We were lucky to catch up with Holly Joy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Holly, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
My empathy is something I’ve always naturally carried. I’ve been a sensitive and intuitive person for as long as I can remember, often picking up on what others were feeling without it being said. That natural awareness was actually something I explored first through intuitive readings and energy work, before I became a massage therapist.
In those early experiences, I learned how to listen in a different way, quietly, without judgment, and without needing someone to fully explain what they were going through. Offering readings required me to be present, receptive, and respectful of people’s emotional space, which helped shape the foundation of my empathy.
When I moved into massage therapy, that sensitivity had a place to ground into physical work. I began working with clients who were dealing with not only physical pain, but also stress, grief, and emotional overwhelm. Being trusted in those moments deepened my understanding of how closely the body and emotions are connected. I saw that people often need more than relief, they need to feel safe, supported, and truly understood.
My training in modalities like manual lymphatic drainage, therapeutic massage, and Reiki further strengthened that awareness. These practices require constant attunement to subtle shifts in the body and nervous system, reinforcing the ability to sense what someone may need, even when it isn’t clearly expressed.
I also approach my work with intention. I begin each day grounded in the belief that the people who find me are those I am able to support, and that my role is to meet them where they are, without assumption. Over time, that combination of natural sensitivity, early experience with readings and energy work, and years of hands-on client care has shaped empathy into a steady, grounded part of how I connect with others.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I offer personalized massage and intuitive sessions designed to support both the body and the nervous system in a way that feels natural and grounded. My work focuses on creating an experience where clients can fully settle in, without having to overthink what they need or choose from a long list of add-ons.
What feels most exciting to me right now is how much I’ve simplified and refined the way I work. I’ve moved toward an all-inclusive approach where everything I offer is already built into the session price. Whether that’s different techniques, tools, or supportive elements, it’s all there to be used based on what feels right in the moment. It allows the session to unfold more intuitively and keeps the focus on the client’s experience rather than on upgrades or structure.
I also really value the environment I’ve created. Working out of a private, home-based space in Northern Michigan allows for a quieter, more intentional setting that naturally supports deeper relaxation. It’s not a high-traffic or clinical atmosphere, it’s designed to feel calm, clean, and personalized.
In addition to in-office sessions, I offer mobile massage for individuals, couples, and small groups, including events and workplace settings. That flexibility has been a meaningful way to bring this work to people who may not otherwise seek it out.
Right now, my focus is on continuing to refine the quality of each session while keeping the experience simple, personalized, and aligned. Everything I offer is centered around helping people feel more at ease in their body and more supported overall, without overcomplicating the process.
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?
The first is intuition and deep listening. Learning to truly listen, not just to what someone says, but to what they’re feeling and holding, changed everything in how I work. That kind of awareness can’t be rushed, it develops through being present and willing to trust what you’re picking up on.
For someone early in their journey, my advice is to slow down and pay attention. Don’t feel like you need to have all the answers. The more you practice being present with people, the stronger that skill becomes.
The second is adaptability. No two clients are the same, and what works one day may not be what’s needed the next. Being willing to adjust, whether that’s your approach, your techniques, or even your business model, has been essential.
For others starting out, stay open. Don’t lock yourself into doing things one specific way just because it’s what you were taught and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t feel obligated to keep doing it . Let your work evolve based on real experience.
The third is intention behind the work. Over time, I realized that how I show up matters just as much as what I do. Setting a clear intention to support my clients in a genuine way while not burning myself out has shaped the direction of my practice and the kind of people I attract.
My advice here is to get clear on why you’re doing what you do. When your work is aligned with that, it creates a more grounded and meaningful path forward.
All three of these, listening, adaptability, and intention, are things that continue to develop over time. They’re not something you master once, they grow with you as your work evolves.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to thoughtful collaborations, especially when they feel aligned and genuinely beneficial for everyone involved.
I tend to work best with people who value a calm, intentional approach, whether that’s other wellness practitioners, retreat hosts, small business owners, or those creating experiences for groups. This could look like partnering with Airbnb hosts or vacation rentals, collaborating with event planners for small gatherings, or working alongside other practitioners who want to offer something complementary to their clients.
I’m also open to connecting with local businesses or workplaces that want to bring in massage for appreciation events or wellness-focused offerings. The collaborations that feel the most aligned are the ones where the focus is on creating a supportive, quality experience rather than something rushed or transactional.
If someone is interested in working together, the best way to connect with me is through my website, BookHollyJoy.com, or by reaching out directly. From there, we can talk through what they have in mind and see if it feels like a good fit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BookHollyJoy.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hollyjoylmt
- Other: Online Booking BookHollyJoy.as.me
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