You can’t help but feel like a new person once you arise from Angela Odom’s massage table. Ask any of her dozens of clients. They say it’s like an out-of-body, spiritual experience when her hands touch parts of you didn’t realize needed to be decompressed and de-stressed. She’s been a licensed massage therapist for over a decade. “Hands & Stones, LLC, is a gift and a ministry,” she says. “People need me, so I knead them.”
However, an encounter with a client in her in-home studio in April 2021 threatened her level of comfort. It was the first time she says she felt unsafe in her own home while servicing clients. It would also be the last time she would open the front door of her house to customers. While the shaky session with that client was troubling and prompted her to discontinue in-home service, it was the pleasurable experience while receiving her own massage earlier that same day that changed the trajectory of this business venture. “My massage therapist asked if I wanted to move from my home and into a storefront business space,” said Angela, who is a full time dental assisting instructor at Aiken Technical College. “I got in my car, saw the sign that said space was available, and it was as if God told me it’s time.”
By May, Hands & Stones, LLC’s name was appearing on the marquee at Houndslake Wellness Associates in Aiken. (see top photo)
Her in-home studio had now become part of a 7,000 square foot establishment on the grounds of the Houndslake Country Club. It was a quick work fueled by her faith to step out of her comfort zone and trust God for big things. “I can’t put into words how God has blessed me,” reflects Angela. Her clients have doubled, significantly increasing revenue. “Growing up I used to think that when the elders spoke of miracles and how God works, it used to scare me. But now? It’s amazing. You can’t beat God’s giving. You can see my prices, so I’m not getting rich off this. My full time job pays the bills. But, it’s not about the money, even though I could do this full time if I wanted to. It’s about being a source of healing for people. God is making a way. The more I give, the more it comes back.”
From steamed facials to deep tissue massage to hot stone sessions, Angela says she’s determined to educate people on the importance of self-care. “Especially during this pandemic, it’s even more important. You only get one body. Everybody needs a massage.
Hands & Stones, LLC, via Facebook
803-640-7708
918 Houndslake Drive in Aiken
