“From dreams to reality – Erica Argano’s journey to the world championship title”A special moment follows: an interview with the world champion 🏆🌍We talk not only about the victory, but also about the journey, the inspiration and the human side. 💬🤲The second interview of IMN: the first to speak with a world champion competitor 🏆🌍.A story that goes beyond victory – it’s about faith, perseverance and the love of massage. 💬Touch is an Art – Official Interview1. Where are you from and what does it mean to you to represent your country?I am Italian and live near Rome, where I founded my Massage Clinic and also direct Thompson Rome Institute, a training school in massage and manual therapy. Representing Italy in a world championship means proudly bringing our culture into the world of massage. But it also means giving a voice to a profession that, unfortunately, is still not fully recognized in our country. For me, it is an honor to show the world what we do every day in our treatment rooms, without fear, and to encourage other colleagues to believe in themselves.2. How did your career in the world of massage begin?My career began very early. I was only 15 years old when I decided to leave high school and enroll in a vocational school for beauticians – at that time, it was the only way to practice massage in Italy. After just six months, I was already working in one of the largest SPAs in Rome. From there, I never stopped: I studied foot reflexology for three years, specialized as a massage therapist in therapeutic and sports fields, and attended at least five advanced courses every year, both in Italy and abroad.3. What was the moment when you decided you wanted to compete?The decision came when I opened my Massage Clinic. I realized that working only in the treatment room was not enough: I wanted to challenge myself, improve, stand out, and become a reference point in the sector.4. In which category are you competing and why did you choose it?This year I chose chair massage and Swedish massage. Chair massage was a challenge outside of my comfort zone, while Swedish massage is my strength. I use it daily in my practice, combining it with mobilizations and stretching. It was the best way to be fully myself.5. What is special about your competition program?In the chair massage, I created a fusion of techniques, also focusing on the artistic aspect. In the Swedish massage, I introduced an innovative pre-treatment evaluation, using a thermal camera – an approach that intrigued and surprised many.6. How long have you been preparing for this competition?Since 2017, I have been watching the World Massage Championships on YouTube, always telling myself, “One day, I will be there too.” My first participation was in 2022, then again in 2023. But this year, what made the difference was a year-long preparation, supported by my mental coach Graziano Cocco, who taught me how to manage my emotions and bring out my strengths.7. Which technique is closest to you and why?Definitely Swedish massage: it is one of the most requested treatments in my institute and the foundation on which I build my working philosophy.8. What is your greatest professional success so far?My clients. Their well-being and trust are my greatest daily victory. Without them, I would never have been able to create my Massage Clinic.9. What feelings do you want to convey with your treatments?Since I work a lot in therapeutic massage, the first goal is always physical: reducing pain, improving well-being, providing relief. But at the same time, I want every person to live a unique experience. For me, massage is like a tailor-made suit, designed specifically for the receiver: personalized, unique, and unforgettable.10. What trainings and workshops did you attend during your preparation?This year I attended three key courses: in England with Simona Radu Morgan for chair massage, with Radu Drăgan for Swedish massage, and in Italy with Gilda Giordano on massage techniques and posture. In addition, I continuously attend several specialization courses every year, because I strongly believe in ongoing education.11. What is the experience for you of working in the international field?It is an incredible growth opportunity. The exchange with colleagues from different cultures enriches you both professionally and personally. I have learned that massage is a universal language that unites people and traditions.12. How does social media help you in your professional development?It is a showcase that allows me to share my work, techniques, and connect with people I would otherwise never meet. However, I do not use social media as my only marketing tool: I strongly believe in referral campaigns, word of mouth, and the trust built over time.13. Do you have a professional mentor who has helped you a lot on your journey?I have had many teachers and sources of inspiration. But I want to mention two very special people: Paola Greci, the first who believed in me, my safe harbor during 23 years of career. She is no longer with me today, but I know she would be proud. And Edina Leichter, who in the last three years has given me so much both professionally and personally.14. What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far during the competition?That the most important thing is to be yourself. Technique matters, but what you transmit truly makes the difference. And that the need for control is just a limitation: you must let go.15. What tools or oils would you not be able to work without?This year, Ryanair lost the suitcase with all my material for the chair massage: tools, oils, supports. I was desperate. Then I realized that the only truly irreplaceable tools are our hands.16. What kind of feedback do you like to receive the most from a guest?When a client tells me, “I feel reborn.” There is no greater recognition.17. What are your plans after the competition?To continue growing, studying, and teaching. I want to pass on what I have learned to the new generations of professionals.18. How do you deal with pre-competition stress?In the past, I suffered from it a lot, even when I achieved great results. This year I learned to manage it through meditation and breathing. During the performance, I breathe together with the receiver: this allows me to connect body and mind, stay focused, and detach from everything happening around me.19. What message do you have for those who are preparing for their first competition?Enjoy the journey, learn from every experience. Passion is more important than the result. The goal is not victory but bringing your true self to the performance. If you do not try, you will never know. If you do not win, you still learn something. In any case, you are already a winner.20. What is it like to be a world champion? Tell us about it!It is an emotion that cannot be fully described. When I heard my name announced, I saw my whole story flash before my eyes: the 15-year-old girl leaving school, the improvised rooms, the sacrifices, the courses, the setbacks, and the comebacks. I thought of my children, my clients, my teachers, and everyone who believed in me.Being a world champion is not just a personal victory but the proof that dreams, even those that seem impossible, can come true. It is also a great responsibility because now I know I can inspire many colleagues. For me, it means that with passion, dedication, and heart, everything is truly possible.🤲The conversation reveals that the secret to success lies not only in technique, but also in the heart ❤️ and the power of community 🤝.This message can give us all the strength to boldly continue on our own path. 🚀✨The conversation reminds us that behind the championship title there is always a human journey, struggles and dreams ❤️.His message to all of us: passion and faith can change worlds 🌟🚀.#massage #IMAInternational Massage Association Tengbjerg Sundhedsuddannelser Italianmassagecontest Massopreneurs Mag ROMAN MassageTerapi World Association of Nuad Thai & Spa INTERNATIONAL MASSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION (SINGAPORE) World Massage Festival Balkansko takmičenje masaže Massage World World Massage Conference International Assembly of Massage Therapists and Professional Schools International Association​ of ​Nuad​ thai​ World Massage Super Cup Asociatia de Masaj si Terapii Complementare Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness Erica Argano Canadian Massage Championships Dajana Jankovic Christina Blei-Amatdoelrasit Olja Pilic Dobric Motoc Iulian Linn Mi Amor Yoom Truong Thi Ngoc Anh IMN – International Massage New World Massage Championship Participants World Massage Festival & Massage Therapy Hall of Fame World Massage Council-WMC WMF World Massage Championship 2025 World Massage Championships – Krabi Thailand World Championship Massage 2025 Wmf Azerbaycan @w