When Lisa Uggla founded Uggla Massage & Wellness, or Ugglapraktiken as it was then called, 35 years ago, it was to some extent the result of a chance event that went on to influence her life in many ways.
From Axelssons to the Globe
1987 was an important year when a lot changed. Lisa completed her training as a masseur at Axelssons and then realized a dream of a trip around the world
That trip came to an abrupt end when she contracted dengue fever in Jakarta and, after being hospitalized, had to fly home on a special plane. It was serious, but after a period of rehab she recovered and decided to celebrate with a 25th birthday party.
Lisa is also a trained animal keeper and worked as an extra at Skansen. Her Skansen colleague and elephant keeper Dan Köhl was at the party. As they stood talking and Lisa expressed her thoughts about what she would be working on next, Dan told her that someone had called Skansen and asked for a "pigeon assistant" (at that time there were both pigeons and elephants at Skansen). Lisa thought it could be a reasonably demanding job as she was not completely fit for work.
She visited the elephant stables to get a note with a number written on it. After much searching, they managed to find the little piece of paper that Lisa called. The number turned out to be for the production of The Brothers Lionheart at Göta Lejon in Stockholm - and a new world of possibilities opened up. They were looking for a pigeon manager and pigeon trainer. It was Lisa's "sliding door moment" when she got the job at the big theater production. The fact that a person who was also a massage expert suddenly appeared was popular with both actors and stage staff.
The job led to more assignments, including a tour of Sweden and a tour of Moscow, where Lisa took on many roles - stage technician, stage manager, pigeon trainer, extra and not least masseur.
"It was chaotic but very fun," Lisa recalls.
Several of the actors then became Lisa's private clients. The lighting company Oscar Lighting became her very first corporate client. And also Skansen, for many years!
Establishment and Expansion
In 1989, the Globe was inaugurated. Lisa was quick to contact EMA Telstar (now Live Nation) and offer her massage services. This was the start of a long collaboration with massaging stage workers and artists.
In 1989, Lisa opened her first practice at Bjurholmsplan in Stockholm. She soon gained more corporate clients and started hiring sub-consultants to meet the demand, as her own hands were not enough.
Successes and Innovations
Lisa has always been a pioneer in her field. Back in 1997, the company launched its first website and started wellness activities.
"It is important to be at the forefront of digital solutions, something we have continued to do until today with our booking system and our unique app. We were also an early adopter of VR meditation in collaboration with Katarina Gospic."
The flagship practice on Magnus Ladulåsgatan opened in 2001. Since then, the premises have been rebuilt several times to meet the growing needs of companies and individuals.
Reflections and outlook
Lisa remembers the early years fondly. When she added more wellness-promoting treatments to Uggla's treatments and offerings, such as stretching and rubber band exercises, she was surprised by the impact. This was the starting point for the further development of the wellness offering, which today makes up half of the "Uggla Massage & Wellness" brand with services such as ergonomics, health lectures and yoga.
"I thought maybe more people would do this in the future, but I never thought it would be so big. When I took on my first sub-consultant, I was told that one day I might not know all my masseurs because there are so many of them. At the time I was hesitant, but it turned out to be true."
She also remembers nostalgically how the piece of paper with a phone number came to change a lot.
"That note led to the assignment at Göta Lejon for producer and entrepreneur Staffan Götestam. I was inspired by his entrepreneurship and made lots of valuable contacts. If it hadn't happened, my life would probably have been different."
Looking ahead, Lisa sees further developments in technology and health.
"The human touch will always be important, but we'll see what the future holds with digital technology, AI and VR, massage robots and more. Maybe 'the human touch' will be a luxury."
With an eye to the future and a firm foundation in the relationships she has built over the years, Lisa looks forward to continuing to develop Uggla Massage & Wellness.
For hikers in the north, campers in central Sweden and sun worshippers in the south! You know you can take Owl with you on vacation, right?
With over 100 clinics across the country, you can easily find a local masseur wherever you are. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and well-being this summer!
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all our massage treatments and punch cards when you book and pay online. The offer is valid until August 31.
