Crissy Cretera

Crissy went to massage school with Melt owners Becky and Alexis, and the idea of Melt actually blossomed with Crissy on the back of the Staten Island Ferry. Crissy is a goddess of massage therapy and is generally one of the best people we know.

 

Other than massage, what's your favorite self-care routine?

I always say if you physically do something slightly harder than your job, then your job isn’t so hard.  For work outs i like to do HIIT workouts. I like the fast pace and switching focus often, you basically have to trick me to do 30 pushups. I always warm up before hand with Shiatsu makka ho stretches. It's kind of like yoga and tai chi combined. I’m thinking about how to turn this rountine into a class. Stay tuned.

Why did you decide to go to massage school?

While I was waiting tables in NYC and figuring things out at City College, I mentioned my interest in being a massage therapist. My Aunt Joan has been in practice for more than 30 years and it always seemed like a cool job. I heard of a massage school by a co-worker, went to the open house, and never went back to Psych 102. I knew I had a knack for it. I’m happy to have been able to grow in this career and continue to explore it. 

What was the worst massage you ever gave?

While naturally I’d like to say, it hasn’t happened yet, that'd be a lie. While it wasn’t the worst (there’ve been some notable hangovers over the years), the first time I massaged a celebrity, it was one of my favorite comedians, I was so nervous my hands were shaking. I’m still not sure if that was a good thing or a bad, but ive worked on playing it cool since then. I think. 

What kind of client makes you really excited to give a massage?

I enjoy doing Shiatsu sessions a lot. It's not common and even I forget to offer them, but it's a great way to switch up the focus a little but still get really great bodywork.

What was the last really great book you read?

I am currently reading The Color of Law : A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothsein. It's incredible the things I didn't know I didn't know. 

what's your favorite thing about having a business in NYC.

Having a business in NYC everyday is a test of honesty with yourself, your mission and your passion. You get the opportunity to be completely original and hope to attract enough people based off that originality to live a decent life. 

What's your favorite trivia fact? 

Did you know Tilapia are not found in the wild?! Did you also know bananas used to have seeds? 

Who's your celebrity crush? 

I have a huge crush on Michael Che. I mostly feel like if i could make him laugh then my reason for being has been met. Colin Jost will laugh at anything. 

What's something that you find totally fascinating?

The collective consciousness blows my mind. It actually makes me keep my thoughts in check. Energy has the ability to transfer and flow in so many mysterious veins.  Also, Aliens. The Truth Is Out There. 

What's one thing you wish everyone knew before they got their first massage? 

Yes, I can feel that. No, it's not the worst I’ve ever seen.