Better Know a Freedster: Laura Wurst

Laura Wurst is a massage therapist who recently launched Mintfox, a massage and body oil business. We asked her to share her thoughts on all things massage, from misconceptions to pet peeves, plus a few fun facts that might surprise you:

DMV tenure?

I have been in DC for 7 years.

How did you get into bodywork?

I came to bodywork partially by way of a physical accident and partially by it just feeling right. I had thrown my back out toward the end of my social work career, and I had been thinking about a career change, but I wasn’t really sure about what I was going to do. I was seeing a massage therapist who helped me resolve my back issues, along with exercise and strengthening techniques. One day while I was lying on the massage table, I thought to myself, “I could do this!”

What’s the biggest misconception about bodywork that you want to clear up?

That it’s not something someone should only do as a treat to themselves. There’s so much attached to that belief that a massage is only for special occasions. But it’s health. It’s wellness. Massage is so critical to your well-being.

What do you wish clients knew about your sessions?

Sessions with me vary. I want them to get the work they need, and I want them to feel comfortable while that’s happening. If someone is seeking a relaxation massage, for example, I want them to feel comfortable to be able to let go of their stresses of the day. But if they are coming to me for rehabilitation or deeper tissue work, it’s not necessarily going to be that relaxing spa massage!

How did you get into energy work?

The massage therapist I first went to practices Reiki, so while on her table I experienced some of that. It felt like something intuitively that I wanted to explore. When I was in massage school, I happened to be in school with two Reiki masters. While I was in school, six of our classmates had our own personal Reiki class. I completed both Level 1 and Level 2 with my teacher.

What’s your biggest bodywork pet peeve?

There is a common misconception that if you are dating someone, you should massage them all the time. Massage therapists don’t want to come home at the end of a long day and continue massaging. We happen to have jobs we love, but it’s also our livelihood.

Tell me more about Mintfox, your new oil venture!

I’ve been mixing and developing my own massage oils for the past five years. I recently realized it’s more than massage oil: it’s plant medicine, because I’m infusing the oils with herbs and love and sometimes majik, depending on what’s needed. I have standard body oils and I’m also making oils for individuals who need metaphysical support, whether it’s grounding, attention to their heart chakra, or things like that.

What’s your preferred superpower?

I’d want the ability to fly, even if that means with a jet pack. The useless superpower that I’d want is to be able to adjust the temperature of my shower water to the exact temperature that I want at any time.

What would your last meal be?

Hoisin flounder with edamame and almonds, grilled with soy sauce and sesame seeds. I would have a cucumber salad. I love lavender as an herb, so I’d also have lavender lemonade.

What are your favorite herbs?

Besides lavender, I love eucalyptus, sage, and rosemary.

What was your first concert?

The Backstreet Boys! It was the perfect teeny-bopper time. Secretly I wanted it to be Prince, but Prince didn’t really travel to where I lived.

What book did you read most as a child?

Alice in Wonderland.

What’s something that might surprise people to learn about you?

I was initially supposed to be a chef. My father owned a restaurant, and he taught me traditional Hungarian and German cuisine. I was on my way to become a chef, but I really like eating food more that I like making it.