Ishpeming massage therapist is proud to be a female-owned business. - WZMQ

[mnews]

ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting female-owned businesses throughout the UP.

Tonight we highlight a new business founded by a very independent woman.

Esther Ruggles founded Elements and Body Works massage therapy on the Fourth of July last year, noting that it was her Independence Day

“On Fourth of July. You know, everyone’s celebrating Independence, and I personally, as a single woman, was celebrating my independence and my just kind of drive to keep going down the entrepreneurial journey as a female,” said Ruggles.

Her massage therapy business has steadily grown since she became a solo practitioner. She is grateful for the relatively low startup costs to become a massage therapist.

“You do have to invest in your education and like your supplies and stuff, but after that kind of initial investment, it’s smooth sailing from there,” said Ruggles.

Esther doesn’t work alone. She’s joined in her practice with Scout, her service dog. And aside from Scout, she is a very independent business woman with big goals.

At the end of the day, I have always been kind of independent. I like, you know, my life now, and I’ve built my life the way that I want it,” said Ruggles.

Her office offers all kinds of massage therapy, but her main focus is pain management.

“It will target the root of your pain problem, which is located in your muscle tissue. And so the trigger point therapy will actually get into the root of your problem,” explained Ruggles.

Esther stays quite busy with her business. Plus, she’s going to school at the same time.

“I’ve been working on my criminal justice degree, and I also have been working on my personal training certificate,” said Ruggles.

For more information, or to book an appointment please visit www.vagaro.com/elementsandbodywork.com