20 Years of Healing — Stephanie’s Journey in Massage Therapy
Celebrating 20 years in the field of massage therapy is a milestone I hold with immense gratitude. I’m Stephanie, founder of Salt & Sage Healing in St. Petersburg, FL, and I’m honored to share how a journey that started with a simple goal—to support my children—has grown into a lifelong mission to help others through healing touch.
From the Beginning: A Leap of Faith
My story began at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where I enrolled in massage therapy school with one goal in mind: creating a better life for my kids. I graduated in 2005 and stepped right into my first role at a chiropractor’s office. There, I saw firsthand how bodywork could relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve someone’s daily life. That experience changed the way I viewed massage therapy—it became more than a career. It became a calling.
A Passion for Learning and Growing
As my interest deepened, so did my education. I pursued training in:
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Each new skill helped me understand the body on a deeper level and allowed me to customize treatments based on each client’s specific needs. I saw better results, built lasting relationships with clients, and felt even more aligned with my purpose.
Opening My First Practice
In 2011, I opened my very first massage space. It was modest, but it was mine—a space where I could grow, heal, and create something of my own. That chapter gave me the confidence to take my skills to new places.
Spa Experience and New Beginnings
Later, life led me to Kentucky, where I worked at a high-end spa and met Nick—my now husband and co-owner of Salt & Sage Healing. It was a time of both personal and professional growth. I became head trainer at the spa, mentoring other therapists and refining my leadership skills.
Eventually, I was invited to teach at a local technical college, where I designed their entire massage therapy curriculum. Working hands-on with students and helping shape the next generation of massage therapists remains one of my proudest accomplishments.
Salt & Sage Healing Is Born
When we moved to St. Petersburg, FL, I knew it was time to bring my vision to life. In 2021, Nick and I opened Salt & Sage Healing—a massage therapy and wellness space centered around healing, connection, and authenticity.
At Salt & Sage Healing, we focus on:
- Personalized therapeutic massage
- Deep tissue and lymphatic work
- Prenatal and postpartum care
- Energy balancing and intuitive bodywork
Everything we do is rooted in compassion, skill, and intention. We’ve created a welcoming space where our clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.
What 20 Years Has Taught Me
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in two decades of bodywork, it’s that healing is never one-size-fits-all. Every client is different. Every story is unique. And every session is a chance to support someone on their personal path to wellness.
The work is deeply personal, and that’s what keeps it meaningful. From clients struggling with chronic pain to students learning their first techniques, I carry each experience with me.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the past 20 years, I feel incredibly thankful—for my clients, my students, my colleagues, and my family. Every chapter, challenge, and connection has shaped the therapist and person I am today.
And I’m not done yet. The next chapter of Salt & Sage Healing is just beginning—and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Here’s to the healing still to come.
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