Meet Denise Porter

We were lucky to catch up with Denise Porter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Denise, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I believe that becoming a massage therapist was a calling. I had been working as a freelance writer/admin for a few years. I had the opportunity to interview many people in the holistic healthcare field. As I began learning about the benefits of massage therapy, aromatherapy and herbology and aesthetics, I had a deep desire to pursue my education and become a licensed therapist. My career spans 30 years, and I have loved every minute of bringing peace and nurturing to everyone I touch.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve been a licensed massage therapist for 30 years and an esthetician for over 24, and throughout that time, my mission has remained the same: to help people feel deeply cared for, restored, and radiant from the inside out. I provide luxury mobile massage services to guests staying at resorts, Airbnbs, and private residences in the Central Orlando area, including the magical surroundings of Walt Disney World. Each session includes a full 60 or 90 minutes of hands-on therapy with a heated table, custom-blended aromatherapy massage oil, an aromatherapy scalp massage, and the option to include enhancements like warm stones or cooling eye treatments for a spa-quality experience in the comfort of your space.

I also offer massage for spa parties and group events, which can be tailored to include chair or table massage depending on the venue and guest count.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is weaving my lifelong love of herbs and aromatherapy into everything I do. I handcraft botanical skincare and custom aromatherapy blends for those who want to nourish their skin and spirit with holistic, intentional products.

Two years ago, I became certified as an integrative health coach. This allows me to support clients on a deeper level—whether they’re individuals seeking personalized wellness guidance or companies looking to provide meaningful wellness offerings to their employees.

At the heart of my brand is the belief that healing is both an art and a practice—and that everyone deserves access to nurturing, natural care that supports the whole self.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Empathy has been the cornerstone of my practice. Truly listening and holding space for clients fosters trust and allows genuine healing to occur. For those starting out, I encourage cultivating active listening skills and being present with each individual—not just as clients, but as whole human beings. Also, I rely heavily on my intuition and practice with intention, ensuring my focus is completely on the person in front of me.

Adaptability has allowed me to navigate the evolving wellness industry over the past three decades. Embracing change, whether it’s learning new techniques or adjusting to clients’ needs, has been essential. I advise newcomers to remain open to new experiences and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Lifelong learning keeps my work invigorating. From becoming an integrative health coach to studying herbalism, continuous education has enriched my services. For those early in their careers, I recommend pursuing areas that ignite your passion and investing time in expanding your knowledge.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my mobile massage practice has grown in such a fulfilling way. I’ve had the honor of serving more clients, expanding into spa parties and group events, and refining my services to offer a truly luxurious and personalized experience.

But on a deeper level, the greatest growth has been personal. Going through my integrative health coach training invited me to take an honest look at my own well-being—mentally, physically, and emotionally. It revealed areas of my life I had unintentionally been neglecting, and it gave me the tools and courage to begin healing myself in ways I had been too afraid to face.

It’s one thing to support others on their wellness journeys—it’s another to fully commit to your own. That shift has been transformative, and it’s made me a more compassionate, grounded, and present practitioner.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Head shot courtesy of Shea Rose Photography

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