Inspiring Conversations with CODY AMSTUTZ of Knot Your Average Massage

Today we’d like to introduce you to CODY AMSTUTZ.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into massage therapy started with a simple but powerful goal: I wanted to help people feel better in their own bodies. Early in my career, I worked in the corporate massage world, but it didn’t take long for me to realize something was missing. Too often, client care got buried under policies, quotas, and profit margins- and that never sat right with me.

Massage therapy, to me, is not just about relaxation or checking off an appointment box. It’s about wellness, healing, connection, and improving someone’s quality of life. I wanted to build something that put people first-where each client is truly seen, heard, and cared for, not just treated like another time slot on the schedule.

So, I took a leap of faith, I had a little bit of money and a whole lot of Jesus. I stepped away from corporate massage and opened Knot Your Average Massage. It started small-just me, a massage table, and a big dream. Over the years, that little dream grew. We’ve added amazing therapist, expanded services-including skin care, and built a space where people can come for everything from pain relief and stress reduction to pure self-care.

It hasn’t always been easy. Small business ownership comes with its share of risks, late nights, and tough decisions. But every challenge has been worth it because I get to wake up each day knowing that were making a difference in people’s lives,

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?
The road has definitely not been smooth-but I truly believe that’s where the growth happens.

Owning a small business means I wear all the hats. I’m the massage therapist, receptionist, bookkeeper, scheduler, social media manager, marketer- you name it. In the early days, learning how to juggle all of that while still showing up 100% for my clients was one of the biggest challenges.

Social media, in particular, was something I had to learn from the ground up. It’s not just about posting pretty pictures; it’s about finding ways to connect, communicate, and share our story in a way that feels authentic- and that was definitely outside my comfort zone at first.

As the business grew, another challenge was realizing I couldn’t do it all alone. Finding the right team-people who share the same heart for client care-took time, trust, and patience, Leading and supporting a team has stretched me in ways I never expected, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

One of the hardest parts, even now, is navigating the slow periods. Those times worry me deeply – not just because I’m supporting my own family, but because I’m responsible for the livelihoods of the people who work for me. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about making sure my team can put food on their tables, too. That weight can feel heavy, but it also drives me to keep pushing, keep improving, and keep showing up every day.

I’ve also had to learn how to set boundaries and protect my own well-being. As a caregiver by nature, it’s easy to overextend myself, but I’ve realized that to truly show up for others, I have to take care of myself too – and that’s still something I’m learning.

The past eight years have been filled with both beautiful moments and tough lessons, but every struggle has shaped me and made the business stronger. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Knot Your Average Massage, we specialize in therapeutic massage and skincare, focusing on wellness, healing, and improving the quality of life. We’re known for creating a warm, welcoming space where every client is seen, heard, and cared for as an individual.

What sets us apart is our heart-centered approach. We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs, whether they are seeking pain relief, stress reduction, recovery support, skincare treatments, or just much-needed self-care. We offer a variety of massage services, including deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, cupping and customized treatments- as well as a growing menu of professional skincare services, like custom facials, hydrating treatments and vitamin-enriched masks designed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. We’ve grown not just as a business, but as a trusted part of the Bellbrook community. Our clients know they’re not just another appointment-they are part of our wellness family.

At Knot Your Average Massage, we believe people come before profits, and every decision we make is centered on creating the best possible experience for those we serve.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, my kiddos, and my family. They have been my rock, my reason, and my constant source of support through every stage of this journey. They’ve stuck by my side even when the business sometimes gets in the way of family life – when the long hours, late nights, or early mornings pull me away. Their love, understanding, and patience have meant everything to me, and I couldn’t do this without them.

I’m also incredibly grateful to my teachers at Miami-Jacobs Career College, who poured their hearts and souls into giving us the best education and training. We weren’t just paychecks to them- they truly cared about preparing us for meaningful careers in medical massage, and they equipped us with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

A longtime friend of mine, who also owns a massage business, has been a huge part of my behind-the-scenes success. She guided me through the hurdles of permits, licenses, leases – all the nuts and bolts of setting up a business – without every seeing me as competition. She helped purely from the heart, wanting to see me succeed. We still regularly have what we call “business meetings” over the phone, brainstorming marketing ideas and ways to push ourselves to be better. For us, it’s never competition – it’s about lifting each other up and helping small businesses thrive.

AND I cannot forget my bestie, who has pushed me far outside my comfort zone when it comes to social media. She’s spent countless hours on the phone with me, walking me through everything from Facebook to Instagram, helping me learn how to post videos and reels, and showing me how to connect with clients in new creative ways. She has been an invaluable part of helping the business grow and thrive.

Pricing:

• 6o minute- $85.00
• 75 minute- $100.00
• 90 minute- $115.00
• Radiance Facial – $65.00
• Radiance Boost Facial- $85.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.knotyouraveragemassage.com