Less than a year after Kari Iverson debuted her HELLO Modern Massage practice in downtown Mill Valley, the business continues to blossom, as she recently moved into a new, larger space that has two treatment rooms (both equipped for couples massage), reception area, kitchenette, and an outdoor patio.
The Cleveland, Ohio native, who saw her prior career in tech sidelined by chronic pain from working on a computer 60-plus hours a week, came to the realization that massage therapy “was the only thing that helped my pain,” she says. “It provided me with the relief that doctors weren’t able to give me. I started to feel a little bit better after each massage therapy.”
Iverson was so inspired by the experience that she shifted gears and attended San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork in the Mission District. She graduated in 2017 and began her practice as a side hustle that she balanced out with work in fine dining.
Fast forward to today, and Iverson’s moved to 507 Miller Avenue, the Tamalpais Commons mixed-use property built in 2009 by longtime Mill Valley resident Mike House’s House Properties. The complex includes 10 single-family homes, three live/work spaces, three residential condos, and a pair of retail spaces, which has included Dish, Hawk’s Tavern, Yolo Yogurt Lounge, Weezy’s Grass Fed Shed, and ToyHouse Mill Valley over the years.
Iverson says her practice had grown consistently since it opened downtown, and she was ready to spread her wings a bit. Her practice has been such a success that she’s been able to hire two additional massage therapists, who largely focus on evenings and weekends.
“It has long been my goal to expand our space and offer our clients more – more relaxation, more health, more wellness,” Iverson says.