We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandi Grayson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was to see something in me worth investing in—whether it was their time, energy, wisdom, or care.

The kindness shown to me holds special significance because of the adversity I faced growing up and how it would mold me. I didn’t have a strong support system or the guidance needed to navigate the world. This left me feeling unprepared, insignificant, and often lost in my efforts. Despite the challenges this created, I continued to strive even though the path wasn’t clear. Because I kept moving forward, I was fortunate to encounter incredible individuals who stepped in at pivotal moments. These remarkable people recognized my potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself. They showed up for me in ways that were unexpected and deeply impactful, always with my highest good in mind.
Each of these individuals came from different walks of life, with unique roles, experiences, and purposes. Despite their differences, they all shared a profound kindness and belief in me that I will forever cherish.
Their support not only altered the course of my life for the better but also inspired me to show up for others with the same dedication and care. I carry their influence with me in both my personal life and my work in the world.

Brandi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always been passionate about the healing arts. In 2023, I graduated from Arbor College School of Massage in Knoxville. My own healing experiences led me to massage therapy—starting with a need to reconnect with my body as a source of wisdom and strength. This personal journey grounds my work in empathy and allows me to hold a safe, compassionate space with an invitation to explore embodiment through massage and bodywork.
Today, I’m honored to practice in the Moon Studio at Mind Body Knox—a dream realized after years of growth and dedication to a vision. Additionally, my part-time work at Pure Luxe Salon and Day Spa in Hardin Valley has provided a solid foundation for my career, helping me refine my skills and connect with a diverse range of individuals.
My work focuses on supporting individuals navigating trauma, grief, loss, and life transitions—or simply those in need of a space to rest and be. Through compassionate presence and restorative bodywork, I aim to help clients feel safe, supported, and invited to reconnect with their bodies in ways that feel natural and healing.
One of the things I’m most proud of is helping people shift from stress and disconnection to a state of peace and embodiment. It’s deeply fulfilling to witness the release of long-held tension and see someone reconnect with the wisdom their body holds.
What sets my work apart is the blend of technical bodywork and an intuitive, empathetic approach to the nervous system. I focus on creating a space that supports not just the physical body but also the emotional and mental well-being of each person I work with. My practice is about more than just massage—it’s about fostering self-compassion, integration, and authentic healing.
I believe the body holds incredible wisdom. When we take the time to listen with patience and compassion, we create space for healing and growth. My work is a gentle invitation to honor that wisdom and trust in the body’s innate ability to restore balance.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that work-life balance doesn’t exist—and that to work is to suffer. I absorbed the belief that work was something you endured, not something you could truly enjoy. Since I was 17, I saw work as a means to an end, something no one wanted to do but had to and the jobs I held reinforced this idea. I worked alongside people who were tired, frustrated, and uninspired, and I carried those same feelings with me.
Deep down, though, I felt a quiet resistance. I didn’t believe it was truly supposed to be this way, but I didn’t know what the alternative looked like. For years, I pushed through multiple jobs and making things more tolerable where I could. I climbed into roles that gave me more control over my environment, where I could lead with heart and offer inspiration. Still, the belief that work had to be hard and self-sacrificing lingered.

When I found massage therapy, it felt like a door opened to a fresh reality. I discovered work that not only aligned with my values but gave me a sense of purpose. It wasn’t just something I did—it was something I loved. Over time, I began to see some truth in the old saying, “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

The biggest shift came when I took the leap to let go of a job that felt secure but wasn’t where my heart was. Taking that risk was terrifying. I worried about losing income and the comfort of the familiar. But in doing so, I gained something far more valuable: purpose, freedom, clarity, balance, and the space to truly feel and inhabit my life.

Unlearning the belief that work must be a struggle has been one of the most transformative lessons of my life. Work-life balance isn’t a myth to me anymore—it’s a possibility that comes from aligning with your values, trusting your heart, and making choices that honor your well-being. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to do work that not only fills my cup but allows me to show up fully for others.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a constant thread in my journey, especially when it comes to showing up authentically in a world that often values “fitting in” over genuine belonging. Early on, I noticed that changing myself just to be accepted left me feeling disconnected and dimmed my spark. Brene Brown captures this so well when she says: “Fitting in is the act of changing yourself to be accepted, while belonging is the act of being who you are and being part of something larger.”

If I had continued trying to fit into environments—whether at home, school, or jobs—that didn’t honor my true self, I would have lost the sense of purpose and connection that keeps me inspired. Instead, I chose to seek out spaces where I could belong as I was, and that decision has shaped my life and career for the better.

Remaining authentic isn’t always easy—it demands courage and the ability to bounce back when faced with challenges or judgment. Yet, every time I’ve stayed true to myself, I’ve grown stronger and more committed to creating an environment where others feel respected, seen, and genuinely welcomed. When we practice resilience in being ourselves, we give others permission to do the same, and together we cultivate deeper belonging. It’s this blend of authenticity, belonging, and resilience that I believe leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life all around.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindbodyknox.com/privatesessions
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandigraysonlmt/