The Essentia story begins in 2020, just as the newly-unfolding pandemic was beginning to create dramatic uncertainties for families, and businesses began to either shut down or completely overhaul their operations. As the General Manager of the clinic then-known as Vital Body Therapy, Kayla Savage would lead her team through the early months of lockdown – navigating through the ups, the downs and ever-changing landscape of new rules and regulations being imposed by what seemed to be a completely different world.
Amidst those dizzying months when lockdown edicts relegated nearly the entire world to their homes, Kayla and her husband Josh would be offered the opportunity to take over the existing business by its previous ownership. At the time, it wasn’t understood just how much the people of Santa Cruz needed the therapeutic effects of a healing human touch; but, even then, Kayla and Josh knew that it was more essential than ever. The couple viewed the chance they were being given as an opportunity to serve their community with a higher and more personal standard. Kayla was excited to provide a crucial service with a completely positive impact, and felt that she was being called upon to support her beloved community.
“Buying a massage therapy clinic in the height of a pandemic is either completely insane, or totally genius,” the couple thought, and certainly few would have taken the same risk. However, after careful consideration and with a healthy amount of trepidation, Kayla and Josh decided to take the leap and assumed ownership of the clinic in January of 2021, and marked the new beginning by rebranding the business as Essentia Body Therapy.
From that moment, Essentia’s mission has been clear: to provide elevated, educated, clinical massage to an active, health-conscious community, and to change the perception of bodywork from that of a luxury to an affordable necessity. Being both professionally focused and heart-forward, Essentia has built a reputation for offering quality bodywork, while also providing a serene, relaxing and inclusive environment for all. Operating out of a charming Victorian-era home in the heart of Santa Cruz, Essentia assists and aids the entire community regardless of background or experience level with receiving massage.
Serving active professionals, busy office workers, UC students, retired enthusiasts, and professional and student athletes, Essentia strives to find the right therapist and experience for each client, and offers a wide range of different massage modalities that include deep tissue massage, their signature 5 senses massage, couples massage and prenatal massage, as well as a list of optional add-ons help to enhance every session and create a superior experience while in trusted hands. Understanding that everyone requires a specialized care routine, the team at Essentia is designed to accommodate anyone interested in massage therapy, no matter where they are on their health and wellness journey.
As the Santa Cruz community has continued to grow, the business has grown with it, with the Essentia team currently working as the official Massage Therapy Team of the Santa Cruz Warriors, as well as offering off-site Chair Massages to private groups and local businesses. Working closely with local chiropractors, acupuncture practitioners, healthcare professionals and physical therapists, Essentia Body Therapy is becoming an integral part of a well-rounded, integrative healthcare approach for your overall health and wellness. Essentia is eager to collaborate with their local community members and businesses as they continue to build toward the future.
Essentia not only provides therapeutic massage but also has a beautiful gift boutique where they sell various wellness products from some of your favorite brands, as well as handmade jewelry and art from local artists, and much more. Never losing focus on their goal to educate and encourage a healthy self-care routine outside of the clinic, consider Essentia a partner in your journey to better health and happier living.
Follow Essentia on social media (Facebook and Instagram), and visit their website to learn more about their services, read therapist bios and browse session availability.
