Meet Kimberly Ries | Manual Therapist and FRC Mobility Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Ries and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a good friend taught me, ‘You gotta risk it for the biscuit!’. There’s never going to be as big of a reward, if you don’t take the risk. I believe that risk is necessary, not only as an entrepreneur, but in a lot of areas of life if you’re dedicated to growth. Starting my own business directly out of massage school, and leaving my comfy e-commerce salaried and benefited job was the first big risk I took to get my business where it is today-but there was never any other option in my mind.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve always been fascinated with movement, sports, and pushing my physical/mental abilities…so an interest in human anatomy came naturally. I originally went to college (UNC-Asheville) for fine art, but ended up with a minor in sports medicine. I think that bodywork is a mix of intuitive art and extensive knowledge of anatomy/physiology, expressed through heart and hands. I had a difficult time finally finding massage as my career path-I was 35 when I graduated and started my practice. Before that I was all over the place with trying different things. I was in sales for an e-commerce company, pastry chef, medical marijuana dispensary owner, event planning, and a lot of customer service gigs. I think those other experiences helped to shape my people skills, and become very skilled at energy exchange. As a single mom, it’s been really scary to dive 100% into running my own business, knowing that my daughter relies on me and the success of my practice…but there’s been no better motivator to keep pushing and growing. I can’t help myself but to want to help other people feel comfortable and happy in their bodies, and I will continue learning as much as I can about health and body systems as possible-to help my clients to the best of my abilities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Boulder is a great place to spend a few days-there are so many talented and interesting people! I’m a big outdoors woman though-so I’d make sure to get into the mountains to do some scouting/wildlife viewing for spring/fall hunting seasons. Backcountry hiking is the way to go-less people, more wildlife, and more of a challenge trying to bushwhack and not get too lost. I can’t give away any of my spots though-so you’ll have to come get some bodywork if you want to pick my brain on that 😉 After a long day out-We would come back into town and hit Mojos Taqueria for the best food and drinks in town. Assuming there is a good show-go see some music at Red Rocks. Brainard lake rec area is a must see-and a favorite spot for a day hike and picnic. I love to cook-so I’m not an expert on restaurants. Mostly getting into the mountains and sweating and then eating fresh/good food. That’s a week vacationing with Kim Ries. Some sweaty yoga classes at yoga pod would make the list too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been really fortunate to have incredible support from my family-my dad specifically. He has been an entrepreneur as long as I’ve been alive and taught me the work ethic and values that I have surrounding running my business and has always believed in my pursuits. I also have to shoutout my greatest mentor and friend, Mandie Rovere. Mandie was my most influential teacher at BMTI (Boulder massage therapy institute) and has since become a close and trusted friend, and even office-mate since graduation. Maintaining regular massage trades with her, has also had a big influence on the style of bodywork that I offer to my clients. She’s a huge reason I am where I am today. Another big influence/support has been my domestic partner-Curt Ingersoll. Curt is a wildly creative and knowledgeable personal trainer in Boulder, and has taught me a lot about human behavior/anatomy/performance/mobility that massage school really missed. He has helped me train my own body out of chronic pain from the physical strain of my job, in a way that helps me be better equipped to help guide my clients with their own pain and injuries. He has pushed me to be a full time business owner, from the beginning of my pursuit into massage therapy.

Website: Www.peak-therapeutics.com

Instagram: @peak_therapeutics

Facebook: Kim Ries