Judi Calvert knows what it means to build a career working with your hands. Since entering the massage profession in 1985, she has cared for clients, connected practitioners with one another, and helped the public better understand their work. Today, she brings that experience to her role as owner of Hands On Trade Association.
Judi's sister signed them both up for a weekend massage class in Spokane, Washington. Judi had never received a massage before. By the end of the weekend, she was wondering whether she could make it her career.
She enrolled in massage school and began a path that would take her well beyond the treatment room. Her experience as a practitioner gave her a lasting appreciation for the people who devote their skills and energy to caring for others.
In 1985, Judi and her husband, Robert Calvert, co-founded Massage Magazine. For 20 years, they used the publication to share the knowledge and stories of massage therapists and educators from around the world. Judi interviewed pioneers in many fields of massage, worked with the magazine's team, and continued her own massage practice.
Her advocacy also took place in the field. At the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii, Judi helped train and organize volunteer massage therapists who worked with athletes. Their growing team showed what skilled practitioners could contribute at a major sporting event.
In 1992, Judi and Robert co-founded the Anatriptic Arts Expo, bringing teachers of different massage and bodywork styles together with practitioners and the public. They later helped establish the World of Massage Museum to preserve objects and stories from the profession's history.
Her desire to support the heath and beauty industry has taken her around the globe. For Judi's career has always been about bringing massage, bodywork, energy work and beauty together under one roof.
These projects shared a purpose: helping hands-on professionals learn from one another, and helping more people appreciate the work they do.
In 2000, the Hands-On Trade Protection Plan began offering coverage for hands-on professionals. It developed into the Hands On Trade Association in 2007, extending Judi's work on behalf of practitioners into membership support. Hands on Trade expanded to cover beauty, esthetics, yoga and many other hands on professions since many professionals practice more than one profession as part of their business.
Judi's background in massage informs the association's approach. Hands On Trade serves professionals across massage, bodywork, beauty, and other hands-on fields with membership benefits that include professional and general liability insurance coverage. Its aim is to help members feel supported by someone who knows as they build and sustain their work.
Judi's contributions include co-founding Massage Magazine in 1985, bringing practitioners together through the Anatriptic Arts Expo, and helping preserve the history of massage through the World of Massage Museum. In 2008, she was inducted into the Massage Hall of Fame at the World Massage Festival.
Through each chapter of her career, Judi has remained focused on the people behind the professions.
"Delivering technique is merely an excuse to give your love through touch. It is all about touch, not technique... I don't want practitioners to forget their roots: the value of touch backed by the knowledge of technique."
— Judi Calvert
Hands On Trade Association carries that commitment forward by supporting the practitioners who serve their communities every day.
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