Today we’d like to introduce you to Elony
Hi Elony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in El Paso, TX, home of the best Mexican food you can find! Home is where I found my love for dance (and food) at the ripe age of two. I grew up dancing as a competition kid – think Dance Moms without all the craziness. The stage was definitely my home away from home. I have danced professionally and taught for over 25 years, everything from Ballet to Hip Hop, Contortion to Flamenco, and everything in between! I was blessed with a mentor in dance, Rita Job Shaeffer, who believed in and saw something in me that even I didn’t see in myself. She saw someone who was a natural teacher and gave me the opportunity to teach others at just 14 years of age. I have been spreading my love for dance ever since and inspired others to find joy in movement, from the tiniest of tots to adults.
In 2009 I was invited by a friend to take my first Zumba class – it ended up being a Zumba certification class! This is where my journey into the world of fitness and wellness began. Dance fitness has changed my life and has helped me on my own personal wellness journey. I became certified in Zumba Basic I & II, as well as Zumba Tomic (kids Zumba).
In 2011 I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my education in dance at The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. Los Angeles was ripe with opportunities to further develop my knowledge within the fitness world. During this time, I trained SPX Pilates through Lagree Fitness and was hooked! This led me to earning my SPX Pilates Instructor Certification.
With my background in dance and fitness, I always inquired to know more about how the body worked. My interest in massage therapy came naturally. I graduated from the Southern California Health Institute, as a Certified Massage Therapist in 2013.
Any professional dancer or athlete has their fair share of injuries, and I am no exception. Knowing how massage therapy has helped me over the years, I feel I have a unique perspective into how massage therapy can benefit others, not only athletes, but all people. I love being able to provide therapeutic care to people with acute or chronic pain from injury or day-to-day strain, as well as those who need some relaxation.
Bodyworks By Elony came into existence in 2015 because I decided to use my abilities to work smarter. Previously I was working 36 hours massaging at a spa 6 days a week and teaching dance for 12 hours a week, that’s 48 hours of physical labor. Working my way from being the newbie at the spa, I quickly became the most requested female therapist, second to our lead therapist. My family, friends, coworkers, and clients pushed me to believe that I could successfully own and operate my own massage business. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, Bodyworks By Elony became a reality a month after I quit the spa. I decided not to limit my company to just massage – Bodyworks By Elony offers a variety of services such as customized massages, dance lessons, and fitness classes.
I’ve been a dancer for nearly 40 years, and my body has been through the wringer, so I’m very familiar with the aches and pains of being an athlete. I’ve been receiving bodywork for more than 25 years, since I was a kid, which provided some basis for not only wanting a career in massage therapy, but also helping me to use my personal experiences in my clients’ sessions. I have become a seasoned therapist – I have everyone from NFL players to elderly clients on my table. I like to think that my experiences have served as a learning tool which sets me apart from other therapists.
In 2020 like many Californians, my family and I decided to take a leap of faith and move back to Texas. I just had our first child and was on maternity leave when Covid hit. Uncertain what the future held for my industry, I decided to go on the world’s longest maternity leave. I reopened in 2022 when it was safe for my clients and family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! Nooooo, definitely not. I’ve yet to come across a business owner who’s said it’s been smooth sailing. I’m one of the lucky businesses that survived Covid after making the cross country move from Los Angeles to Austin with a 6 month old. Rebuilding my business in a new city on top of navigating motherhood has been a humbling experience. I’m beyond grateful to my husband who has been supportive from day one. He’s my not so quiet business partner and helps me with everything from throwing in work laundry when it piles up, to helping with marketing. My business will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary in October 2025!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bodyworks By Elony is your one-stop-shop for customized massage, dance or fitness sessions. At Bodyworks By Elony there are no membership fees, gratuity is included in all pricing, and clients are given FULL session times. Bodyworks By Elony is a safe space for all people, body types, abilities, & gender expression.
What matters most to you? Why?
I’m driven by my passion for massage, dance, and fitness. I love sharing my knowledge and expertise with others to help them lead pain free, happier lives. Being able to combine my love for these disciplines with a career that allows me to help people is fulfilling.
Pricing:
- 1 Hr single session massage:$100 / 4 pack $360
- 1.5 Hr single session massage: $150 / 4 pack $540
- 2 Hr single session massage: $200 / 4 pack $720
- Prenantal 75 minute massage: $160
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodyworksbyelony.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyworksbyelony/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyworksByElony/
- Other: BodyworksByElony@gmail.com
Image Credits
Stephanie Copner & Gabriela Williams
