ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT and discussion about Chang's Holistic

[iaminvisible8888]

Shirley asked me to let you know that she is back. Things are back to normal and she is looking forward to seeing all of you.

Also, something has now become very clear to me that I want to openly acknowledge: I have been to Chang’s so many times over the past five years that she and I have become friends. I no longer consider myself objective when it comes to Chang’s -- so you should take anything I say with the necessary grain of salt.

That being said, I can also say I have been a massage aficionado for more than 40 years. I can’t count the number of masseurs and masseuses that have attended me or the number of massage techniques I have experienced. Except for a lady from Shanghai who, 20 years ago, saved my back with TuiNa after I severely injured it when thrown from a horse, I have not found anyone better than Shirley... maybe three or four others close or equal (Coco, where are you?), but no one better!

As a friend, Shirley sometimes asks me what she can do to improve service and I try to answer her questions by listening to what you guys have to say. And, BTW, I know I am not the only one!

One thing I have suggested to her is to hire more help and stay open all weekend. Another is to figure out a way of booking appointments by e-mail, voice mail or on her web site. Could I ask for your feedback on these suggestions, or would any of you care to make any other suggestions? I mean, if she is open to listening to us and we are, ultimately, the beneficiaries of improved service, what is there to lose, right?

And I know there were some concerns expressed about Amy in a thread a while back, but I believe that it has been dealt with and resolved. No one has complained about her since that time. If you think differently, please let me know.

Perry

 

[thor]

how about pictures of the mpa's on their web site?

 

[Dr House]

Perry, are you saying that Dave in Phoenix tried out his Esalen strokes on you?

 

[banned_glory]

I've been going to Shirley's spa(s) for over 6 years. The only thing they can do to improve the service is to maybe hire another girl, maybe a little younger (eye candy). But then again the new MP might not be able to provide the same type of massages that Shirley and her previous girls have provided.

 

[ian s]

Problem is eye candy and massage techniques don't go hand in hand! I'm not saying though that the best ones are the ugliest!!

 

[Mario]

40 years!!!!!

Shit....I wasn't even born 40 years ago.

 

[Jazzie Moon]

Good suggestion to have weekend hours. This probably will not happen until she gets more help.

-Shirley should accept credit cards.

-Use hot (heated) oil.

-Provide more of a prostate massage (actually stimulate the prostate) vs. just teasing.

 

[phillia]

- I 'second' the idea of photos of the girls on their website. For the most part, that's the only way I'll visit the spa. It does matter that I like the looks of my MPA.

 

[kojackid]

I've been going to Shirley every visit to TO for the past 3 years. Except for this last visit, when she was out of town, she's always my first stop when I get there.

I'd love to be able to make my appointments via email from her website. Driving as far as I do for typically a 3 day weekend, I like to pretty much have everything lined up to maximize my time.

I also believe another masseuse would take the pressure off, but along with that, perhaps an "inexpensive" receptionist to book appointments and greet n control any walkins. Right now, if both her and Amy are massaging, which is everytime I'm there, and either a client walks in or the phone rings...that's potential lost business and it interrupts the flow of the massage. When not controlling customer flow, this person can wash towels, make tea, order supplies, clean the shower, prepare the room after a session for the next one so the three masseuses (if she hires the third) can rotate to the fresh room and keep massaging (I think she has 4 rooms?)

Lastly, I've noticed the recent "encouraging tip" signs. She offers a damn fine service and if I'm her, I wouldn't hesitate adjusting the rates to cover expenses, especially if she invests in a receptionist. I'd drop the 25 minute offer, go to 30, 45 and 60 minute with $70/$85/$100 being the respective rates. Compare to a 30 or 60 minute "basic" at any other spa with a 10th the skill, her rates would still be a bargain.

Just my suggestions...I'm glad to see her back and hope all is well in her personal life. I hope to see her around for a long time to come!

 

[bugsysue2]

Actually, I spent some time at Esalen about 25 years ago! Great techniques... and quite erotic, too!

But Dave prefers to practice his skills on SP's and MPA's -- and that is just fine and dandy with me!

Perry

 

[Casca]

Last time I was there(before Shirley had to go away), Amy had gone to another spa....Shirley told me it was lack of work...but I sensed maybe something else was the problem(not trying to make trouble for anyone here).

IMO....Shirley gives a somewhat better massage, but Amy is a better at releasing built-up "tensions"...

So...is Amy back as well?

 

[Dannnnce]

Don't expect Amy back at Chang's. Shirley and her had a very bitter falling out. Amy was looking for a new place to work.

Jelloman

 

[latissimus dorsi]

Maybe Shirley can give massage lessons on weekends, or some other free time. Couples may sign-up to learn to massage each other, and pay Shirley's normal rates.

Female mpa's or massage students may sign-up in pairs to learn how to give a better massage, and pay Shirley's normal rates, or discounted rates for students. MP's may also sign-up their newbie MPA's. Shirley could probably charge admission for this, as well

Single male clients may sign-up, pay a deposit, and get on a wait list. When a single female mpa or massage student signs-up, the male client would pay Shirley's normal rates, and the female mpa or massage student attends for free.

Shirley may offer various packages: a 2-hour "Taste of Chang's", a 4-day/ 8-hour "Introduction to Shiatsu/ Tui Na", and a 16-day/ 32-hour "Certified in the art of Chang" course. Discounted rates may be offered for these packages.

I would pay for this new service.

 

[Heidi D]

Yah, it's tragic. Website pictures would probably do more to scare people away. It's her massage that's great - not her looks. Amy is OK, but still not IT or HFH eye candy. If you want a serious massage with the interesting twist on the fun bit then it's the place to go. If you gotta have eye candy - probably not.

 

[Lewis]

You did not get the FULL story, jelloman!

This is neither the time nor the place to discuss private matters.

Amy is still working at Chang's: feel free to call for an appointment -- and enjoy!

Perry

 

[Jane D]

Just tough shit, eh?

On the other hand, think of it this way: Some years hence, you will be fucking your brains out while I am rotting six feet under!!!

Perry

 

[AdminLady]

Thanks for your clarification Perry, I was merely responding to buckybruce's query re-the status of Amy.

I may not know the "FULL" story but I witnessed a good enough portion of "a story" and gained detailed first hand information from one of the involved party's to offer an informed opinion to a fellow board member seeking to validate his observations.

As to this being the "time or place" to discuss "private matters" I can hardly think of a more absurd statement. Let me understand . . . a person expressing their intimate sexual experiences over the Internet is not a "private matter" while mention of a prolonged and vicious spat between a proprietor and her employee in front of their customers is a "private matter".

It just might be possible that you do not know the "FULL" story . . .

Regards,

Jelloman

 

[ii love youu :)]

My, my my... how super sensitive you are! I must have pressed some pretty hot buttons! WTF is going on between your ears? Or are your Jockey briefs too tight?

BTW, do you speak Mandarin or Cantonese to understand what was going on?

You said "Don't expect Amy back at Chang's. "

It was your own conclusion and, in fact, you were mistaken. Why not just simply accept the fact and move on? It's not a sin, y'know!

And if they have resolved their own differences, what purpose is there in any one airing their disagreements and dirty laundry in public? Whose business is it but their own?

Grow up pal! And don't take everything so personal!

Go get a massage and chill!

And you already know where you can go!

Perry

 

[mint frost]

Thanks for the information, Perry. I plan to go back to Chang's one of these days. And 40 years experience is about right for me too!

 

[rdenig_male]

All appointments at Chang's are prearranged.

A phone call will firm up a specific time/MPA.