Heyo my name is Ryder, I'm a Hartford resident, queer, and I have mental health struggles that impair my day to day and bring me great fear due to my chronic burnouts and physical pain (from an injury I had at this workplace due to no rest between clients) which makes me being employed under someone very scary as I need to call out more than others do and fear losing my job. I've struggled for years trying to make ends meet and no matter how much I work I can't seem to make enough to save for the things I need, goals and basic needs not being met. I am grateful for the help I have received yet it's getting to a point where I realize I cannot do this alone and I need more help. I'm a licensed massage therapist, I currently work for corporate and have been stuck in that cycle since I got my license, unable to grow in my career due to lack of funds for certificates and furthering my education due to the high prices of these classes and certifications. Where I currently work I do not get booked as often as I used to, and I fear it's due to environment of today. I'd like more control over who I massage due to my morals and would like to work in a safe environment. I'm making this post in hopes for people to donate to my dream of having my own massage practice. I need enough money to rent a space, get basic equipment and to cover me with basic needs while I rebuild clientele. I'd like to have my own practice where I offer a safe space for clients and myself, offer sliding scales for those that need massage but cannot afford it from these spas and other businesses, and to fuel my path of liberation for myself and others by breaking down those barriers to this holistic care. I know it will not be easy, and that it will take time, but anything helps. Thank you!