Strangers on a Plane
Marissa began her healing journey in the nursing field, and always knew that helping others was her calling. However, after years of working in a hospital, she found herself feeling burnt out and uncertain about what was next. Seeking clarity, Marissa planned a trip to Florida to visit her mom, hoping that some sunshine, rest, and reflection would help her find direction.
Marissa’s time in Florida left her feeling refreshed. Though she felt hopeful, she was still unsure of the next step in her career. On the plane ride back to Baltimore, Marissa was seated between two strangers, one of whom was an older man. As the plane taxied to the gate, the man struck up a conversation about life, family, and the pursuit of happiness. At one point, he asked if she believed in divine intervention. Marissa laughed and admitted she had no idea what that meant.
He smiled and explained that divine interventions are moments when life places the right people or experiences in your path — just when you need them most. He told her, “You are the only one who can set your limitations. A life without risk is a life without reward.” His words struck a chord.
That brief conversation planted a seed that would soon change the course of Marissa’s life. The very next day, she called the location in Towson, went for the tour, and enrolled in massage school– and she’s never looked back. While the academic side came easily, it was the hands-on work with clients that truly lit her up. In those moments, she realized she had found her purpose: helping others heal through the power of touch.
The Start of a Business
Marissa started her business, Knot Bad Massage, at the end of 2020 with a simple goal: to bring the healing power of massage directly to people’s homes. During the pandemic, she took a leap of faith, left her job, and began working for herself. Her business began with just 32 clients, and quickly took off to become widely loved by the local community.
What started with just one small room in the basement of a chiropractor’s office, Marissa’s massage practice quickly gained momentum, and before long, she had expanded to occupy nearly every room in the building. Within the first three months, her client base had grown so rapidly that she needed to bring on a few friends to help meet the demand.
Looking back, it all feels like a blur, but this month marks five incredible years in business, serving over 4,000 clients. Marissa is proud to still have one of her very first team members, Heather Ferris, by her side — along with seven other amazing therapists and three front desk associates, who continue to help bring relaxation and wellness to their clients every day. In June 2023, Knot Bad expanded to a new location featuring five beautifully designed treatment rooms, including two couples’ rooms. To make relaxation more accessible, they also offer on-site childcare for clients while they enjoy their services.
With unwavering support from her family, Marissa feels truly blessed to have her husband, twin babies, and her beloved brother and sister-in-law by her side. They are always cheering her on, showing up at every event, and celebrating each milestone together. Her motivation and resilience in owning a business is owed to her Dad, who recently passed away. Her family in Florida, her Mom, sister and nephew, are her constant source of love and encouragement, always ready to listen and lift her up when the challenges of running a business start to feel overwhelming.
Personalized Massage Therapy Services
Knot Bad Massage provides compassionate, personalized massage therapy for clients of all ages — from newborns to those in their end-of-life stages. The team offers a wide variety of modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, hot bamboo, cupping, labor-inducing, and lymphatic drainage massage. They take pride in continually expanding their knowledge and mastering the latest techniques to enhance our healing touch and better serve our clients.
What sets Knot Bad Massage apart from other businesses in the area is their commitment to providing a full 60 minutes of customized massage therapy, tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences. They continue to offer in-home services for clients with mobility challenges or for special occasions like a girls’ night in. Beyond sessions, they're passionate about staying involved in our local community and giving back whenever they can.
To contact Marissa or the team at Knot Bad massage, call or text 443-554-3278 and follow on social media, @KnotBadMassage to keep up with this growing business.
