by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 19/97) - Most people only dream about working in a relaxed environment.

But massage therapist Sally Urkow is one of the few who is actually living the dream. She spends her work day in a tiny room with burning candles, soft music, and the scent of aromatherapy oils emanating throughout.

"I guess you could call it relaxing," she says, laughing.

Urkow is in the business of relaxing her clients, and it supplies a pleasurable environment for her, too.

She doesn't have set hours. Urkow is available six days a week morning, afternoon, and evenings, whenever her clients need her.

She doesn't like the idea of a tight schedule because she prefers taking the time with her clients to let them relax.

"I don't like to rush them out the door," she says. "I don't feel like rushing them, especially when they're in this environment to relax."

A native of Camrose, Alta., she moved to Yellowknife nine months ago to set up her own massage therapy business at Body Works Fitness Centre.

"Terry Chang (the owner of Body Works) faxed the school to say she was looking for a massage therapist," says Urkow. "I really like the gym atmosphere. I like to work out myself, so it's great."

Urkow says keeping physically fit is an important part of her work.

"This is not really a downside, but I notice that if I don't work out, I get tight myself. I can get lots of aches and pains, but it's nothing that a massage can't cure. My job is very physical."

A graduate of the Foothills College of Massage Therapy in Calgary, Urkow has wanted to give massages for a living since she heard a friend talk about how rewarding it is to see clients get results from the therapy.

"Being able to help people and seeing results," she says. "My hands are my tools. In a way, it's like problem-solving with the body."