After doing a course in reflexology in Bangkok, Joanita began giving lessons in spas across the city. But her lessons to the students from the National Association of the Blind turned her life around. She explains that although the task of teaching reflexology without giving visual examples was an initial hurdle, she soon overcame it.

With an alert sense of touch, Joanita’s new students quickly picked up the techniques. But in spite of their skills, they could not gain employment in Mumbai’s spas. “That’s when I decided to create the jobs myself,” said Joanita. And Metta Spa was born.

Joanita worries about her masseurs – from whether they eat well to how they get home safely. But they don’t get any pampering from Joanita. The masseurs, who refuse to accept charity, are happy to be receiving salaries.

Well, hopefully more and more paychecks will keep coming. “I want to open many more Mettas till all my students are hired,” says Joanita.