Hidden Gems: Meet Kelly Simons LMT of Denver Massage Garage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Simons LMT.

Hi Kelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sure! I grew up with a very healthy dose of physical affection. I found that when my mom scratched my head or rubbed my shoulders, I was able to completely relax and destress from the hard life of being a kid! A warm hug could completely change my mood and redirect my trajectory for the day. My mother experienced an accident in 2009, requiring serious hospitalization and many scary, traumatizing surgeries. It was a really scary time for our family as we weren’t sure she’d make it. I was aimlessly attending college, and I wanted so badly to help her feel better. I found that physical touch, mainly rubbing her feet, made her pain disappear if only for a moment. Her brain released endorphins that reduced and even numbed her pain for awhile. I NEEDED to learn the sorcery of massage! What a super power! I realized that so many humans are walking around craving one sensation- relief. People crave relief from pain, from stress, from noise, from their injuries or surgeries, and I wanted to learn all I could. So after college, I got a job working the front desk at a massage studio to learn the business and shortly after, enrolled into massage trade school.

I gained experience working for most massage settings. “Fast food” massage businesses with 16 rooms, chiropractor clinics, high end spas, fancy country clubs and fitness centers. I met so many amazing clients that I still treat to this day! Despite having a wonderful client following, I found that so many massage therapists are not only underpaid, but they’re overworked and sometimes abused by their bosses. In 2021, I had just about enough of the abuse from an employer. Despite living alone in Denver and my quickly stacking bills, I took the scariest plunge of my life. I quit my toxic job, cried anxiously for two weeks about my doubts and fears about self employment, I scraped together my very last $2k, and I prayed and placed my faith in Jesus. Denver Massage Garage was born! I learned how to market myself, how to develop and hold to boundaries. I messed up a LOT but I learned how to move forward and not get bogged down or discouraged by my mistakes. I find myself today not only thriving, but at a point where I need to hire 1-2 other therapists to help me keep up with the demand! My mom still comes in for massages too. I’ve been so blessed and I’m so thankful to be where I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like anyone starting out, I’ve faced my share of obstacles. Building my business meant being broke for the first three years—and honestly, it still feels that way sometimes! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m deeply passionate about my work, grateful for the flexibility to create my own schedule, and fortunate to work with incredible clients I’ve handpicked along the way.

Some of the challenges I continue to navigate include maintaining healthy boundaries, making time to properly rest and nourish myself, and remembering to schedule my own wellness appointments. When you’re a natural giver, it’s easy to put yourself last—but I’m learning that taking care of myself allows me to show up even better for the people I serve.

We’ve been impressed with Denver Massage Garage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a massage therapist who’s been professionally practicing in Denver since 2013. Over the years, I’ve gained a wealth of experience from colorado’s favorite spas, country clubs, fitness centers, and chiropractors- blending the best elements of each setting into my current practice. My office feels like an earthy retreat but guided with a medical approach to bodywork. Clients get to unwind and trust that their body gets its tune up! I am Denver’s Massage Garage! What sets me apart from other massage therapists is my dedication to go above and beyond for my clients. Whether it’s finding time in my packed schedule or learning a new modality to help someone recover from stress or pain, I am proud of my adaptability and deep commitment to each client’s well-being. I’m fortunate to have built a solid clientele and a schedule booked out months in advance. My clients deserve to be picky, and I’m so deeply grateful to be their massage preference. I hope my heart of service reflects through my every massage session.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As much as I love the next self help book, much of my learned ethics come from biblical scripture! I’m not much of a podcast person admittedly, but I do love goofing off in the car to 90’s music on my way to the office! I’m very much a music person. I can definitely be swayed to send you my playlists if anyone wants one!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Denvermassagegarage.com
• Instagram: @denvermassagegarage

Image Credits
Angela Amen Photography