We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Bass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from the south. I was born in Austin, raised in Houston and moved to a small town in the Carolinas as a preteen. Growing up in the south was definitely a unique experience. I was raised saying “yes ma’am, no sir, please, thank you and y’all”. I was raised primarily by a single mother. She is the strongest person I know and my biggest cheerleader. She always treated my brother and me with respect and kindness. She instilled in us the importance of making all people feel seen, valued and heard. She also demonstrated the importance of community and community service. I have fond memories of the three of us walking through our neighborhood (which was basically green fields out in the country) and picking up trash off the side of the road. You would think as small children we would resent this type of physical labor but we were proud to take care of our planet and do our part. My mom would also take us to the local community outreach center to help make and distribute food for the homeless population. I think it’s a combination of all the tiny things she did that helped me become the person I am today. It is because of my mother that I am empathetic towards others and realize the bigger picture of life and the importance of looking out for my fellow humans. I genuinely love helping other people and I think it’s because I realize that when one of us rises we all rise and when one of us falls, we all fall.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets my business apart from others is that we are not just a one stop shop massage studio. SOL Massage & Bodywork is part of a Holistic Healing Wellness Center in the heart of Solana Beach that focuses on the person as a whole. This means that under one roof you can receive massage therapy, mental health treatment, individual yoga sessions, Reiki, lymphatic drainage treatments, group yoga classes and more. Our intention is to provide a safe space for individuals to come for self care and healing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have only lived in San Diego for six years so I still find myself in the honeymoon phase. I am very much in love with the city and all it has to offer. I would say Liberty Station is a must see. Breakfast Republic and Fig Tree are my favorite restaurants on that side of town. Cabrillo National Monument is epic for viewing sunsets. I would take my friend to Balboa Park for a picnic and museum hopping (free on Tuesdays with your San Diego ID). I would suggest doing drinks and dessert at the top of the Hyatt. Then we would go to Top of the Market for an amazing seafood dinner. I would take my friend and ride beach cruisers all around Pacific Beach and Mission Bay, stopping at The Catamaran for lunch and to rent paddle boards to take out into the bay. Of course La Jolla is a must see. The cliffs and sea lions are always breathtaking. The children’s pool is perfect for snorkeling. I would also recommend grabbing a kayak and exploring the caves. I also really enjoy North County. Encinitas and Solana Beach have their own vibe that I just love. There’s always something going on and things just feel a little less congested than further south. Fish 101 has the best fish tacos ever! I could go on forever….

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank John Monteith and his wife Mel for taking a chance on me and inviting me into their amazing healing space to grow my business. They guided me in the beginning and are still by my side offering words of wisdom and support at any moment. I would like to give a shout out to Michelle York and Michele Jensen for bringing me in and partnering with me on this amazing new healing adventure in Solana Beach. I would like to thank Sheryl Diaz, our member services coordinator; she is always smiling, always encouraging and always showing up to help me get organized when my mind is feeling scattered. Big shout out to Erin Gray and Claudia Leal – the best healers in the business and I’m honored to have them by my side. And of course my mom, Bonnie Rush.

Website: solmassagebodywork.com/

Instagram: Samantha_b_lmt

Image Credits
@jbonsky