The Healing Touch of Linssage

Linda, founder of Linssage on Strand Road, shares how her passion for wellbeing, specialist treatments and helping women feel their best inspired her to create a peaceful, restorative space unlike anywhere else in Derry/Londonderry.

What inspired you to start Linssage?

I worked in the financial services industry for 18 years and, when I was younger, I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life. When my children were young, I made the decision to go back into education while still working two jobs as a single parent and learn a lifelong skill. I have my mum to thank for watching my children on the days I had to do my course, otherwise it would not have been possible.

Since then, I have continued to educate myself in body massage and expertise, and it has paid off. I really believe that if the work is put in, you can achieve anything at any stage of life.

When I was working in the office in 2017, I had a dream that one day I would have my own place. I sat and drew out the name I wanted for my business, and it is exactly how it looks on my sign inside the shop. I still have that piece of paper to this day. I combined my name, Linda, and massage to create something unique — Linssage.

I was also inspired by my parents, who run a local removal company that has grown from strength to strength over the last 30-plus years. I created Linssage from a genuine passion for helping women feel their best. This is more than a business to me — it is my life purpose.

What kind of experience do you want women to have when they visit?

My priority is always my clients’ health and wellbeing. I wanted to create something completely unique, where the experience feels different from anywhere else.

At Linssage, every client is treated as an individual, with treatments tailored to their needs. I wanted to create more than just treatments. I wanted to create a tranquil haven where every client feels valued, supported and restored, both mentally and physically.

Which treatments are most popular right now?

My most popular treatments are our Full Body Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage and our Calming Detoxification Radiance Treatment.

I have been fully qualified in lymphatic drainage for five years and have a lot of experience working with post-surgery patients, cancer patients who have had lymph node removal, and lymphoedema patients. As an advanced therapist, this is my specialty, alongside advanced reflexology for patients with life-limiting conditions, cancer patients, reflexology in pregnancy, fertility reflexology and labour-inducing reflexology.

I do not think there is enough knowledge out there about the lymphatic system, so I explain it in detail and how the treatment can benefit their health and wellbeing.

What would you say to someone trying lymphatic drainage or reflexology for the first time?

I would always ask why they have chosen the treatment first and, during a detailed consultation, see if there are any areas of focus.

I love when a client comes to try reflexology for the first time. I always say, “You’re in for a treat.” I love seeing their reaction afterwards. Most say they cannot believe how relaxing it was, or that they feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted.

Reflexology really is a wonderful treatment suitable for all ages.

With lymphatic drainage, clients often do not know what to expect, so I explain everything in detail and may sometimes advise on a different treatment depending on their individual needs.

What’s next for Linssage as the business grows?

I have big plans for our third room. I would love to bring something brand new to Derry/Londonderry, and there is a lot of potential in the space I am lucky to have.

We carried out a lot of work in the premises, and I was lucky enough to have my dad do all of that for me, so the next step is planning a third treatment room down the line. I see amazing things in the future for Linssage, and I am so excited for it all.

I also launched an elegant personalised candle range in December 2024, which took off so well. I would love to offer more luxurious personalised items for clients in the future, and I would also love to create my own brand of massage oils. It is all in the planning at the moment, and I cannot wait to reveal more.

Linssage

111 Strand Road, Derry
Tel: 0792 660 5999