- Montgomery School of Bodywork & Massage graduate
- Owner, Mellow Out Massage in Hayneville, Alabama
- US Air Force Reserves, Aviation Resource Manager
Massage & Bodywork: Tell us about your business and community.
Kimberly Pettway:
I opened Mellow Out Massage Therapy in Hayneville, Alabama, because there was no other massage business I was aware of in the area. My main focus has been to educate my community on what a massage therapist is. I volunteer at the local schools to perform chair massages for the staff and by attending career day events to educate students. I believe once the community is aware of the benefits [of massage], people will be more open to receiving it.
M&B: Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are today?
KP: I have memories of massaging my mom as a kid. She would come home tired and sore from working two jobs. After having all five of her kids attempt to massage her, I was the one who lasted and enjoyed it. So, I knew it was in me as a kid, but it didn’t manifest until years later. I was already enlisted in the US Air Force and still battling with my purpose; I can remember praying and “massage therapist” came to me. Although it took years for everything to line up, I’m doing something that makes my heart smile. It doesn’t feel like a job.
M&B: Any advice for someone just entering the profession?
KP: Educate yourself as much as possible. You may not know your exact path until you’ve tried several modalities. Massage therapy is broad and advanced. It may take time to build your clientele and to know what area you want to specialize in. Be patient with it and reach out to other professionals for advice.
M&B: Tell us about your background.
KP: I began massage school in 2019 at the Montgomery School of Bodywork & Massage (MSBM) in Montgomery, Alabama. I received my massage license and began working at One Simple Touch, which later changed to SET the Technique. After a few years of practicing and shadowing, I became an instructor at MSBM. I really enjoyed working with the students and sharing what I learned over the years, but I felt it was time to start my own business.
M&B: What made you want to become a massage therapy instructor?
KP: Honestly, I never imagined being a massage therapy instructor. When I began, I wanted to just massage! But being an instructor is so rewarding when you have a love for massaging. I taught for a few years then resigned when I opened my own business. I still plan to teach in some type of capacity. In the future, I would like to open a massage school in my community.
M&B: What are some things you do for fun?
KP: I like to spend time with my family and friends. Home is where I can decompress and not think about the stress that sometimes comes from leaving the house. I also love a good massage!
M&B: Who is someone you look up to?
KP: I look up to my mom because she is the reason I started this journey. We both have the “if I start it, I want to finish it” attitude. My mom has always been a hard worker—I can always count on her for balance with the military and massage life, whether it’s doing house chores or helping with the kids. For the past year or so I’ve been commuting from Alabama to Florida, and she is usually just a phone call away.
M&B: What is the best part of being a massage therapist?
KP: I love the relationships I have with my clients. They’re like an extended family. The best part about being a massage therapist are the before and after looks on a client’s face. My purpose is to make sure my client feels better and can maintain that feeling once they leave. I also love the space and positive energy you have to get yourself to in order to do what we do.
M&B: How does your military experience intersect with your work now?
KP: I’ve been in the US Air Force Reserves now for over 20 years as an Aviation Resource Manager. The Air Force was my first love—I joined the military when I was 18 years old. I started out at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery and transferred to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The woman that I am now has a lot to do with me growing up in the military. I learned a lot about responsibility and accountability. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to travel to many places and witness several cultures. I also made it a mission to get a massage whenever I could in the places I visited. What I’ve learned is that everyone wants to be stress- and pain-free. We all have different backgrounds but what remains the same is our anatomy and physiology. Since I perform military duty in Florida, I wanted to also serve the people [there] by offering massages. I’ve been able to help veterans get some of the relief they deserve. I know first-hand what they’re dealing with.
