Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Moody.
Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When people ask how long I’ve been massaging, I usually say “my whole life”, but professionally, since 2012. I’ve always been drawn to helping people find relief and ease in their bodies. My path to massage school just took the scenic route.
After high school, I joined the Navy, which eventually led me to seasonal work in Australia and Alaska. Along the way, I met my husband, who encouraged and supported me in finally pursuing the education I needed to earn my massage license.
My first massage practice was in Fort Worth, TX, where I ran a mobile business out of a converted shuttle bus, an adventure with plenty of pros and cons. In 2014, my husband and I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, getting engaged at the beginning and married at the end. That journey was a turning point in our lives. The connections we made on the trail eventually inspired us to move to St. George, UT in 2017.
I launched my current practice, Sole of Zion, LLC, in 2018 and have been growing ever since. In 2024, I began competing in massage championships, starting with the Utah State Championship, where I won gold in both Swedish and Freestyle and placed first overall. That experience opened the door to national competitions and ultimately to the World Massage Championship in Denmark, where I placed 4th in Swedish.
I’m excited to continue expanding my skills and contributing to this industry I love, while also starting and running my other business UThai, where we make herbal inhalers, blending Thai and Utah cultures.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business is never easy. I first tried right after massage school, but I was met with a lot of unwelcome inquiries and quickly realized it wasn’t the right time to go out on my own. Instead, I chose to work for established businesses, which ended up being a blessing. I gained valuable experience and had time to refine my skills.
After our “trail of engagement,” I applied to several established practices but never received a call back. I took that as a sign that it was time to start my own business. Once I did, everything began falling into place.
When we later moved, I sold my massage bus and planned to offer massage only occasionally while working for an outdoor adventure company. I went back and forth on whether to pursue massage full-time. Then Covid hit. Suddenly unemployed and with my massage practice shut down, I decided it was time to fully commit.
Rebuilding wasn’t simple. I had to regrow my client base and find a new office, one that would allow me to install my Ashiatsu bars after my previous location was sold. Now, my next challenge is growing my retail business, which is a whole different beast. I’m learning to navigate my love-hate relationship with social media and letting creativity guide me in both my retail and massage work. This is one of the reasons I embrace massage championships, they build resilience. They challenge you to pivot when things don’t go as planned, to recognize and use the resources around you, and to show up as support for others when they need it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sole of Zion, LLC
I am the owner, operator, and sole LMT of Sole of Zion. I specialize in Ashiatsu Bar Therapy, a modality where my feet become my hands, perfect for clients who love deeper, sustained pressure. Every session is fully customized to the client’s needs; there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach in my practice. My continuous appetite for learning and my willingness to think outside the box set me apart from many other therapists in the area. I take pride in truly listening to each client and adapting my work to support what their body needs in that moment.
UThai
We specialize in herbal inhalers inspired by Thai culture, where these aromatic tools are part of everyday wellness. My husband and I discovered them during a trip to Thailand and fell in love with both the tradition and the culture behind them. We wanted to bring that experience back to the U.S., but with a Utah-inspired twist and a focus on sustainability.
Our inhalers use reusable containers and compostable materials, making them more eco-friendly than many alternatives on the market. They’re also customizable, you can add your own affirmations or mantras inside, allowing every inhale of the herbal blend to pair with a moment of positivity.
People use our inhalers to open their sinuses, boost focus, or simply brighten their mood.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say my greatest strength is discipline. It shows up in every part of my life, from my commitment to continuous learning to the behind-the-scenes administrative work that keeps my business running smoothly. Scheduling my days and structuring my time helps me stay organized, focused, and consistent. Discipline is something that was instilled in me early on, but it was truly strengthened and refined during my Naval career.
Pricing:
- Herbal Inhaler $9
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uthaigifts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uthaigifts/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/UThai/61572686566487/#
- Other: https://sole-of-zion.massagetherapy.com
Image Credits
World Massage Festival
