Only 10 days after graduating from the Carolina School of Massage, Mei Li Trapasso purchased the school and became its new owner.
The decision stemmed from her love of the art and science of massage as well as her love of teaching. Although originally from China, Trapasso worked in Thailand in the 1990s and was certified in that nation’s traditional massage techniques.
During the summers, she operated a summer camp with her husband, Tony Trapasso, in China for underprivileged children to learn different skills, such as English or cooking. There, she cultivated a love for education and teaching.
“In China, we have a saying that teaching and learning are happening simultaneously,” Trapasso says.
After attending a wedding in Greenville in 2007, Trapasso and her husband decided to move here. In 2019, she decided to become certified as a massage therapist in the United States. She turned to the Carolina School of Massage, located at 210 Adley Way in Greenville.
Students training at the Carolina School of Massage take 500 hours of classes, with an estimated 250 of them including learning about the body’s bones, muscles and pathology, along with learning about how some chronic illnesses or different medications might impact the massage.
For example, someone who takes blood thinners might opt for a relaxing Swedish massage that is not as intense as a deep tissue massage that could leave them with bruises. Before massages, clients will fill out an intake form that helps the therapist understand the best massage technique for them.
After the first 250 hours of classes, students begin clinics, which is when they start practicing on clients, who are offered massages at a lower price.
When students complete the program, they receive their certificates and must take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination to receive their licenses from South Carolina.
Massages for all
Although massages are often associated with luxury, Trapasso believes massages should be something everyone participates in for the upkeep of their health. For someone who may not be able to afford the common price of a massage, which can often start at $70, Trapasso offers massages by students at $40 for a full hour. This provides the opportunity not only for someone to enjoy a massage for less but also allows students an opportunity to practice.
Trapasso believes the benefits of receiving regular massages — improving blood flow, reducing muscle soreness or pain and reducing stress — should be for everyone, not just those with complaints of pain or stress. After serving 3,000 clients so far, Trapasso says she continues to focus on making massages accessible to the community.
In 2021, she purchased a house on Mills Avenue, which is now the sister business of the school, the Longevity Center. She did this to ensure the licensed massage therapists had adequate space to work while the students practiced at the school. She also enjoyed the idea of community members being able to walk or bike to the center to receive a massage, much like visiting the home of a neighbor or friend.
“I feel like that’s part of my responsibility to bring something to the society,” Trapasso says.
