There are so many amazing women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh North! Macaroni KID Pittsburgh North was lucky enough to sit down with one of them, during Women's History Month. Heather Brown, the owner of Body By Design, a North Hills Spa favorite for the past 15 years, sat down with us to share how Body By Design has grown into the successful practice it is today and about what plans are ahead. Recently, Body By Design was voted by Trib Live readers, "The Best 2023 Spa/Medical Spa and Best Therapeutic Massage in Pittsburgh North."
When Heather started her massage therapy business, in 2008, her goal was simply to build connections and help clients to restore their health. This initial passion has more than paid off. Ironically, Heather’s journey into the world of massage therapy was not her initial plan. After graduating college with degrees in political science and public relations, Heather rerouted her career ambitions towards a career in massage therapy because she felt a nudge to do something where she felt like she was, "making a significant difference.”
As we continued the interview under a lavish palm tree that Heather created with help from her mom, I asked her to describe Body By Design in a few words. Without hesitation, Heather asserted, "Our focus is on treating pain. Our clients are usually people with severe pain injuries who are specifically looking for solutions.” Heather specializes in Trigger Point Therapy, which focuses on releasing tension from muscles. The result is improved circulation. However, she has massage therapists who have varying specialties which helps with matching clients with a therapist that can accurately develop a treatment plan for a variety of needs. Other specialized services offered at Body By Design include cupping, reflexology, bamboo and hot stone therapy.
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When I asked Heather about challenges she has faced, the most significant and difficult hurdle was navigating Covid and seeing clients during the pandemic. Heather says that she is particularly proud of how she and her staff were able to keep everyone safe and still continue helping her clients during a very trying time when many businesses were permanently closing their doors.
The name Body By Design is very fitting for the work that is done to restore the body back to optimum health. Heather, in her own words says that she has chosen “a path that is not a popular one” amongst business owners by choosing to share her faith in mentioning that the idea behind the name "Body By Design" comes from Psalm 139:14 and God's intention for, "the human body to function in masterful ways." She is grateful that she has found great purpose in the work that she is doing.
Body By Design receives many insurance cases involving automobile accidents. Heather shared a story about one particular client who was rear ended and so riddled with pain that even the smallest task had become unbearable. Through the course of several months, the woman made a full recovery. “We welcome those cases,” Heather stated. “It’s a really neat thing to be a part of that process to help someone to restore normal function.”
"The main thing that is different at Body By Design is that your session can be different every single time because of the way we approach a clients recovery needs.” - Heather Brown, Owner of Body By Design
A new venture that Body By Design fans can look forward to is the benefit of choosing Body By Design as an option through Employee Assistance Program Benefits. Heather explains further, “It’s important for small businesses to keep a healthy work culture and keep their employees happy.” This new model will help employers who sign up for this feature to do just that. Heather is just beginning to present this new opportunity to businesses in the Pittsburgh area.
At the conclusion of our interview, I was so intrigued by the beautiful and relaxing atmosphere that Heather has created that I asked her to describe how she came up with the different themes for each treatment room. She said that, “when I designed the space my goal was for it to feel like a destination getaway where you could literally unplug for at least an hour and shut out the noise of your busy day.”
The palm tree paradise room was designed to feel like you’re literally being massaged in a tropical oasis under a palm tree. The Chinatown room is an eclectic and visually stunning expression of Asian artwork including art that was given to her by clients and includes beautifully sequenced umbrellas that adorn the ceiling. There is also the sunshine beach paradise room, and lastly the scenic oasis which feels like a lavish getaway complete with a stunning waterfall mural and mountainous overlook.
It is clear to see why Body By Design was voted the best therapeutic massage spa in Pittsburgh North as it offers exactly what it promises, a unique experience of excellence in care and treatment to attain optimal health for mind and body.
You can learn more about Body By Design including membership options and services by visiting
