Meet Andre Nelson | Massage Therapist, Body work Specialist and Healer

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

Hi Andre, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From the moment that I started at Massage Therapy School I knew I’d want to work for myself and build a brand. I’ve worked for someone else since I was a teenager, I’ve never had full autonomy to make my own decisions that impacted a business the way I envisioned it, and so when I got the opportunity to do so I couldn’t jump at it any quicker. My clients are my business, and so to have full control of how I manage their time and needs is very important to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So I was fortunate enough to be in a profession that was essential coming out of the pandemic. As an LMT and body healer, I understand the deeper importance of my craft. There’s not just a physical benefit but also one of mental, spiritual and emotional healing. Coming into a session you bring along deficiencies and issues from each of these aspects, but my goal is always to have you leave a session with a much lesser degree of each and every one!

My biggest challenge getting to where I am today was doing it in another part of the country where I knew only one person coming into it. I’ve been blessed to have met the friends and clients here in SD who appreciate my ability to heal and have assisted in my growth both individually and business wise.
My clients and I have a rapport that allows us to open up to one another and ping ideas back and forth that can benefit one another. At High IQ Massage, you are not just another number or another client- I take your time and your presence very seriously and I truly look forward to each and every individual I get the chance to work with on a daily basis.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question because I’m an overthinker and I geek out when I have visitors in town. At the request of my girlfriend who works at the Zoo, I always offer to spend an afternoon there with my visitors. It’s one of the biggest and best Zoo’s out there in my opinion. My personal favorite animal has become the Koala Bears (in the evening specifically is when they’re the most active.
My list is pretty routine but: Kate Sessions Park for the views and the relaxation, Sunset Cliffs for the Sunset.
Breweries aplenty: Thorn Brewing in Barrio Logan, Modern Times in North Park, and Resident Brewing downtown are some favorites.
Food: Mike’s Taco shop, Dirty Birds and 1502/OB Noodle House in Ocean Beach are must haves! STK and Cowboy Star are amazing steakhouses downtown.

Balboa Park is a MUST, as is a San Diego Padres game if you’re visiting in season! And lastly, Coronado Beach (check out the Hotel Del before you spend the afternoon taking in the sun and ocean)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves all the credit for any success I’ve had and hopefully continue to have in the future. I moved away from my home town 7 years ago so being away from them save for semi frequent visits has been difficult, yet in the same breathe it has been incredibly motivating. I also have a solid foundation of friends whom we consistently push and encourage each other to go after it- the dreams and the visions we see for ourselves! We love to see one another get better and grow!

Website: www.HighIQMassage.com

Instagram: High_IQ_Massage