02/27/2026
Protecting our peace.
Bodywork Unbound, in Gates, NY, is a safe space for all. I created BU in 2013 as an environment that allowed therapists to expand their modalities, have time between appointments to make meaningful client connections and have a real team to lean on and learn from.
Initially when we opened, and over the years, we've had a few inappropriate messages and calls (like most professional massage studios have unfortunately) and while this was irritating, typically we would just block their numbers and add their information to an internal ‘do not schedule’ note.
In order to protect ourselves further, we began to require additional information over the years in order to schedule appointments. This now includes; full name, phone number, email address and a deposit for any scheduled appointment. These requirements ward off inappropriate individuals almost immediately.
Unfortunately, about 2 years ago, our business was added, without our permission, to a foreign website called ‘rubmaps’ and we had an influx of messages about erotic massage and happy endings. We contacted our local police department about it and filed a report for the callers. They did look into it but as the site is based out of another country, there wasn’t anything legally they could do. We reported some numbers asking for s*xual services but we were told that someone texting asking for s*x wasn’t enough because they could be cloning a phone number or give a fake name or say someone else used their number/phone to send the messages. While this was disheartening, we understood; we needed more evidence.
Since then, we have continued blocking the numbers, sometimes we would information-dump the individuals in hopes they would understand we are not that type of business and spread the word to not reach out to us.
Yesterday, my front desk notified me that someone sent her an unsolicited picture of their ge***al region, and I said that’s enough.
This individual began the conversation asking about a back massage, which is a very normal question, and continued with vague and insinuating language. When they were asked for clarification, the picture was sent.
This was the first time we have received this type of image and whoever they are just crossed an even bigger line. I knew we needed to make this stop and really put our foot down. We answered them professionally but vaguely as well and gave a time for them to arrive at the Spa.
Immediately, I reached out to one of my close friends in a police department in another town and he told me to call 911. I called the Gates Police Department first and explained to the individual what was happening. They also told me to call 911 disclosing that it wasn’t an emergency so I called. 911 told me they couldn’t schedule an officer to arrive but to call back closer to the time and let them know it was time sensitive.
We called back and explained again and officers arrived within 10 minutes! I explained the situation and told them my plan. They were on board and coded the job “operation special oil”. I was safely able to acquire the evidence needed to make a solicitation arrest and the officers moved immediately and apprehended this individual.
I am proud to be the owner of Bodywork Unbound. I am proud to have my business in Gates and feel our safety truly matters. I am proud to stand up to the individuals that demoralize Licensed Massage Therapists as s*x workers. I will protect my team and health care field with everything I have and being able to serve some justice made yesterday an amazing day.
Thank you SOOOO much GATES Police Department, and to my amazing BU Team for your support and confidence. Unfortunately, there was some noise disturbance at the Spa from the event and I am reaching out to those individuals that were in session at the time to explain the situation and offer complimentary future services.
This was a ‘happy ending’ in the best way possible for our business, our community and the massage therapists in Rochester that have to deal with these requests. My staff and my clients safety is my responsibility and I hope this individual spreads the word that we are not that kind of place and to stay far away. Unless they want matching friendship bracelets of course!
