Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Brown-dugger
Kelli, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’d never had a massage before applying for massage therapy school. I had no idea what to expect. You can imagine my surprise when we learned we’d be undressing down to nothing, with just a sheet to cover us while we practiced on each other. As a 21-year-old with a history of body issues, I was wildly unprepared for this. As someone who has lived her entire life in a larger body, I tried to stick with like bodied partners as we practiced, but–surprise! We had to learn on everyone. I knew my body would be silently judged by those I was paired with each week. Some not too silently.
My first real massage job was in a day spa where I slathered women in a product claiming to remove inches from their bodies before wrapping them up in saran wrap; while in a body that could best be described as their worst nightmare. This was just the beginning. Over my career I’ve done cryosculpting, toning wraps, detoxifying wraps, dry brushing to help remove cellulite, while also instructing clients on how to use the fat burning saunas. Peddling treatments to help them attain the perfect body, all while wearing a size 24 myself.
I’ve never felt good about any of this.
The breaking point for me was robe service, where we claimed to carry up to 8x robes (and maybe we did, somewhere, tucked away out of sight in the back). I witnessed too many clients tugging closed their one size fits all robes, holding them awkwardly as they waited to be taken back to their various services. For the amount of money people would pay for these services, this was not the way it should have started for them.
What if there was a place where we could actually feel good about our bodies–in our bodies. An oasis where diet culture can’t reach us, and even if you don’t love your body, you could at least not hate on it for an hour. A place where you are the focus and the services and bolstering are customized to YOU. That’s what my goal for Good Body is, and while it’s currently a solo massage practice set in a small room in someone else’s office, I have BIG dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Mine has been a journey of trials, errors and a lot of growth. My biggest struggle has been finding a place to fit in. My ethos and ideas haven’t always aligned with the environments I have worked in. After a failed attempt at being a business owner in 2015, I actually stepped away from massage for a while. I had a retail job that was consistent and paid the bills, but after my mother passed, the lack of compassion caused me to seek out massage once more. Feeling even more untethered after this profound loss, I moved around a little while I tried to find somewhere to place roots. Each place I had the opportunity to do massage helped to refine and mold my technique and eventually gave me the confidence to open up my own practice. A place where I could do exactly what I want, the way I want, on people who are also looking for a place where they belong. It’s been a long road but I’m so grateful for where I am now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a body positive, inclusive massage therapist that focuses on custom bolstering and spa quality services for every body. Comfort is my priority and I aim to make my clients comfortable on the table and off by creating a safe space where they are free to be exactly who they are. This allows people to relax on a deeper level which is the key to a great massage.
How do you think about happiness?
Professionally, making a palpable difference in the lives of others has been the most fulfilling thing about my career. I love knowing someone feels better after spending an hour on my table. It makes me even happier when they come back or refer others to me. It gives me purpose and makes me want to do more to support my clients and my communities.
Personally, my 15-year-old lemon long haired dalmatian makes me happy with her silly personality. My ever supportive and equally goofy husband, our very vocal black cat and a good cheese also makes me pretty happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.massagebook.com/biz/goodbodymassage_tc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodbodymassage_tc/
Image Credits
Jess Lyon