Meet Marnie Williamson | Massage Therapist & Senior Fitness Specialist

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

Hi Marnie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because I recognized a significant gap in the healthcare and wellness industry that wasn’t being fully addressed. My career in healthcare began in 2001 when I earned my Massage Therapy certification, which gave me a deep understanding of how therapeutic touch can play a critical role in pain management, injury recovery, and overall well-being. Later, as a Physical Therapist Assistant, I worked closely with patients and saw first-hand the struggles they faced when they didn’t have access to the specialized care they needed, especially for targeted treatments like massage therapy for pain relief.

For example, I would often have patients asking for a massage therapist who could target specific areas of pain, dysfunction, or discomfort, but I couldn’t find anyone to refer them to who had that specialized expertise. Additionally, while working in home health physical therapy, I noticed a gap in services for elderly clients once they completed their therapy. They often needed help transitioning to the next step in their fitness journey—things like ongoing strengthening, balance, and endurance exercises.

This combination of my massage therapy background and experience in physical therapy led me to realize that I could create a business to fill these voids. As a certified personal trainer, I offer a specialized post-therapy program for seniors that bridges the gap between rehabilitation and long-term fitness, helping them stay active and independent. Through my mobile business, I also provide targeted massage therapy for pain management, which can be used either alongside physical therapy or as a standalone treatment. Being mobile allows me to meet my clients where they are, offering personalized care in their own homes or convenient locations.

Starting my own business felt like the perfect opportunity to offer the services I had seen missing in the industry while creating a lasting, positive impact for my clients. My goal is to empower people to take control of their health and wellness, helping them recover, maintain their fitness, and improve their quality of life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wise to Wellness focuses on filling gaps in healthcare and wellness by offering services that bridge the transition between physical therapy and long-term fitness, with a special emphasis on seniors. My journey in healthcare began in 2001 when I earned my Massage Therapy certification, and later, I became a Physical Therapist Assistant. Additionally, I am a certified personal trainer. Over the years, I noticed a significant gap in care—there were limited options for patients who needed specialized treatments. Specifically, those who could benefit from massage therapy to manage pain or discomfort during physical therapy, and seniors who needed continued support after therapy to maintain their health and fitness.

To address these needs, I created a mobile business that combines my expertise in massage therapy, physical therapy, and personal training. This flexibility allows me to meet clients where they are—whether that’s in their home, at a facility, or another convenient location. I offer massage therapy for clients of all ages, tailored to manage pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall wellness. This service can be an adjunct to physical therapy or a standalone treatment for those not currently in therapy, addressing general discomfort, stress, or muscle tension.

In addition to massage, I provide a specialized personal training program for seniors, focusing on maintaining strength, balance, and mobility after physical therapy ends. This program is designed to keep seniors active and help them continue improving their overall health long after their therapy sessions are complete.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to care, offering personalized plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term wellness. I take the time to assess each client’s unique needs and craft a tailored plan, whether it’s through massage or personal training. What truly drives me is the positive impact my work has on my clients’ lives, especially seniors. Helping them take control of their health and continue to live actively and independently is incredibly rewarding.

Getting to where I am today has definitely had its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was not having any formal business background. The business side—the marketing, finance, and logistics—was completely foreign to me, and I much prefer client care. I had to learn everything on the fly, which was often overwhelming. But through it all, I’ve come to rely on resources, mentors, and my support system. My husband has been an incredible rock, and my female business networking group, Uplift, has been an invaluable asset. They’ve provided guidance, feedback, and a community of like-minded women who’ve helped me navigate tough decisions and continue pushing forward.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of having a strong, supportive community around me. It’s essential to be surrounded by people who share similar goals and values and who can offer encouragement and mentorship, especially when the road gets tough. This network has not only helped me grow as a business owner but has also motivated me to stay adaptable and persistent. Starting a business takes more than just passion—it takes hard work, learning new skills, and knowing when to ask for help. But the journey has been worth it because the work I’m doing means so much to me, and seeing my clients thrive keeps me motivated every day.

What I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story is that everything I do is driven by a deep passion for helping people lead healthier, pain-free lives. Above all, I want the world to know that my approach is rooted in care, trust, and empowerment. My brand is built on the foundation of personalized, holistic care—whether it’s through massage therapy, fitness training, or both. I’m committed to providing services that not only address immediate discomfort but also empower individuals to take control of their long-term health.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d definitely take them paddleboarding at Palmer Lake or Monument Lake, especially if it was summer. Both lakes offer stunning views and are perfect for getting out on the water and enjoying nature. If it’s their first time here, we’d also have to check out Pikes Peak—driving to the top of this iconic “fourteener” is a must-do, and it would be an unforgettable experience to see the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Colorado Springs area.

I’d also make sure we spent some time exploring my neighborhood in Black Forest. The peaceful forest surroundings paired with incredible views of the mountains create the perfect balance, so we’d go for a walk to really take it all in. Another great spot would be the Santa Fe Trail, where we could either walk or bike ride along the trail by the Air Force Academy. It’s a beautiful, scenic route with mountain views that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or ride.

Of course, no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to Garden of the Gods. The dramatic red rock formations and breathtaking views make it one of the best places to explore in the area. Afterward, we could check out some local shops in Monument and Black Forest—both have charming, small-town vibes and unique stores to browse for gifts or just to explore.

There’s a perfect balance of outdoor adventures and local charm in this area, making it an unforgettable trip for anyone who visits!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my family, especially my husband, who has been my biggest supporter. His constant encouragement, belief in me, and positivity have been pivotal throughout this journey.

Additionally, I’m incredibly grateful for my female business networking group, Uplift. This amazing group has been a source of inspiration, collaboration, and mutual support. The women in Uplift continually motivate me to be my best and have shared invaluable advice as I’ve navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.

And of course, my clients have been a huge inspiration. Their trust in me and their dedication to their healing journeys motivate me every single day.

Lastly, I have to acknowledge the role my faith in God has played in guiding me on this entrepreneurial journey. It has been a constant source of strength and direction, especially when the road was uncertain or challenging. I truly couldn’t have reached this point without the love, guidance, and encouragement from all these incredible people, communities, and my faith.

Website: https://www.wisetowellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wise_to_wellness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562703877071

Image Credits
Mindy Warman Photography