United States. We first lived in the Bronx. The hub for immigrant Dominicans.

After a few years of living in NYC, my mother decided to start a new adventure and move to Delaware.

Growing up, I always loved learning new things. I always said, I wanted to work in every career for a day, just to experience it.

I've always had a lot of interests, but one that always stays with me is helping others.

The journey begins here

Practicing massage was far from my first choice.

Before the pandemic, I was accepted to the Peace Corps to promote health to mothers and children for two years in Guatemala in the beginning of March 2020.

The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government agency. Allowing volunteers to travel to developing countries all over the world to assist with many ongoing efforts.

Little did I know that my two years would soon turn into two short-lived weeks. Haha, what a joke! I quit my job, sold my car, and packed my life in two suitcases to return back home.

"How was your vacation?" my mother said.

My intentions were to return. But with every day passing, felt like the Peace Corps was never happening. The recurring emails of possibly returning left me uneasy about restarting my life. I realized that I could not depend on a job.

In a blink of an eye, it can be taken away.

Leaving you thinking "what next?". . .

〰️

Leaving you thinking "what next?". . . 〰️

Photos during this time. . .

Can you spot me? /Peace Corps Group
Santa Catalina Arch, Guatemala: Antigua
Peace Corps Badge
Hibiscus flower grown in Guatemala
One of the host moms weaving
Guatemala: San Antonio Aguas Calientes
Dominican Republic 2021
Dominican Republic: Las Terrenas
Kukulkan Pyramid, Mexico: Chichén Itzá, 2021
Puerto Rico 2021
Puerto Rico 2021

Life after the Peace Corps

I enjoyed all the free time I had. I didn't want to give it up.

Giving me the ability to practice all my hobbies, spend time with family, and travel.

During this time, I started reflecting on my options.

Something I would enjoy, make an income, have a flexible schedule, and helps others.

The first thing that came to mind was MASSAGE!

Accepting my new Life

Not many people in my life knew much about massage. Neither did I but, I did know I would get satisfaction in helping others, heal in ways that I couldn't do in a normal setting.

So, I signed myself up at the Academy of Massage and Bodywork for a 600 hour Massage Therapy program.

For the next, 8 months I was in school Monday through Thursday (even Fridays if I missed days to make up time.)

During this time, I learned so much about bones, muscles, and medical conditions. I thought I had signed up to massage people little did I know that massage was more in-depth than I realized.

One of the things I enjoyed about massage school was, learning a more holistic approach to life. I've always steered away from Western Medicine and leaned towards a holistic way to heal.

I completed my training at the Academy of Massage and Bodywork in 2021. As of today, I am a certified Massage Technician. With over 600 hours of massage therapy experience. I am CPR/AED certified ABMP member.

My favorite type of massage is Swedish massage, aromatherapy, and all spa related things.

My services vary from massage techniques, spa services, and one on one couple’s workshop.

Lavender & Waves is still developing and growing, just like me. In the future, my goal is to expand/offer more on my techniques and services. To introduce massage healing to you and your loved ones by helping you feel relaxed, restored, and healed.

Interested in being a model for content send me a message!

If you’re ready to feel renewed you’re in the right place!