*Editor’s note: Alesha was one of our earliest clients at MassageBook and our first “Friday Focus.”  In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to highlight her again because not only is she a new mom for the second time last month (Congrats!), her massage therapy specialty is prenatal and postpartum massage for the best people on earth – moms! 

Happy Mother’s Day to all our MassageBook clients – whether you are one, have one or just help one! Thank you.

Alesha Lifka, LMT

Mommy Bump Massage 

** Middleburg Heights, Ohio**

I am a mom, a wife and a massage therapist! I spent eight years in the Navy, where I met my future husband (though I didn’t know it at the time!). I have four crazy boxers who keep me on my toes. I am a runner. I completed a marathon before I got pregnant with my son, and I hope to one day do another. I love to hang out with my family whenever I get the chance. I love everything to do with being a mom and seeing how my son grows and changes as he gets older.

• Favorite healthy food? I love strawberries. When the strawberry fields open up around here for picking, it’s like a holiday!
• Favorite indulgence? I probably drink too much coffee. Ok, I am sure I drink too much coffee.
• Favorite exercise/activity? Running and walking.
• Favorite movie? Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
• Favorite kind of ice cream? Chocolate. But if you give me Vanilla, I won’t turn it away.

Background in massage? I have my associates degree in Applied Science, majoring in Massage Therapy from Cuyahoga Community College. I am certified for Prenatal through the Claire Marie Miller Nurturing the Mother Seminars. I have been doing massage for three years now and I love it!

What do you like best about doing massage? I love the client interaction and I love seeing the difference from when they walked in to when they leave. If I can offer any relief at all to expecting mothers, it is my privilege to do so.

What inspired you to get into this industry? I worked on computers during my eight years in the Navy, and I knew when I got out that I wanted nothing more to do with that world. My mother has severe arthritis and knowing I could possibly do something to offer her some relief from pain was definitely my calling. I entered into massage school not knowing what I wanted to specialize in, but when I got pregnant with my son halfway through, I knew what I was supposed to do.

I loved being pregnant, and I wanted to offer other women the ability to love it too. I know too many women who hated their pregnancies because they were so uncomfortable and in pain. I can offer them a break and maybe even the chance to enjoy that time.

What do you find are your biggest challenges – as a therapist? as a business owner? My biggest challenges are just finding the time to network. As a mom of a toddler and brand new baby, time is a valuable asset. I love getting out there and talking about the work that I do. I love talking about babies! I am so lucky to have a supporting husband who is able to partner with me in business and be my support system.

My challenges are the same to any working mom. It’s the challenge of leaving your child and your family to go and devote your energy to others. But in the end, it’s all worth it. I love what I do, and I get to spend each day doing exactly what I am supposed to.

What is the most rewarding part of your work with clients? My most rewarding part is just being a part of someone’s journey through her pregnancy. Especially first-time moms, I love seeing their faces as they talk about the changes their bodies are going through, how they felt the first kicks and saw the first ultrasound. I feel a kinship with each and every mom I see. I think as moms we are all a tribe, and we have to take care of one another.

Who are the important people in your life? My husband, our son Noah and our brand new baby girl Ramona, first and foremost. I am very close to my mother and the rest of my family. And my puppies, of course.

What do you like to do for fun? I like to write when I can, run and when the weather is nice, I love to just be outside with my family.

How do you like to relax? Does sleeping count? LOL. I am just getting into yoga and meditation to help calm my thoughts. I suppose the coffee is working against that, though, now that I am putting two and two together.