Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Lindbo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

One of the most defining seasons of my professional life began under the guidance of the only Massage Therapist boss I ever had. She took me under her wing early in my career, and for that, I will always be grateful. She believed in me enough to hire me and trust me with her patients and her practice. I learned so much from her—not just through what she did well, but also in the ways she struggled. In truth, she taught me just as much about the kind of leader I didn’t want to be, and for that, I hold a deep appreciation.

After just 90 days, I asked for a raise. I believed in the value of the work I was doing and was hopeful for a conversation about growth. Instead, I was told that if I thought I was worth more than $19/hour, I’d become a toxic influence on the patients—and I was let go. I was devastated. I called her back the next day, crying, begging to return, promising never to ask for a raise again. She took me back, and I spent the next five years building her clinic, supporting her team, and giving her everything I had.

When I finally decided to open a clinic of my own—a dream she always knew I held—she fired me on the spot. What followed was heartbreaking. She spread rumors to referring providers, slandered my name, and tried to poison my reputation. Her words were meant to break me, to scare me into silence and failure. But I chose to rise above. I used her words like fuel. I let her doubt in me become the reason I stepped fully into my power.

Later, I built a clinic with someone I called a friend. But again, when things got hard and envy crept in, she too tried to tear me down—telling others I’d never succeed, encouraging my employees to leave, and making me feel like a failure.

But here’s the truth: I’ve spent my whole life being told I’m not enough. That I’m not successful enough, not strong enough, not capable enough. And for a long time, I believed it. But I never let it stop me. I kept showing up. I kept believing in something greater than fear. I knew that my heart, my vision, and my calling were stronger than the noise around me.

Today, I run a thriving medical massage clinic—on my own—for the past seven years. My team is made up of some of the most remarkable humans I’ve ever known. They’re not just employees—they’re my friends, my tribe. We’ve built something sacred here: a place of healing, community, and belonging.

And this year—my proudest milestone yet—I retired my husband from his career and brought him home to work beside me. Together, we run our business and raise our four beautiful children with freedom and intention.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned? That you don’t have to be handed power—you can create it. That the opinions of others can’t define you unless you let them. And that believing in yourself—even when no one else does—can be the most powerful act of leadership there is.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Jessica Lindbo, Founder of Meridian Medical Massage

“Where healing begins with heart.”

For those who may not know me, my name is Jessica Lindbo, and I’m the proud founder of Meridian Medical Massage, a thriving clinic rooted in the belief that healing happens when people are truly seen, heard, and cared for—not just physically, but emotionally and holistically. I started this journey as a Massage Therapist myself, with a passion for people and a heart for service. But I quickly realized that I wasn’t just meant to work in the industry—I was called to transform it.

What began as a dream in a treatment room turned into a full-scale medical massage practice that has now served our community for over 12 years. Our clinic specializes in therapeutic, neuromuscular, injury recovery, and trauma-informed massage. We work closely with patients recovering from auto accidents, work injuries, chronic pain, and those living with high levels of stress or emotional strain that show up in the body. We collaborate with providers, attorneys, and insurance companies to ensure that every patient gets the care they not only need, but deserve.

At Meridian Medical Massage, we aren’t just about relaxing spa-like experiences—we’re about results. We focus on root-cause healing. We treat pain at its source. We’re a clinic people turn to when they feel overlooked by traditional medicine or dismissed in their pain. That’s where we come in—not just with hands-on therapy, but with advocacy, education, and support.

What sets us apart? First, our people. Every therapist here is handpicked not only for their skill, but for their heart. We’ve created a team that genuinely cares—not just about doing a great massage, but about connecting with the person on the table. We bring laughter into our halls, kindness into every session, and deep, meaningful healing into the lives of our patients. Our clients often tell us that they came in for physical relief but left feeling emotionally lighter, more empowered, and truly cared for. That’s not an accident—it’s our mission.

Second, we operate like a family. Many of our patients feel like they’re walking into a second home when they come here. We remember your name, your story, and your journey. We cheer you on. We celebrate your progress. And we’re honored to be part of your path to healing.

