Nazurah (or better know as Joy) have always been keen on massaging people. What started off as kneading her grandfather when she was only 5 to now, a hobby of making people feel better through the human touch, many of her close friend and relatives urged Joy to turn this into a business – a joy’s massage journey perhaps? Her answer to that was, “Hmm, perhaps one day”.
When she took her Masters in Women, violence and conflict, she had then lived abroad in the UK. She had missed the massaging feeling for her husband which drover her to give more massages to her juniors. Again, they tried to convince her to turn it into a sort of payable service. Her answer to that was, “Maybe later, one day”.
In 2018, a 3 months work meeting in New York calls for another temporary separation from her family and friends. This time, it was her colleagues that received her amazing massages. Again, they implored her to start a massaging business as they see it as a good opportunity. Joy only laughed and answered, “Yes, perhaps one day… one day”.
Now with 5 kids in tow, her passion for massage remains stronger than ever. This time, she finally decided that the “one day” has come. In August of 2020, she founded Joy Massage Journey (JMJ) – an apt name for her journey into becoming a properly certified and local masseuse in Brunei.
Joy’s Human Touch
From Swedish massage, to sports massage and deep tissue massage, there are plenty of practices to choose from when starting out as a masseuse. For Joy however, she finds the harmonious combination of traditional massage and aromatherapy to be the winning bet that keeps her clients coming back.
Traditional massage is very much deep tissue and makes my clients feel tense. But, when I combine it with aromatherapy like essential oils, it helps ease the tension after.
It’s this pushing and pulling of tension technique that makes for a soothing session at Joy Massage Journey. In aromatherapy, the use of essential oils and relaxation techniques helps to boost the client’s mood that balances out with the rougher touch from her traditional massages. During the session, Joy mentioned how her clients would love to just indulge and relax before going home for a nice long sleep after.
She also incorporated traditional means of massage like the use of Tungku, Tangas (herbal sauna) and lots of herbal medicine. A pre-screening form filled by her clients also helps Joy in identifying their needs so she could adjust her massage accordingly. After the session, a follow-up is done to ensure that her clients are well. From there, additional sessions may be recommended or when applicable, a referral to a doctor.
The main focus of Joy Massage Journey has always been one thing and one thing only – to provide excellent quality service to her clients. That’s what she believes have been the driving force behind JMJ’s growing success.
An Insight from Being a Women’s Help Desk
Although her passion is in massage therapy, Joy still maintains a day job which she loves – as a community development officer at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. More than once, she’s often called the women’s help desk where she’s the go to person for any women’s issues.
She noticed that a lot of these issues stems from the dissatisfaction with marriage and the stress of taking sole responsibility of the household. What they’re lacking is the crucial “me” time – time away from the mundane daily routine. Essentially, they’ve forgotten to take care of themselves, causing a trickle down effect on their children and putting a strain in the relationship with their husbands.
According to Joy, “me” time doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive day out. It can also include simply resting, sleeping and most importantly, away from thinking about the daily routine or household problems.
Sometimes my clients would often express their frustrations onto me, and I would do my best to help heal them – both physically and emotionally.
As for the esteemed masseuse herself, wonder what she does for her “me” time? Well, once every month, she would go out with her friends and they would pamper themselves with some facial and make up. To dress up fashionably, look good and take outing pictures would be her way of relaxing.
And if you’re wondering who massages the masseuse? Her beloved husband of course!
Message for the Newcomers
Ultimately, the purpose of massage is to heal and provide good quality service for the clients. A piece of advice from her is that aspiring masseuses need to have a passion for it.
They need to love the human touch and building rapport. People need to prioritize the quality more than quantity and not just go for the money.
Currently, JMJ is growing one person strong as she handles all massages personally. She’s hoping to expand into a proper spa studio and to continue improving the quality of service. When asked if she’d take up a mentee in training, her answer… well… “I might consider it one day!”
♨ – What you’re signing up for?
Joy Massage Journey provides door to door quality massage services for women only. However, you can also visit her place for a session if you prefer that. All interested clients would have to fill in a pre-screening form to ensure eligibility of massage. It’s also advisable to shower first before the session!
For now, she caters to clients from the Brunei Muara district mainly but is open to further places according to availability!
♨ – What’s the pricing?
Full aromatherapy body massage – $45 for 60 mins or $65 for 90 mins
Head and shoulder massage – $35 for 60 mins
Herbal sauna – $25
Tungku treatment – $25
Full body scrub – $25
Foot spa – $12 for 30 mins
Facial scrub treatment – $20
** All prices are as of March 2021. Subject to change if you’re reading this in the future. Consult this link for more info!
♨ – How to contact her?
You can find her through her Instagram @joymassagejourney.bn or contact through WhatsApp at +673 892 7112.
JMJ is available for booking on Fridays, Sundays and on public holidays. She’s often fully booked so do make sure to reach out to her early!