301 - How Zalla Otten Built One of Houston’s Top Massage Studios
The Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
Release Date: 09/08/2025
The Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
In this new episode, interior designer and former massage therapist Jamie Smith, founder of Happy Haus Studios, reveals how wellness professionals can transform their treatment rooms into healing, high-performing spaces that elevate client experience and support long-term practitioner sustainability. With nearly 20 years as an MT and a deep background in design, Jamie shares her unconventional journey from ballet and anthropology to bodywork, burnout, an injury, an MLM detour, and ultimately rediscovering her creative calling in interior design. Today, she specializes in designing restorative...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
In this rebroadcast episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, we continue our inspiring conversation with Teresa Zardus, founder of Zardus Art of Massage and Wellness Spa and the Zardus School of Massage. Building a thriving wellness business is no easy feat but Teresa’s story proves what’s possible when passion meets purpose. From running a 24-room, Tudor-inspired spa to launching a massage school that educates and uplifts future practitioners, Teresa embodies true entrepreneurial success in the wellness industry. In this episode, we dive deeper into: How Teresa finds and hires the right...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
In this special rebroadcast of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I’m bringing back one of my favorite Massage Boss Stories featuring Teresa Zardus, the visionary founder behind Zardus Art of Massage & Wellness Spa and Zardus School of Massage. From leaving her corporate life to building a thriving wellness hub in a stunning 24-room Tudor-inspired building, Teresa’s journey is the perfect example of passion meeting purpose. Today, she leads a team of 16 practitioners offering holistic and integrative wellness services from massage and skincare to shamanic healing and lifestyle coaching all...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
We’re back with Part 2 of our Massage Boss Story featuring Elyse Badewitz, the passionate owner and operator of Spa Haus Nashville, one of the city’s most-loved destinations for massage and spa services. In this follow-up episode, Elyse continues to share her inspiring journey of growth, resilience, and leadership in the wellness industry. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to mastering team retention, she opens up about the realities of scaling a successful spa business without losing its heart. In Part 2, Elyse dives deeper into: How her spa evolved through the challenges of...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
We’re taking it back to one of our favorite episodes from 2020. A powerful story of passion, growth, and grit in the wellness industry. In this rebroadcast of Massage Boss Stories, we revisit our conversation with Elyse Badewitz, owner and founder of Spa Haus Nashville. From managing day spas and salons to launching her own dream business, Elyse shares how she built Spa Haus from a one-woman show into one of Nashville’s top massage and skincare destinations. In this episode, Elyse opens up about: How Spa Haus Nashville came to life and scaled rapidly Building a supportive,...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
You’re fully booked… now what? In this final episode of the Beyond Fully Booked mini-series, I’m breaking down what it really takes to scale from solo to group practice, and how to know if you’re truly ready to make that leap. We’ll dive into the signs that show you’re prepared to hire, the red flags that say you’re not, and what it means to step into leadership as your business evolves. From managing demand and finances to developing the mindset of a studio owner, this episode is your roadmap to building a sustainable, freedom-filled group practice. If your massage or wellness...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
You’re fully booked, now what? In this episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I’m diving into the real challenges that come with growing from a solo massage therapist to a group practice owner. From hiring your first team member to managing personalities, keeping culture strong, and handling the “boss burden,” I’m breaking down the behind-the-scenes struggles no one warns you about, and how to overcome them without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to scale your massage or wellness business (and keep your sanity along the way), this episode will help you...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
You’re fully booked. Now what? In this episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I’m diving into the mindset shifts that every massage therapist needs to make when transitioning from a solo practitioner to a group practice owner. Going beyond the table means stepping into true leadership, which requires a whole new skill set. I’ll break down what it really takes to lead a thriving team, build systems that actually work, and redefine success beyond your client schedule. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to become the CEO of your massage business, not just the therapist behind it,...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
In this episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I’m breaking down what a group massage practice can really look like. From boutique teams of 3–5, to multi-location studios, multidisciplinary wellness centers, spas, and even mobile massage businesses—you’ll discover the different ways you can scale beyond a solo practice. Whether you’re dreaming of building a close-knit team, creating a wellness hub, or expanding across locations, this episode gives you the clarity and inspiration to imagine your next step. Tune in to part two of the Beyond Fully Booked series and start designing a...
info_outlineThe Scaling Wellness Podcast: Scale Your Massage Business
You’ve finally done it, you’re fully booked. Your calendar is packed, clients love you, and you’ve reached the goal most massage therapists dream of. But here’s the real question: what’s next? In this episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I’m breaking down what happens beyond fully booked. Should you stay solo and raise your rates? Explore new creative paths like teaching, products, or mentorship? Or take the leap into building a group practice so you can scale your impact, income, and freedom? We’ll dive into the pros and cons of each path, the hard truths about staying solo,...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I’m joined by someone who’s built one of Houston’s most beloved massage practices Zalla Otten, founder of Zalla Massage.
Zalla’s journey is anything but ordinary. From starting out in a spare bedroom to now running a thriving practice in a cozy 105-year-old cottage in Montrose, she’s grown her business to a team of 10 therapists, front desk coordinators, and a loyal client base that’s made Zalla Massage one of the most-reviewed massage studios in Houston.
But what really makes Zalla stand out is her combination of entrepreneurial drive, creativity, and heart. She’s not only a Licensed Massage Therapist but also a visionary studio owner who’s built her practice around high standards, client-centered care, and innovative approaches to growth.
In this episode, Zalla opens up about:
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How she went from working multiple jobs to launching her own practice, step by step.
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The unique marketing strategies that fueled her growth, from creative Groupon hacks to building a referral program that clients and partners love.
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The lessons (and mistakes) of hiring, managing, and building a culture that truly supports both therapists and clients.
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The reality of scaling up: what it’s like to run a seven-figure massage business, expand to multiple locations, and navigate tough decisions when things don’t go as planned.
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How returning to hands-on work reignited her passion, especially through fascia work and energy-focused bodywork.
Zalla’s story is honest, inspiring, and packed with wisdom for any massage therapist, wellness entrepreneur, or business owner looking to grow without losing themselves along the way.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice, hiring your first employee, or scaling to multiple locations, this conversation will give you the insights, tools, and encouragement you need to take your next step.
Tune in now to hear how Zalla built, stumbled, grew, and ultimately redefined success on her own terms.
Check out Zalla’s website:
https://zallamassage.com/
Her Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ZallaMassage
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Want to build a wellness practice that gives you both TIME and MONEY? Learn more at www.scalingwellness.com
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