What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created—one where my team feels empowered, supported, and seen. A place where clients don’t just receive healing, but feel inspired to take ownership of their health and wellness. And personally, I’m proud that I never gave up on this dream—even when I was told I would fail, even when people tried to silence me or shut me down. I kept going. I built something from the ground up, with heart, faith, grit, and love. And now, this year I’ve been able to retire my husband from his job, run the clinic full-time, and raise our four beautiful four children while giving back to the community that gave so much to me.

To potential clients, here’s what I want you to know:

You are not alone in your pain, or your journey. You are not broken. You deserve to feel good in your body. You deserve to be heard, supported, and healed. And that’s exactly what we do at Meridian Medical Massage. We meet you where you are, and we walk with you toward where you’re meant to be.

To anyone following our journey, thank you. We’re not just building a clinic. We’re building a movement. A movement of care, compassion, connection, and deep, lasting healing.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I’ve actually been asked this question quite a few times, and my answer is always the same: Absolutely. Without hesitation. A thousand times, yes.

In my eyes, there is no more rewarding or fulfilling profession than being a Medical Massage Therapist. It’s not just about relieving pain—it’s about restoring life. I’ve had the incredible honor of helping someone hold their grandchildren again without pain, run the marathon they once only dreamed of, or walk confidently after a surgery they feared would change everything. I’ve watched people rediscover hope, strength, movement, and self-belief—all because someone took the time to truly listen to their body and care for their healing journey.

To be a part of someone’s transformation—to witness their quality of life return, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually—that is a gift I’ll never take for granted. I’ve been hugged in tears, sent thank-you letters and gifts, and built lifelong friendships with people I first met on a treatment table. I can’t think of many careers where you’re allowed the privilege of walking beside someone through their pain and their progress.

And beyond the clients, I get to do this work alongside a team that feels more like family. These are some of the most compassionate, brilliant, and heart-centered humans I’ve ever met. We’ve built something more than a clinic—we’ve built a tribe. We serve with purpose, laugh often, support one another, and give our all to our community. And because we love what we do, and we love who we do it with, it never really feels like work—it feels like one of the greatest blessings of my life.

So yes, I would choose this path again in a heartbeat. It has shaped me, fulfilled me, and allowed me to give back in ways I never dreamed possible.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

This question used to make me feel a little unqualified to answer. Not because I don’t lead a team—I do—but because I didn’t start out with traditional leadership skills. I didn’t come into this business with a background in management. I came into it with a big heart, a dream, and a whole lot of healing I hadn’t yet done.

In the early years, I struggled deeply with boundaries, abandonment wounds, and self-worth. I poured myself into my business and my team, often to my own detriment. I said “yes” to everything—every request, every accommodation—out of fear that someone would leave or feel unsupported. And I was criticized for it. Business coaches, former partners, even friends told me I was too soft, too caring. I got teased for telling my employees I loved them—which became a bit of a running joke, because truthfully, I do say that in interviews. I tell them I love them before they’re even hired. And I mean it.

At first, that lack of boundaries wasn’t healthy—but through healing, therapy, and growth, I’ve learned how to lead with both love and strength. I’ve created boundaries that protect both the business and myself, without losing the heart of why I started this in the first place. And that heart is people.

My team knows this clinic is different. In interviews, I tell every potential hire the same thing: This place might be a stepping stone on your journey, or it might be your forever home. Either way, I will support you, see you, and walk alongside you while you’re here, and forever after. That mindset has become the culture of our clinic. We’re a tribe, a sisterhood, a family. And yes, I lead—but more than that, I try to nurture.

I show up for my staff in their highest highs and their lowest lows. I’ve had employees cry in my office, celebrate in my office, and find healing in the very same space where we work on healing others. And in return, they give me respect, honesty, and loyalty. They feel safe to be themselves here. And when people feel safe, seen, and appreciated, they thrive—and that energy overflows into every patient interaction, every treatment session, every part of our clinic.

What I’ve learned is this: High morale doesn’t come from pizza parties or perfectly written policies. It comes from real connection. From telling people that you believe in them. From holding space when they’re struggling. From balancing accountability with compassion. I don’t just care about the quality of my team’s work—I care about the quality of their life.

My advice? Don’t be afraid to lead with your heart. Don’t be afraid to care too much. You can still have standards, structure, and boundaries. But when you lead with love, your team becomes more than just employees—they become the very soul of your business. And that’s when magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meridianmedicalmassage.online
• Instagram: meridianmedicalmassage

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