Five Questions For ... Pamela Olsen

Meet Pamela Olsen, the owner and solo-preneur of Olsen Shiatsu & Massage located at 25 North Fullerton Avenue, 2nd Floor, Montclair. She's also the newest Adjunct Professor of Music Theory at Montclair State University and the Alto Section Leader & Soloist at Union Congregational Church in Montclair.

Q) First, tell us a bit about your work ... also, do you have any kids and how long have you lived in Montclair?

A) Hi, my name is Pamela Olsen. My life primarily consists of Music and Massage. My home address is in Jersey City, but I do most of my bodywork and music work in Montclair. I own Olsen Shiatsu & Massage located on North Fullerton Avenue. I teach music theory at Montclair State University. I've been singing professionally at Union Congregational Church on Cooper Avenue since 2005. I am also a member of the church where I engage in various volunteer duties for the community. I am the mother of two beautiful American short hair cats, and the wife of Eric Olsen, Director of Music at Union Congregational Church.

Q) Tell us about your massage business and why it's different from other similar businesses.

A) Many people ask me how it is that I can be so passionate about two careers at once. Well, I'll tell you something most people don't know. My mother was severely depressed when I was growing up. Sometimes the only ways in which I could reach her were through meaningful, gentle touch and by singing to her. I learned at a very young age how to communicate through these non-verbal methods. I attended Indiana University for music, and The Swedish Institute in Manhattan (The Harvard of Massage Schools) so that I could learn to utilize my passions to do good things. Some say it's the combination of artistic passion, empathy, and great training that make my massages unlike any other.

Q) What are your favorite things about Montclair?

A) I've always loved the diversity that is Montclair. Where else can you find a college town with people from many backgrounds, great restaurants, gorgeous homes and gardens, so many beautiful parks, The Eastern School of Acupuncture, Art Films, and great cultural events? Some of my favorite restaurants in Montclair are Mesob, Raymond's, T.S. Ma, and Greek Delights. I love that you can work at being your best self at Starseed Yoga, and with Judy Becker the Energy Healer, and who doesn't adore Whole Foods?

Q) What do you like about Union Congregational Church?

A) Union Congregational Church has a completely unique congregation. I have never before known so many deeply caring people who actually *do* the work of Christ. They don't just talk about it. They are the real deal. As Stephanie Weiner our Senior Minister says, "Union Congregational blends lots of traditions. We tend to be liberal theologically, conservative economically, all over the map sociologically – and we hate labels! We are part of the United Church of Christ." I'm on the Outreach Committee and I just recently joined the SCEEP program, which are just two of the many ways in which the folks at Union Cong work at making the world a better place. And for those who get their religion through music, I admit I'm biased, but we do have an eclectic program. We hear a high level of everything from Bach to the Beatles and everything in between.

Q) What's something we may not know about MSU?

A) You might not know that Montclair State University has one of the highest ranked Music Therapy programs in the country. At the John J. Cali School of Music one can earn a Master of Arts Degree in Music Therapy in which one learns a combination of psychology and musical activities, which are combined to accomplish effective therapeutic goals.

Q) Anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself?

A) I just recently became a published author for the first time. The book is called Jersey Women Mean Business! Big Bold Business Advice from New Jersey Women Business Owners: Practical Pointers, Solutions, and Strategies for Business Success. It is due on the shelves in early June, and being published by Woodpecker Press of Bayville, NJ. This is a must have publication for business owners. You can purchase it now @ http://bigboldbusiness.com. Use this code at check out before May 31st for a special Montclair Patch discount: BBBNJ42.

Mine is Chapter 42 and is called "Massage Therapy: A Surprisingly Easy Way to Increase Profits."