From migrant to business owner, meet Tamworth's newest masseuse with big dreams

Born in Isfahan, Iran, the masseuse once worked as a sports physiotherapist for a martial arts team in his home country. He has a Master's Degree.

Four years ago he packed his things into a 30 kilogram luggage and changed continents.

He spoke so little English he had to order breakfast at the airport at random.

The 10-year massage veteran had to start his whole career from scratch, because the Australian government didn't recognise his qualifications. He worked in Sydney for free while studying for two years.

He doesn't regret a thing.

"I already knew about Australia when I came. I actually travelled everywhere in Australia," he said.

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"I said oh my God, it's heaven!"

After a move from Sydney to Tamworth at the behest of Multicultural Tamworth head Eddie Whitham about eight months ago, he set up a home and mobile massage service.

A fortnight ago, he took the next step, opening the city's newest massage business, Massageland.

The Centrepoint premises has room four four masseuses and a receptionist, but they currently have just three staff.

"I have a plan to get bigger," he said.

"My dream clinic is a pain management clinic.

"People come with pain, have a physio, chiro, remedial. I wanted to move one step towards the business."

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Mr Pah said the best part of the job is seeing the smile on the customer's face.

"I love this smile. This smile, it's worth a million dollars," he said.

"I remember the first time I did for my patient that he was disabled. He was in lots of pain, lower back and that. After that he just slowly sat on a couch and said 'Fred God bless you'."

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