Meet Jennifer Gold

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Gold. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Jennifer, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from my mum. We didn’t have much growing up—we were poor by most standards—but we always had our basic needs met, and somehow she still found ways to help others. She was the most thoughtful person I knew. If she were alive today, I know she’d be proud of what Grounded has grown into. I’m not just a business owner—I’m a leader and, in many ways, the “mom” of the shop. I care deeply for our team, our partners, and our community. We give back where we can, and I try to bring her spirit into everything I do. I keep her plants in the shop and give away cuttings to guests, so it’s like she’s still here with me—spreading kindness, generosity, self-care, and a bit of fresh air to others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a massage therapist with over 20 years of experience, originally from Compton, L.A. I founded Grounded Bodyworks 13 years ago in Palm Springs, and it’s grown into more than just a spa—it’s a hub for self-care, community, and connection. At Grounded, we specialize in holistic wellness and take pride in retailing products from local makers—many from Los Angeles, where I’m from, and as far as Quebec, where my family roots are.

What makes Grounded special is the intention behind everything we do. Whether it’s the curated retail items, our deeply personalized treatments, or the way we partner with local hotels and artisans, we’re always thinking about how to create meaningful experiences that nurture both the body and spirit.

Lately, I’ve been focused on advocating for small businesses as we face increased economic pressure and new tariffs. It’s becoming more important than ever to educate our community about the value of local trade and shopping small. I’ve started getting involved at the local level—having conversations with policy leaders, sharing the challenges we face, and finding ways to uplift fellow entrepreneurs.

This summer, we’re celebrating 13 years of Grounded, and we’ve got exciting things on the horizon—including the expansion of our product line and new hotel partnerships that will help bring our services to even more guests. It’s a labor of love, and I’m so proud of what we’re building.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One of the most impactful parts of my journey has been learning about my own mental health—especially navigating life and business with ADD and learning disabilities. That self-awareness has helped me better understand how I work, what I need, and how to lead with more compassion and flexibility.

The second is listening. Truly listening—to my team, clients, partners, and even to myself—has been a game changer. It’s one of the most underrated skills in leadership and in life, and it takes practice and patience to get good at it.

And third, developing communication skills and learning to put myself out there, even when it’s uncomfortable. Speaking up for my business, my team, or a cause I believe in can be scary, but it’s also incredibly empowering. I’ve grown a lot by leaning into that discomfort. It’s helped me become a better leader and advocate, and I’m genuinely proud of how far I’ve come.

For anyone early in their journey: invest in your own self-awareness, get curious about how others experience you, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. Growth comes from showing up—even when you don’t feel ready.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I’m always open to collaborating—especially with boutique hotels, resort properties, and vacation rentals like Airbnbs that want to offer meaningful self-care experiences to their guests. At Grounded Bodyworks, we specialize in turnkey spa partnerships that include a full onboarding program, online scheduling for guests, in-room marketing, and ongoing support. We make it seamless for hoteliers and their teams by taking all the work off their plate.

In addition to wellness services, we also offer a sustainable hotel product program to help properties move away from single-use plastics. We provide thoughtfully packaged amenities like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion in eco-conscious refillable packaging that aligns with modern guest expectations and environmental responsibility.

If you’re a hotelier or business looking to enhance your guest experience while supporting wellness and sustainability, I’d love to connect. You can reach out through our website at groundedbodyworks.com or connect with us on Instagram @groundedbodyworks.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://groundedbodyworks.com
• Instagram: @groundedbodyworks
• Facebook: @groundedbodyworks
• Linkedin: Jennifer Gold
• Twitter: We quit Twitter/X for Bluesky and anti-racist alternatives
• Youtube: @groundedbodyworks
• Yelp: @groundedbodyworks

Image Credits

All photography is my own – Jenn Gold