Meet D. Boyle: Dcompress Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with D. Boyle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi D., is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
When you book a service with Dcompress, you’re not just getting a treatment, you’re getting a family. At least that’s how we hope you feel. Even before COVID, we structured our appointments with a 30 minute break between each one to allow time to really get to know our clients – who they are, why they’re here and what we can do to help. After working for years at high-end spas, I realized it was impossible to build any kind of lasting relationship with my clients for two main reasons: 1. The majority of our spa clients were out-of-town guests, and 2: We only had 10 minutes between each session. Not only was it stressful trying to set-up, clean-up and learn everything about our clients in a few short minutes, but our clients felt rushed and unheard – definitely, not the most relaxing start to a massage. With Dcompress, I wanted to change how businesses within this industry are structured. More time between appointments means more time getting to know our clients, their needs and how we can help them in the long term. Ultimately, the better we know them, the better our treatments will be. In addition, by offering a membership, we’re able to really focus on the downtown community and create a space where regular bodywork is accessible and affordable. Massage is like exercise – the more you do it, the better you’ll feel! I truly believe that the time we spend getting to know our clients is the foundation upon which our success is built. We get invited to weddings, birthday parties and baby showers. Our clients refer spouses, children, friends, dog sitters… you name it, they get sent to us! So when I say, you’re not just getting a treatment, you’re getting a family… I mean it with my whole heart!
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Dcompress in 2009, providing massage therapy out of the extra room in my downtown condo. Realizing I needed more separation between work and home life, I rented my first room in a co-working space on 6th Avenue, called Industry Showroom. This was the funkiest little spot, home to artists, designers, and all around creatives, and was an unexpected, yet totally perfect place for me to begin this journey.
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?
The mom in me has to throw out some toddler friendly spots first! Waypoint Public in North Park has a sectioned off play area, the staff actually seems to like kids (which is rare for a restaurant), and they have a great burger and beer selection for adults! A new discovery is Cardellino in Mission Hills, walking distance from Pioneer Park! They have Sunday happy hour and fantastic ice-cream for the kiddos. We also love our neighborhood spot, Madison, in University Heights! They have a beautiful open air dining room that is extra glowy, and their food is delicious. Lastly, after a massage at Dcompress, your day of relaxation isn’t complete without grabbing a to-go beer from Stone Brewery’s tasting room above our studio!
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 staff! I work with the most kind hearted, talented, and I also must add, hilarious team that anyone could hope to work with. We build each other up, help each other when needed and try to get in as many laughs as we can along the way! Our industry has been one of the hardest hit by COVID, and the stress has been overwhelming and crippling at times. My staff has been there with grace, and supported me and this business in ways that I never expected. They inspire me to keep pushing forward when I’m struggling and really embody the sentiment that we will get through this together!
Website: www.dcompressdowntown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcompress.downtown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCOMPRESSDOWNTOWN
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dcompress-downtown-san-diego-3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP4uTH6urmi7ni6BuvLksXg