Meet Kelli Brown-Dugger

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelli Brown-Dugger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelli, 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?

Massage was always something that I’d done. When I was young, my mom was a bank teller and was required to stand for the duration of her shift. When she got home, she’d ask me to rub her feet for her, and it just became something I was good at. It was a way to make people feel better. The funny thing is, it literally took a friend telling me “You’re good at this, you should be a massage therapist,” as I rubbed his shoulders for the lightbulb to click. I enrolled almost immediately after, and here I am 17 years later.

Over my career, I’ve had the honor of working on all kinds of bodies. Having struggled with my own body image the bulk of my life, it’s been interesting to be in the spa industry as a fat person. Living in the Ozempic Age, sometimes it’s difficult to exist in a larger body. I decided I needed to create a space where people like me can come and get spa quality services without all the noise of diet culture.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

In June of 2024, a relocation forced my hand in making the decision between working for someone else or going independent and starting my own business. Ultimately I decided to start Good Body Massage, which is currently a room in a larger office, but I have big plans. The goal is to spread awareness that all bodies are good bodies and are deserving of spa quality care. At Good Body, my hope is that you can come in and be comfortable without having to worry about stigmas or societal pressures.

I’ve mindfully put together my space to help alleviate some of the stresses I’ve experienced in the spa world. An abundance of cushioning options so you can feel comfortable during a service, a couch with a high weight limit which is something people of size think about more than you realize, and a hydraulic table for ease of access that also tilts for comfort are some examples of the thought and care put into every aspect of Good Body Massage.

I feel like Good Body Massage has so much potential for growing into something amazing, I just have to get the word out.

As I continue to grow, I want to expand my spa offerings and have a hydrating wrap service coming in September ( you will NEVER find weightloss/sliming/toning wraps in my business).

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?

Empathy is number one. Being able to meet people where they are, judgement free, and make them feel comfortable enough with you to relax is huge. I’ve always been a pretty empathetic person. I cry at EVERYTHING. I think my mother helped to foster this in me; I’ve simply always cared about people and it has made me successful in the realm of massage therapy because listening to people and their bodies is literally the job.

Obviously massage skills have been important to me, but beyond innate talent, is the desire for learning. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my skills, be it through classes, research or even just getting massage from others. I like to do some inner work and see where I feel my abilities are lacking and try to bolster them with education.

Lastly I think, particularly in my industry, authenticity is crucial. Being able to do the work that I love on my dream clients has been a game changer for me. I’m excited to be in my space and to go to work. I don’t have to put on a salesman hat or try and push products I don’t believe in because I’m being true to myself and my vision. Plus, putting yourself out into the world as you are is the only way “your people” are going to find you. It’s hard and it’s scary, but it’s so so worth it in the end.

My advice to those just starting on their journey is to be open to it. Keep learning and growing, and never sacrifice yourself. Your authenticity is your super power.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

I am looking for the outcasts and the underdogs! For anyone who has never felt quite comfortable in their skin. Basically people like me. I was at Weight Watchers meetings as a 4th grader and took Slim Fast shakes to lunch in middle school. I’ve tried every diet and society has put me at war with my own body. I’m tired of it. I just want to exist as I am and have that be acceptable, so I made a place where it is. I do not care what size you are, if you’ve shaved your legs, or how you express your gender–you belong, and I have a safe space for you on my table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.massagebook.com/biz/goodbodymassage_tc
• Instagram: @goodbodymassage_tc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558709123400

Image Credits

Jess Lyon