We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Sarley-Weng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Prior to having children I worked as much as I want with very sporadic hours. Now I prioritize being home with them and of course taking into account covid risks. I still work on a part time basis but the luxury of having my own business and a supportive husband is that I can work when I want and which whom I would like to work. Mobile massage as a business seems to be pandemic proof and also is very much in demand during a time when stress has increased for most people. I try to balance working and having my career with family time as well as prioritizing vacation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a mobile massage therapist in Pasadena, CA. This is somewhat unique, there are a few other massage therapists that are also mobile but somehow I come up on yelp and google the most often. I am most proud that my solo expedition into the world of owning a business has survived a pandemic and taking off time twice to have children all in the span of 5 years. If my business can survive that I think it can survive anything. The pandemic was an obvious challenge and luckily I was all set up to thrive without knowing it. I was stocked up on Clorox wipes, already washed my hands thoroughly and often, and don’t see large groups of people indoors. I switched my services to people’s backyards and patios and it worked! I want the world to recognize that women in business is the future that we all need. I am always willing to support other female owned businesses. MY husband and I purchased season tickets to ACFC the first female owned soccer team and we intend to support them for many years to come. My son started going to games at 4 weeks old!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a massive city to show off we have everything! I would go to Long Beach and do a beach day as well as take a bike ride on the beach path. There are so many restaurants and happy hours to explore in that area. Downtown LA would be a must see with angel’s flight, Nori sushi, and the Ace hotel for rooftop views and drinks. Depending on the season a laker game or a dodger game would be fun. There is plenty of hiking from Griffith Park to the mountains all behind Altadena, SO much to do and so much great food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have constantly supported my passions and my dreams. When I wanted to take a year to travel to Australia in my late 20s the common question I received was your parents are letting you go? This was a confusing question for me as that wasn’t even a consideration. I had a plan, I had some money and I didn’t have anything keeping me in the United States. So eventually when I wanted to go to massage school I received the same love and support. Of course my husband has been my number one fan and supporter throughout this journey and my business wouldn’t be thriving without him.

Website: www.healthoperative.com

Instagram: healthoperative

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-health-operative-pasadena-3

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