Community Highlights: Meet Jacob Henson of Serenity Massage & Bodywork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Henson.

Hi Jacob, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into massage therapy began when I was younger and received a trigger point massage session for the first time. That experience left such a lasting impression on me, not just physically, but emotionally. That I knew I wanted to help others feel that same sense of relief and rejuvenation. It became the foundation of my career and purpose.

I earned my massage license in 2011 and began working as a sole proprietor, renting a small room in a salon in Cheviot, Ohio. Over time, as my clientele grew, I expanded to a second location on the other side of Cincinnati in Montgomery and was preparing to open a third location in Reading. Then COVID hit, and everything stopped. Because I was self-employed, I wasn’t eligible for government assistance, which meant losing 100% of my income overnight. I had to find alternative work just to stay afloat.

When restrictions lifted, I returned to massage therapy as soon as possible, but both the business and many of my clients had changed. The owner of the first salon where I rented space had lost her business, and I had to start from the ground up again. Even when I found work doing massage elsewhere, I was let go when my employer learned I planned to purchase my own business. Despite those setbacks, I refused to give up on my dream of ownership.

After years of rebuilding, both financially and professionally, I was able to purchase Serenity Massage & Bodywork from its founder, Julie Urlage, in 2024, as she entered retirement. Julie started Serenity in 2001, and I’m honored to continue her legacy while infusing it with my own mission and passion.

I’ve primarily worked on my own, supported by my incredible family who’s been with me through every step. The biggest challenge I’ve faced has also been my biggest teacher, learning how to rebuild after losing everything showed me the power of persistence, faith, and community.

Today, Serenity Massage & Bodywork stands as more than a massage studio, it’s a sanctuary where both clients and therapists are supported. My mission is to not only provide relaxation and healing for guests but to create a space where massage therapists can truly thrive. I believe that when therapists are nurtured physically, emotionally, and financially, their work becomes transformative.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve gone from being a single massage therapist working alone to someone who helps lift other therapists, and in turn, the clients they serve. Looking ahead, my goal is to build a system where massage therapists can grow from having no clients to owning their own franchised business, all while retaining 100% of their guests. I want to help others build the same kind of success that took me years of trial, resilience, and passion to achieve.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the person and business owner I am today.

Outside of COVID, which completely shut down my business and left me without any financial assistance, one of my biggest struggles was building a clientele completely on my own. When you don’t have a support system in place, every client gained feels like a victory and every setback feels personal. It taught me the importance of community, connection, and consistency.

There were times I felt like giving up, especially when I worked for other people in the industry. Some employers didn’t want their therapists to grow beyond their role, they valued conformity over individuality. For someone like me, who’s always had the drive to create and lead, that environment was incredibly discouraging, but it also clarified my purpose. I wanted to build something better.

Those experiences taught me two major lessons. First, that restricting a massage therapist’s individuality and freedom to practice their true techniques limits their ability to become a genuine healer, not only for their guests but for the community as a whole. Second, that without a real support system, therapists can’t grow, refine their skills, or sustain their passion for the work.

These struggles became the foundation for how I run Serenity Massage & Bodywork today. I’ve created an environment where every therapist can thrive, whether their goal is business ownership or simply doing what they love without unnecessary pressure. The hardships showed me exactly what needed to change in this industry, and I’m proud to be part of that change

As you know, we’re big fans of Serenity Massage & Bodywork. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Serenity Massage & Bodywork is a place where guests find deep relaxation and rejuvenation, and where massage therapists can not only find a welcoming place to work but also a place to truly thrive. We’re located in the heart of Old West Chester, Ohio, and we’re proud to be a growing team of passionate therapists who each bring their own unique skills and styles to the table.

Each massage therapist at Serenity specializes in their own blend of techniques, ensuring that every session is completely tailored to the guest’s individual needs. One of the most exciting additions we’ve brought to West Chester is the Thai Massage Table, which allows therapists to work above and around their clients in ways that traditional tables don’t. This opens up new opportunities for mobility, rehabilitation, and overall body alignment.

We also offer a wide variety of wellness add-ons, including hot stones, aromatherapy, and Thai stretch, all of which are completely complimentary. This commitment ensures that guests receive the best possible care without having to choose between comfort and cost. Every client receives the full quoted time of massage. Sixty minutes means sixty minutes of hands-on work, and every session is designed to deliver real, lasting results.

What truly sets us apart, though, is our therapist-first approach. By supporting and empowering the professionals who provide the care, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the massage table and into the community itself. When therapists are valued, respected, and supported financially, emotionally, and creatively, they’re able to give their best to every guest they serve.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’re building. Serenity Massage & Bodywork isn’t just a business; it’s a movement to change the massage therapy industry for the better. Between our supportive team environment, client loyalty programs, and growing community presence, everything we do revolves around connection, compassion, and care.

At Serenity, we believe in the ripple effect, that when we take care of the people who make this business thrive, the impact of that care reaches far beyond our doors.

How do you define success?
For me, success is about growth with balance. The ability to build something meaningful while maintaining a well-defined work-life balance. When I first started my career, I thought success was purely about professional achievement and financial stability. Over time, though, I’ve learned that true success includes peace of mind, time with family, and the ability to give back to others without losing yourself in the process.

At Serenity Massage & Bodywork, success means helping therapists grow without the hurdles I had to overcome. By removing those barriers, our team can focus on what they do best, providing care that deeply impacts our guests. The result is a sustainable base of loyal clients who not only benefit from our work but also feel connected to what we’re building as a community.

We measure success through the growth of our therapists. When they thrive, they elevate the experience for every guest, and that creates a ripple effect. It’s not just about the number of massages we perform, it’s about the difference we make in people’s lives.

My “why” has always been to make sure others don’t have to go through the same struggles I did. Every time a guest tells me they can move in ways they haven’t in years, or a therapist tells me they finally feel supported and valued, I’m reminded that this, the healing, the growth, and the empowerment, is what real success looks like.

Pricing:

• At Serenity Massage & Bodywork, we provide full-value hands-on massage for every minute of your session. Our standard pricing is $70 for a 30-minute massage, $105 for 60 minutes, $140 for 90 minutes, and $175 for a 2-hour session.
• All of our wellness add-ons, including hot stones, aromatherapy, and Thai stretch, are completely complimentary, so guests get the full benefit of a complete session without extra cost. We also offer packages, monthly subscriptions, and first-time client discounts, making professional wellness both accessible and sustainable.
• Our goal is simple: to provide exceptional care to our guests while supporting our therapists so they can focus on delivering the best experience possible. Every session is designed with both the client and the therapist in mind, creating a ripple effect of wellness that goes far beyond the massage table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SMBOH.com