I was looking for a position that would allow me to work fewer hours, and pay me what Im worth. After reading about the owner Darcy, I visited her website and decided to apply. I was told I would need to pay a $50 fee, get a shirt with her company logo on it, and of course interview.
Long story short, I applied & we exchanged a few phone calls and emails. She stressed that she couldnt send me work until I paid my fee, and bought a shirt, so I did. However, after that, for some jobs, she would require that you pay her $50 up front before she would give you the job. I thought that was very unfair. Ive never heard of requiring someone to pay BEFORE your job was done. If you couldnt pay then she would say she was going to give the job to someone else who could. Now, its been about a year and she says her new policy is that therapists have to renew their contract WITH a $50 fee every year. In addition, although she offers a good pay percentage, she doesnt speak for the therapists, or promote their skills, so the earnings are very low for MOST of the jobs you're sent on. With all of that in mind, I didnt think it was fair to ask for $50 from everyone on her team, every single year.. It really feels like were being hustled. Ive recently applied to Dr. Dots team, and so far so good. She features her therapists in her blog and on her FB page, requires a minimum from backstage clients so that we dont drive 100+ miles for $60, you NEVER have to pay upfront except for when you initially sign on (and its 5 bucks cheaper!), AND there is no yearly membership fee. The standards seem to be much higher with Dr. Dot as I am scheduled for an audition, and have already had to fax in copies of my license, insurance, and references (which she called, my references told me). None of those things happened with Stage Hands Massage which is probably why many clients complained of sub standard massages. I know I give a good massage, but what about the other team members?
The company did everything to try to resolve the issue, but after several attempts to contact the complainant, no answer has been received. Therefore the complaint is declared to be untrue.
This Darcy woman is a racist. I am fully qualified massage therapist with 17 yrs of experience, but was turned down for a position with this company. I was told they didn't need anyone else in my area, however hired my white friend, the next day, who has less experience and not as many qualifications as me. Easy to presume this is the color of my skin? I might agree if this company employed 1 black person, but sadly she doesn't. This company is the height of racism and it is a concern. I would never have believed it, had I not experienced it for myself. Thankfully I found work with a reputable company who care more about my skills than the color of my skin!
The Charity that she runs is clearly just a scam. I was told that to remain on her books, I needed "DONATE" my time for free giving massages, and to collect money, for her charity, "AHEM" The Hand that rocks! Don't get me wrong I am more than prepared to do things for charity, but this Darcy woman is purely a master of deceit. I have asked several times to see either a charity number or report, or something to legitimize the monies I handed over at the end of the day, but was even refused a receipt for the monies I donated. Is she had nothing to hide, she would have provided all of the things I requested, but clearly the monies do not go to help anyone but Darcy. Having spoken to other massage therapists, asked to assist with her "Charity Work" they all had the same experiences, and came to the same conclusion. We were all duped by Darcy, and her trail of dishonesty continues.
I was asked to do the charity day of massage, which was cool except clearly the money went right into Darcy's pocket. I asked for a receipt so I could at least claim it as a charitable donation, or something, but she said she couldn't do that. I told her that it was kinda bad to expect to just hand over cash to any without a receipt. She told me if I wanted to work for her again, I'd just what I was told. No Charity that is above board would refuse a receipt. In the end I had to give her the cash, as I felt intimidated by the thug she had with her and believe me, he would have been violent I am sure. Since I left Stage Hand Massage, I met so many other Therapists who have been with by Darcy, and left being owed money and stuff. I wish I had been warned off the b**** before, so take heed.
What a dishonest company! This company is not legit. They claim that its all for charity but then pay you ZERO. They do donate but they keep half. They try to confuse you with bs but trust me when I say they are con artists. Pass this along to all therapists you know. Even associating with them leaves a bad smell. Wish I never had!
All of these comments were written by the same person! Hands That Rock is a legitimate 501c3 that is required to follow IRS guidelines and NO money is being pocketed. We give each of our therapists a donation receipt so they can claim the money they donate. I do not reside in chicago, nor would I walk around with a THUG. We are not racist but an equal opportunity employer. These comments are fueled by jealousy, hatred, and by therapists who apparently don't do their homework and having nothing better to do then falsely accuse hard working organizations . This website needs to better facilitate their postings because these posts are a defamation of character with no validity to them.
What does the website need to do? Gather proof or have some sort of trial before they allow postings lol? I will, however, personally discredit what I've read in some of these comments, specifically about this company not asking for proof of credentials (certification, insurance, etc) bc I have done one event for them in the past and they did require all of those things. No one asked me to do a test massage but I won't say that necessarily means they usually don't bc I was asked last minute to pick up a show (I had previously never even heard of this company). The event I worked went fine. It wasn't much business for me, I think maybe 2 or 3 table massages, but I didn't have to travel far at all and I wasn't unhappy with anything about the job.
Thank you for your comment regarding Stage Hands Massage and the Hands That Rock. We do in fact require proof of licensure, etc...often times our therapists are auditioned by the clients at a particular event if it is a last minute request. We also tell our therapists there is never a guarantee of income and bands don't guarantee a minimum. So, it can be a good experience in a non traditional environment for the right person. In regards to this website, much of the content they allow includes the use of profanity and the defamation of someone's character. Allowing valid complaints is one thing, but allowing someone to post and say anything they want is libelous and actually discredits the validity of the complaints.
Darcy is not a professional woman and I discourage anyone from working for her! She is rude and impatient. Darcy seems to think she is above the rest and needs to learn to treat people with respect
I agree. Darcy is always looking for new therapists because her attitude Is a little harsh yes we were required to you give our license and insurance yes we were required to give a $50 fee the T-shirt fee was extra and yes she talks to you like you have a tail when asking about payment amount or time frame...any other things if those details seem small to her...she will reply, I answered you I read your email again very rude and unbusinesslike