Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleen Steele.
Hi Kayleen, 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 story really starts before Steele Massage ever existed. After having my third child, I was dealing with serious back issues that led me through what felt like every treatment option available. Massage gave me real relief when nothing else had, and it completely changed how I saw healthcare and what the body is capable of.
I had spent five years in insurance, and while I loved helping people, I reached a point where I couldn’t ignore what I was seeing. When the company got bought out and changed, I knew it was time to go. I did my research, talked to other therapists, and went after it.
Steele Massage opened in April 2023 — one room, inside Ultimate Health Clinic in Winchester, Tennessee — with passion and consistency more than anything else. What began as one room and one vision has now grown into two locations, with an incredible team. My therapists Luke and Jason don’t just do great work — they genuinely care about people, and that heart matters more to me than anything.
We’re not a luxury spa focused on appearances. We’re here to help people move better, heal, manage pain, reduce stress, and truly take care of themselves. Small towns don’t always have easy access to quality therapeutic care, and I wanted to help change that. I’m also now working toward becoming a continuing education provider for massage therapists in Tennessee.
I’m grateful every single day that I took this chance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Like most small business owners, I’ve had moments of questioning everything — finances, growth, staffing, and the pressure of building something meaningful while still showing up for clients every day.
One of the biggest things I’ve had to work through is the reality of the corporate and private massage world. Therapists are often undervalued while clients are overcharged. I was tired of pouring my best into something that didn’t pour back. I knew I could build something better — a place where both the therapist and the client were genuinely valued.
Expanding into two locations meant shifting from being just the therapist to becoming a leader, business owner, marketer, and mentor all at once. That transition didn’t come with a roadmap. It came with a lot of trial and error.
Raising six kids in the middle of all of it has been both my greatest challenge and my greatest motivation. There were seasons where I felt pulled in every direction, trying to be fully present at home while building something from the ground up. But those hard seasons shaped me. They taught me the importance of boundaries, priorities, and protecting what matters most.
More than anything, I hope my kids see that hard work really does pay off. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and building something meaningful takes consistency, resilience, and heart. Being able to show them that firsthand has made every difficult season worth it.
Changing the perception of massage in a small town has been another ongoing battle. Many people still see it as a luxury rather than a legitimate part of pain management, recovery, and overall wellness. That education piece is something I’m passionate about and committed to for the long haul.
Even through the hardest seasons, I’ve never lost sight of why I started. Every obstacle has taught me something and pushed me to build something even better — for my clients, my team, and my community.
As you know, we’re big fans of Steele Massage . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Steele Massage is a therapeutic massage practice built around one simple idea — helping people feel better, move better, and take care of their bodies in a realistic and sustainable way. We currently serve clients across Franklin and Bedford Counties in Tennessee, and from day one the mission has been the same: quality care in a welcoming, community-focused environment.
We specialize in a wide range of services including deep tissue, prenatal massage, Lomi Lomi, sports and stretch therapy, cupping, Graston technique, and fully customized sessions tailored to each individual. We don’t believe massage should feel intimidating or overly clinical — but we also don’t see it as “just a luxury.” That middle ground is where we live. Our clients come to us to manage pain, recover physically, reduce stress, and truly invest in their wellness.
What sets us apart is the culture we’ve built. My therapists Luke and Jason are not only skilled and knowledgeable — they genuinely care about the people sitting across from them, and clients notice that immediately. Some of the feedback I’m most proud of comes from first-time clients who say they felt completely at ease from the moment they walked in. Others talk about finally finding relief from pain or mobility issues they’ve struggled with for years. Those moments are exactly why we do this.
Looking ahead, I’m working toward becoming a continuing education provider for massage therapists in Tennessee. This profession has given me so much, and I want to help elevate it for the next generation of therapists. My goal is for Steele Massage to keep growing — while staying rooted in everything it was built on: connection, trust, healing, and genuine care for people.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many people who have played a role in getting Steele Massage to where it is today.
First and foremost, my mom. She raised me on her own and set the example early that if you want something in life, you work for it. Watching her handle life with strength and determination shaped a lot of who I am — both personally and professionally. Her resilience is something I carry with me every day.
Dr. Brad at Ultimate Health has been an incredible mentor on the business side of things. He’s always been willing to talk through ideas, challenges, and growth with me, and having someone in your corner who believes in you and is willing to share their experience makes a tremendous difference when you’re building something from the ground up.
My team — Luke and Jason — deserve so much credit as well. They’ve helped create the kind of environment I always hoped Steele Massage would be. Welcoming, professional, and genuinely focused on helping people feel their best. I couldn’t do this without them.
And finally, my clients and community. Small businesses don’t grow without people choosing to support them, trust them, and recommend them to the people they love. The support we’ve received has meant everything to me, and it’s not something I ever take for granted. They are the reason we keep showing up and keep pushing forward.
Pricing:
- 30 min is $50
- 60 min is $100
- 90 min is $150
- 120 min is $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Steelemassagetn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelemassagetn?igsh=Y2ZmeGUzdXFpNWZp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17WoFjyuoV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
