(My Happy Place Massage Studio, source: My Happy Place Massage Studio)
In an ever-growing industry, Vickie Benz, founder of My Happy Place, a massage therapy practice, believes that it will soon provide more medically focused treatments as opposed to ‘the standard spa services’. She adds that the medical path in massage therapy will be more economically resilient and provide job security.
“At the heart of it, I have always believed that it takes a village to support one another,” Benz says. “For me, that applies to my family, clients, therapists, and everyone as a community. My Happy Place started as a personal vision for me. It has grown into a space where connection, trust, and professional development exist side by side.”
Benz notes that her approach has been shaped by her own journey through the industry. As a single mother raising two children, inspired by family entrepreneurs from a young age, she built the business independently with the support of friends, moving through mobile massage therapy, in-home services, and working within spas and chiropractic offices. She adds that she actively sought mentorship along the way, through networking, what she refers to as her own village of support.
Before entering into a massage therapy programme, she set her five-year goal, shaping how she began to think about building something of her own. “I saw a lot of different ways the industry works,” she says. “There were places where the pace was very high, and there were also environments where therapists did not always feel supported by employers.” She highlights that these experiences only encouraged her to keep going. Shifting from an employee mindset to business ownership.
According to Benz, her studio model reflects a structure where therapists have greater flexibility and empowerment with their body work. Micromanagement is not something she likes to do. She notes that this approach allows practitioners to build autonomy, manage their schedules, and develop in ways that align with their goals.
For Benz, communication remains central to how the business operates. She emphasizes the importance of listening in both client care and team dynamics. “Clients want to feel heard. They want to be able to say what works for them and what does not,” she says. “And the same applies to therapists. When therapists feel listened to, it can influence how they approach their work.”
She adds that this mindset contributes to how treatments are delivered. Many clients, she notes, come in with specific physical concerns, which outlines both the approach to care and the level of attention required from therapists. “A lot of our clients are looking for targeted services for real pain relief,” she says. “That requires knowledge, attention, and a mutual objective between the client and the therapist.”
Benz connects this approach to long-term relationships with the clients. She says, “When people feel comfortable and understood, clients return more repetitively for overall maintenance and wellness. It becomes part of their routine and something they trust.” “There are a lot of trials and tribulations for becoming a massage therapist,” she says. She adds that many of the decisions behind My Happy Place came from that understanding.
As My Happy Place has grown, Benz has expanded her role into mentorship and education. She emphasizes that providing freedom to her team is an important part of how she supports their development. “I spend a lot of time working with my therapists,” she says. “It matters to me that they have the confidence, and I like to encourage them to harness their own empowerment. I’m always there for guidance if and when they need it.”
“About three years ago, I was able to have the classroom experience from a teacher’s perspective. I couldn’t wait to share information on how to improve the student massage techniques. Now, being a Board Approved Continuing Education Provider, I’m able to teach my own courses (CEUs), which gives me the opportunity to pass on what I have learnt.” She adds that supporting therapists includes encouraging their long-term growth, even when that leads them towards their own independent paths.
Reflecting on the decade-long journey of My Happy Place, Benz says it represents both consistency and continued forward movement. “I am always looking for ways to grow and to do things differently,” she notes. “A decade is a milestone, and I am already thinking about what comes next and how we can keep improving.” She notes that this includes exploring new ideas, making changes within the space, and finding ways to keep the business evolving.
Through My Happy Place, Benz aims to continue exploring how care, communication, and community can come together within a single space. She believes that her bodywork influences how massage therapy is viewed within her community, bringing together technical expertise and a strong emphasis on human connection.
For Benz, this perspective is closely tied to her personal experience. She says that managing a business while raising two children requires resilience, discipline, and a willingness to adapt. Her Christian faith, she adds, is her primary role in staying grounded and focused as she moves forward. “Even when things feel uncertain and scary, taking that next step is a must. It’s imperative to keep trying even when you fail,” she notes.
As she looks ahead, her focus remains aligned with the philosophy that guided her from the beginning. She says, “If you are willing to keep going, to listen, and to try new things, you will eventually create a meaningful impact. That is what I hope people take away from my journey.”
