At just 18, "Mom" pursued a career in massage therapy, initially driven by financial goals. Little did she know, this path would ignite a lifelong passion. Finding Burke Williams became more than just a job—it became the “home away from home” she had always dreamed of.

Name: Sreymom "Mom" Long                                  Joined: 2023

Burke Williams Location: Burke Williams - Torrance

Position: Massage Therapist

Why did you want to be a massage therapist?

Money! When I was 18, living in Cambodia, I didn’t even know what a massage therapist was. But I heard they made good money. A friend’s husband was a massage manager, and she told me massage therapists not only earned well but also received tips.

At the time, a hotel was being built nearby, and they planned to have a spa inside. They hired me as a massage therapist, even though I had no prior experience. In the six months leading up to the spa’s opening, they flew in instructors from Thailand to train us. Every month, we learned a new technique—Swedish, Aromatherapy, Hot Stones, Deep Tissue, Wraps and Scrubs, Reflexology, and more. Whenever new products were introduced, trainers would come to teach us how to use them.

I hadn’t expected to love being a massage therapist so much! I enjoyed working in such a relaxing environment. After a year and a half, I was promoted to train others in body mechanics, which is essential for helping therapists avoid injury and have long, pain-free careers.

Four years into my career, I started attending Chiva-Som International Academy in Thailand to further my education. It took a few trips, but I eventually earned my massage license. This license allowed me to work in six countries, including Europe and Canada—but not the United States.

After 11 years in the industry, I moved to the U.S. with my family. At the time, I had a one-year-old and was pregnant, so I took a break from work. Eight years later, a friend reminded me that massage therapists earned really good money here. A friend of a friend worked for a chiropractor, making $50 an hour—sometimes up to $400 a day with tips!

I started working for a chiropractor but didn’t have a massage license. I knew I wanted to be a legal massage therapist and not work under someone else’s license. English is my second language, so I had to work extra hard to pass the required tests. I found California Healing Arts College, and they reassured me that they had other students in my situation. They helped me learn how to study and test so I could pass my classes—and now, here I am!

Why did you want to work at Burke Williams?

When the recruiter from Burke Williams visited my school, she handed out a menu of their services. The pictures and treatments immediately reminded me of the spa I loved working at back home. I felt confident that I already knew how to perform all the massage enhancements they offered—it just felt like home. Right away, I thought, This is where I want to work!

I also realized that working for a chiropractor wasn’t the right fit for me. Chiropractic offices are too clinical, focusing solely on “fixing” the body without prioritizing relaxation. I wanted to work with clients who feel better through relaxation, while still being able to provide therapeutic work.

What do you like about working at Burke Williams?

When I worked at a spa in my home country, the managers were so strict and unkind. But at Burke Williams, I love the management and my co-workers. No one is constantly watching over your shoulder or telling you what not to do. The expectations are clear from the start, and as long as you follow the policies, everything runs smoothly.

I go to work happy and go home happy. The company creates a positive, welcoming environment where it’s easy to make friends. If you want to chat during downtime or before and after your shift, the breakroom is a great place to connect. If you prefer quiet time, you can stay in your room until your next guest.

Another thing I love is my schedule! I work just 4 ½ days a week and never more than 8 hours a day. I used to work 6–7 days a week for 10–12 hours and still didn’t earn as much as I do now. I have so much more time with my family and I make more money.

I tell everyone—this is the first company I truly love!

How would you describe the people you work with?

I love all of my co-workers because there’s no drama. At my last job, which was also a family business, there was so much tension. People would ask me, “Mom, why do you have more clients than me?”

At Burke Williams, no one questions why I have more clients. No one stresses me out or nitpicks my work. Instead, my co-workers genuinely care about me. Sometimes, they even remind me to take breaks and eat! They tell me I work too much because they want to make sure I take care of myself.

There’s no jealousy here—just support. Everyone is super friendly. I’ve never heard anyone talk behind someone’s back. When my co-workers see me, they say, “You work hard. Take care of yourself. Get a wellness*!” It feels amazing to be surrounded by people who truly care.

In what ways does your team support each other?

When we see a colleague who’s busy, we jump in to help. One day, I had a fully booked schedule and realized I didn’t have a detox kit. As I was rushing to grab one, a co-worker stopped me and said they’d get it for me. When I got back to my room to prepare for my next guest, someone had already set everything up! Everyone here is so thoughtful and helpful.

I’m always running around, and my co-workers constantly check in, asking what I need and offering to help. Arriving early to work is important to me because it helps me feel prepared. One day, I got stuck in traffic and came in later than usual. A co-worker noticed and told me, “If that ever happens again, just call me—I’ll set up your room for you.” Moments like that make me so grateful to work with such an amazing and supportive team!

Recently, the owners, Bill and Theresa Armour, announced that a percentage of each service that you do will be donated to the Blue Heart Warrior Foundation. They created this foundation to help eradicate human trafficking. How do you feel about this?

I feel so good knowing that my work is making a difference—not just for the person on my table, but also for someone out there who truly needs help. It’s meaningful to know that every service I provide contributes to something bigger.

I love working for a company that is so dedicated to giving back. It’s important to me to be part of a workplace that supports others. Life is unpredictable—sometimes, something happens to a coworker, and sometimes, it happens to you. I find comfort in knowing that if I ever needed help, I work with a team that would be there for me, just as we are for others.

*A “Wellness” is a Burke Williams perk which allows employees to receive complimentary massages and chiropractic adjustments. Reach out to the recruiter for more details.

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