Tip. Don't forget to look up the local masseur near your vacation destination directly in our app.
Here's how you do it:
Take care of yourself and enjoy the summer with a little extra care from us 🧡
100 receptions!
We are incredibly proud to announce that we now have over 100 clinics available across Sweden Our partner number 100 is none other than the amazing Chipo!
Let's tell you a little bit about Chipo, who has an impressive background and passion for the massage profession:
Chipo grew up in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. After graduating from Marlborough High School, she continued her studies in beauty care and cosmetology at Dudley Institute of Technology. Although the college was forced to close due to the economic collapse in Zimbabwe, she continued her journey.
She worked as a flight attendant in both Zimbabwe and South Africa before moving to Kuala Lumpur where she worked as a massage therapist. After returning to Zimbabwe due to the tsunami in 2004, she certified in massage through City and Guilds and VTC.
Chipo has an impressive international experience, including working on luxury cruises and at Canyon Ranch. She also worked at the Aesthetic Elements Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton, before opening her own business in a five-star setting.
In 2021, Chipo moved to Sweden and started her own business, which she now runs successfully in Spånga.
"Uggla has really helped me grow my business and reach new clients. Through assignments from the company, I get to connect with high-profile clients from different cultures and backgrounds. I also learn modern massage trends and techniques in the industry," says Chipo.
We are so proud to have you on board!
Are you a masseur curious to expand your clientele by joining our massage network? Find out more here!
Want to book a massage at Chipo or any of our 100+ clinics around Sweden? Download the app and see which clinic is near you
Are you running the Stockholm Marathon 2024? Then it can be reassuring to know that we have extra staff at the södermalm practice with our awesome sports masseurs George & Pontus who have rolled up their sleeves and are ready to knead tired bodies. Here's how to prepare your body for the race, and recover, with sports massage:
BOOK TREATMENT
Before a marathon, your body needs to be in top shape to handle the physical strain. Sports massage is a key component of your preparation plan. Here's why:
After a marathon, your body needs to recover in order to heal and strengthen. Sports massage plays a crucial role here too:
Our team of professional masseurs is here to help you optimize your performance and recovery. With our expertise in sports massage, you'll get the customized care you need to perform at your best and recover quickly. Book your appointment with us and give yourself the best chance to succeed in the Stockholm Marathon.
Cheer you up & good luck! So, see you before or after the race for a preparatory or recovery massage ?
May can be a busy month for many, which is why it's fitting that Massage Day falls in the middle of the month, on May 12. As well as being an industry day that recognizes all good therapists, Massage Day is a day to celebrate wellbeing and health.
Of course, this is something that we at Uggla want to celebrate big! With the code: MASSAGEDAGEN, you who buy a clip get a full 25% discount on massage at all our 100+ receptions in Sweden! The offer is valid for 24 hours during the day 12/5 2024 but the clip can be used for a whole year from purchase.
How do you use the offer?
Download the app and buy single or multiple clips. Use the code MASSAGEDAGEN in the "activate discount code" field when you check out.
Be well!
/Friends of the Owl ?
We've all been there. With pain in unusual places or the feeling of having "short calves", in the form of training pain, which makes us stumble forward after two days of skiing. Another classic is the stiffness in the body when we get out of the car during the break on the way home from a mountain holiday... Do you recognize yourself and want to prepare your muscles for activity or speed up recovery after skiing during the sports holidays? Then we recommend sports massage.
Our masseurs always adapt the treatment to the individual's wishes. But in short, sports massage can be described as more in-depth. Unlike a classic massage where the primary goal is relaxation, sports massage focuses on treating specific muscles that are under extra strain. In other words, it is effective if you experience tension before and after sports. The treatment consists of different techniques such as trigger point treatment, muscle stretching and muscularization and can be more painful than a classic massage.
Afterwards, people usually experience a release of tension, pain and increased mobility.
That was our sports holiday tip! Otherwise, we would like to remind you to warm up properly and stretch. Watch out on the slopes and good luck on the slopes! We're ready to welcome you for a preventive or restorative treatment?