Building a Wellness Business from Scratch

At just 24 years old, Rachel Hargrove didn’t have a formal business plan or investor backing—she had grit, creativity, and a deep passion for massage therapy. After becoming a licensed massage therapist in 2011, she made the bold decision to start her own practice. That leap of faith became Height of Health Massage, a thriving business that continues to grow more than a decade later.

In the beginning, Rachel relied on what she jokingly called “guerrilla marketing.” She walked into local businesses and handed out coupons for free sessions, knowing that exposure and word of mouth would matter more than polished advertisements. She paired these grassroots efforts with Groupon deals and carefully crafted offers, squeezing every ounce of opportunity from a limited budget. “I didn’t have money, but I had hustle,” she recalls. That drive helped her build a loyal client base and develop a reputation for healing, personalized care.

Stability Through Strategy: Insurance and Accessibility

Unlike many massage therapy practices focused solely on private-pay clients, Rachel made a strategic choice to embrace the insurance market—a decision that transformed her business model. Even though Colorado doesn’t mandate massage coverage the way states like California, Oregon, and Florida do, Rachel discovered select insurance companies that were willing to reimburse massage sessions.

These partnerships now account for nearly half of her business. Clients can access care with just a $25 copay, making wellness not only more affordable but also more consistent. “I think more wellness entrepreneurs should explore insurance,” Rachel says. “It brings stability and opens the door for regular care.” She views this approach as a sustainable way to grow while still serving those who might otherwise forgo regular sessions due to cost.

Rachel’s work reflects a broader philosophy: wellness should be inclusive. By navigating the insurance space, she’s created accessibility for clients across income levels, all while increasing her own business's resilience.

The Heart of the Work: Connection and Joy

Rachel is candid about the reality of entrepreneurship. “Being a business owner is a beast,” she laughs. “I wear all the hats—therapist, marketer, manager, bookkeeper.” Yet over the years, she’s built a team she trusts. This support system allows her to take occasional breaks or travel without disrupting client care.

For Rachel, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the long-term connection with clients. Some have been with her since day one. “I know their bodies, their stress patterns—I tune into what each one needs,” she shares. These relationships go beyond transactions; they feel personal, grounded in mutual trust and care.

She’s also quick to acknowledge the emotional impact of her work. “Massage therapy is one of the few careers where people either come in happy—or leave happy.” That transformation keeps her inspired. Whether someone is dealing with chronic pain, intense stress, or simply needs to decompress, Rachel is there to guide the process of physical and emotional healing.

Through years of work, Rachel has found joy in helping people feel better—and in proving that care and wellness don’t have to be clinical or cold. She offers something deeper: healing with heart.

A Message for Aspiring Therapists

Rachel’s advice to others considering the wellness path is honest and empowering. “You don’t have to follow a conventional route,” she says. “I didn’t. I experimented, stumbled, and improvised—but I built something lasting.” Her journey is proof that passion and persistence can compensate for formal planning, especially when combined with flexibility and creativity.

She encourages new massage therapists to embrace the unknown, try what feels right, and stay committed to growth. It won’t always be easy—but it will be meaningful.

Rachel’s journey at Height of Health Massage isn’t just a business success story—it’s a testament to what’s possible when one person believes in their calling, adapts strategically, and serves from the heart.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage 
1035 Robertson St.  

Fort Collins, CO 80524  

970-673-0892