We were lucky to catch up with Kay Louis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The year was late 2020, and like so many others, I found myself at a crossroads. I was working full-time, clocking in and out of a job that felt uninspired and unfulfilling. I had become disconnected from the very reason I pursued massage therapy in the first place: my love for helping people heal, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. Despite my passion, I felt undervalued, unmotivated, and creatively stifled in a role that didn’t reflect my vision or potential.
As the days grew shorter and the pandemic continued to cast a shadow over everything, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something needed to change. Day after day, the monotony of clocking in and out chipped away at me. I’d catch myself staring at the clock, not counting down to the end of the workday but imagining the life I truly wanted. I realized I was wasting precious time—time I could use to build something meaningful. Staying felt like settling, and I couldn’t do that anymore.
Making the decision to leave wasn’t easy. There were sleepless nights spent weighing the risks. What if I failed? What if no one booked with me? But even with the uncertainty, I knew staying would mean betraying the vision I had for myself. When I finally drafted my resignation email, my heart raced as I hit “send.” I felt terrified, exhilarated, and free all at once.
On Valentine’s Day 2021, I took my first personal client, the culmination of months of planning, dreaming, and taking small but deliberate steps toward building Touch of Soi. It was the moment I’d been working toward: reimagining massage therapy as not just a service but an experience that left clients feeling seen, heard, and cared for.
The first few months were challenging, balancing the uncertainty of self-employment with the drive to make my vision a reality. But each client who walked out lighter, calmer, or simply more connected to themselves reminded me why I had taken the leap.
Walking out of my full-time role wasn’t just about leaving a job; it was about stepping away from playing small and into something new—something that was mine. Today, Touch of Soi is more than a thriving wellness practice. It’s a testament to what’s possible when you trust yourself, take the leap, and step boldly into your purpose.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Kay Louis, a Licensed Massage Therapist, and the founder of Touch of Soi. My journey in this field started in 2012, at the age of 17, when I was determined to avoid the traditional four-year college route after high school. Unlike many of my peers, I knew that the standard path of going straight into college wasn’t for me, and I wanted to pursue something more hands-on and meaningful.
At the time, my sister-in-law, a certified Massage Therapist, was sharing her experiences, and I became fascinated by her stories of healing and helping others. Inspired by her, I began researching massage schools and presented the idea to my mother. Despite some pushback from my aunt, who believed Massage Therapy was a “waste of time,” my mom trusted my instincts and supported me in pursuing this path. I enrolled at Fortis Institute (now Fortis College) in Wayne, NJ, where I began my formal education in Massage Therapy.
During this time, I also decided to further my education, eventually earning a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from William Paterson University in 2021, a journey that complemented my passion for bodywork and healing.
I started my career working in various franchised spas across Northern New Jersey, where I wore many hats—from Front Desk Receptionist to Regional Massage Therapist Trainer for 16 locations. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the massage business and confirmed my belief that I had the potential to be a successful business owner.
In 2017, Touch of Soi (pronounced S-OY) LLC was born. My goal was simple yet profound: I wanted to create a space that offered people an escape—one that was tailored to each individual’s needs and focused on the practice of self-love. I designed modern, luxurious self-care products that were easy to incorporate into daily life, with the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to care for themselves consistently.
In 2018, I expanded Touch of Soi to include Massage Therapy, and over time, I introduced popular services like the Snatch Package, Premium 80-Minute Massage, Scalp Therapy 2.0, and Full Body Stretch Therapy. Clients love these services, and I’m proud that many recommend them to friends and family.
Today, Touch of Soi has grown into a thriving wellness practice that goes beyond just providing massage. It’s about empowering my clients to embrace their self-care and healing journeys with intention and love. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and I look forward to continuing to serve others, sharing my products, and helping people reconnect with themselves in deeper, more meaningful ways.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Books and motivational content have been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey, shaping my mindset and fueling my drive. Among them, one book stands out as a personal favorite: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This timeless guide to self-reflection and awareness has been a constant companion, offering insights that have profoundly influenced how I navigate both social and professional settings with confidence and clarity.
I’ve found that books focusing on personal growth and mindset create a solid foundation for success. Other transformative reads include How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and No Excuses by Brian Tracy. Each has provided invaluable lessons on communication, perseverance, and goal-setting.
Beyond books, I draw inspiration from motivational speeches and podcasts by icons like Les Brown, Steve Harvey, and Oprah Winfrey. Their words resonate deeply, challenging me to think bigger and act with purpose in my business and personal life. Together, these resources serve as my compass, guiding me toward continuous growth and unwavering determination.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey of growth, authenticity, and patience. While my platform is still evolving and may not boast the 10k followers that many aspire to, I’ve learned that numbers alone don’t define impact. What truly matters is the connection you build with your audience, and for me, showing up consistently has been the most pivotal part of that journey.
One thing I’ve embraced is transparency. By sharing my story—the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way—I’ve been able to inspire others to take steps toward their own goals. It hasn’t always been easy; being vulnerable on a public platform can feel daunting. But with time, I’ve realized that this vulnerability is also my strength. It’s allowed me to connect on a deeper level with people who resonate with my journey, and in turn, it’s made me more confident in what I share.
For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to focus on authenticity over perfection. Show up as you are and lean into the unique aspects of your story that make you you. Consistency matters—whether it’s posting regularly, engaging with your audience, or sharing insights that align with your brand’s mission. Lastly, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Growth takes time, but every interaction, comment, and connection is a step in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.touchofsoi.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamkaylouis + www.instagram.com/touchofsoillc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/touchofsoillc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/kerlynelouis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/iamkaylouis
