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

Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

When I was in massage therapy school, I firmly declared that I would never start my own business. I listened to everyone else’s business plans, cheered them on, but the idea of establishing my own was not something I desired. My clinic manager kindly allowed me to use her office to practice. It was a small space, perfectly designed with everything I needed, and over time, I began to envision myself working in my own space. I thought, “Hmm, this could work for me.”

After graduating, I took a leap of faith and opened my own office in an adjacent building. It felt as though God was giving me a sign when a “BREATH” sign hung outside my office. The space was slightly larger, offering ample room to create a peaceful environment for Olive Branch Therapeutic Massage, which I opened in January 2020. The building was dated, and clients had to climb stairs to reach my office, but my clientele grew. Still, I knew this would be a temporary space.

In 2023, one of my clients, Atlanta Carrera (of Atlanta’s Art), encouraged me to consider a new location. Though I knew it would be a more expensive move, I initially dismissed the idea. But months later, Susana Crispin (of My Way Wellness) pushed me to reconsider. When I walked into the potential new location, I was immediately drawn to a sign on the wall that said “Inhale-Exhale.” It felt like another sign from God. As I admired the layout, the color scheme, and the essential oils at the entrance, I felt an immediate connection—it felt perfect for me.

A month later, I moved into the new location. I am deeply grateful for Atlanta and Susana’s encouragement. Staying in my old, convenient, and comfortable space was easy, but this new office has stretched me in ways I needed—professionally, personally, and spiritually.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. Zechariah 4:10

Jennifer, 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?

In 2001, while attending NC State University, I began noticing spa commercials that highlighted massage therapy. At the time, it seemed like a luxurious experience focused on relaxation and pampering. However, the simple yet powerful concept of relaxation piqued my interest. After returning from an 8-month internship at a paper mill, I felt ready to completely change my college path. But when I shared this with a college advisor, I was quickly dismissed: “You’ll never make as much money in massage therapy as you will in this field.”

Years later, I experienced a low back injury that required chiropractic care. To my surprise, there was a massage therapist on staff. After my adjustment, a kind and knowledgeable therapist worked to relieve the pain and tension, making it much more tolerable.

Though I spent nearly 15 years working for a major telecommunications company, massage therapy remained a true passion for me. In 2019, I took a bold leap of faith, completing my training and earning my massage therapy license.

I offer a variety of traditional massage services, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Himalayan Hot Stone, Pregnancy, and Cupping. I’m also proud to serve our veterans as a Zeel Medical Massage Provider. My clients seek improvements in relaxation, range of motion, pain relief, tension reduction, and addressing various conditions. The newest addition to my practice is the Sunlighten mPulse Smart Sauna, which offers a range of benefits supported by clinical studies, including detoxification, weight loss, heart health, anti-aging, muscle recovery, and enhanced immunity.

My daily goal is to transform lives—mind, body, and spirit—through massage therapy. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach; customizing treatments to meet each individual’s unique needs is essential. As the proprietor and the sole massage therapist on staff, I take pride in offering clients the reassurance that they are always cared for by the same dedicated therapist.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2018, our family faced back-to-back losses—loved ones passed away, and family homes were flooded or damaged, some beyond repair, by Hurricane Florence. During that time of grief and uncertainty, I witnessed an unwavering faith in God. As a business owner and a single mother, I too face moments of doubt. But I often reflect on that year, when so much happened, and remember how God remained faithful. His plan is always greater than our own, and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can think or ask. On my journey, I’ve seen God do just that. I’m also deeply grateful for the meaningful connections I’ve made with other women in business.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes. If possible, I would have changed my college major to massage therapy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://olivebranchmassages.com
• Instagram: olive.branch.massages
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/olivebranchmassages