Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Rizzo-Benedetti.
Hi Katherine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story began as a child. I would massage people’s shoulders and give them scalp massage if they sat in front of me. One day my brothers friend told me I should be a Massage Therapist and I was shocked that I had no idea that was a career choice. As the years went on it became time to start looking into careers. Nothing else seems to fit so I decided I would go to massage school after I graduated high school. I graduated from Santa Maria High June of 2006. I began massage school September 2006 and graduated December as a Massage Practitioner. In the last 20 years I have had 3 children and blessed with a bonus son. Raising children required me to change careers a few times. However massage was always something I went back you from time to time. It was 2022 being home during Covid that inspired me to start my massage career again wanting to help people on their health journey. The rules had changed requiring state licensing and 500 hours of education, so back to school I went. It was very rewarding to start and finish my massage schooling at the California Holistic Institute around 17 years apart. The owner and teachers are amazing and I am so thankful for them all. I worked at a local spa as a Massage Therapist while attending school. Once I graduated I decided to start my own business. I was fortunate enough to find an amazing business location in Old Orcutt. I partnered in the lease with a dear friend and amazing Esthetician Karissa Sanchez owner of Glow By the Coast. We celebrated our 2 year anniversary this year and it’s been an amazing 2 years. My massage business has grown so much and I have been able to help so many people. The massage I provide is tailored to the individual client and their therapeutic needs, making every massage different. I was so excited and thankful to be nominated and voted The 2026 Best Massage Therapist of Santa Maria Valley. It has been so rewarding to be able to do what I love and being able help so many people heal and feel better. I am excited for the future and have visions of growing bigger than just myself. To reach more people and provide a quality massage to my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I had my first son in 2010 and being a single mom came with lots of challenges financial being the largest. Massage couldn’t give me consistent income as back then massage was a luxury. In 2011 I decided being a dental assistant would be more financially beneficial and enrolled and graduated the RDA program at Allan Hancock College in 2012. This lead me to working in a local dental lab becoming a Senior CAD Cam designer for zirconia crowns, bridges and implants. I needed more flexibility for my son. My mother is a self employed bookkeeper and has been for around 45 years. She was able to work from home and could control her schedule. I decided in 2013 to go to school yet again and obtain my Bookkeeping Certification from Allan Hancock College. I was near the end of my set of classes when I became pregnant with my daughter. I had my last final on December 6th at noon and went into labor with my daughter that evening around midnight. Working alongside my mom being a self employed bookkeeper gave the flexibility I needed and financial ability to provide for my now two children. I currently have my bookkeeping business and have been doing so for 11 years now. Which works great alongside my Massage Career.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the owner and sole Massage Therapist of my business. My focus is providing massage that the clients need. Every session starts with a conversation to discuss health issues, concerns, goals and what the client wants me to focus on. As the relationship grows they tend to allow me to read their body and use the time on what I feel needs to be worked on. The massage I provide is customized in every way and no part is “cookie cutter”. I have the ability to have very firm pressure or very relaxing pressure depending on the location of the body and the client. I am also very proud the be the Massage Therapist to many of the local Massage Therapists in Orcutt. Most of my clients are not there for relaxation they come to me for a variety of ailments including severe migraines, post surgery, arthritis, autoimmune, sports events or Injury, spinal issues, muscle soreness, sciatic issues, pregnancy and more. However relaxation tends to happen at the same time. I put all energy into every massage and wish everyone I touch would be healed forever.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My business has grown to what it is today mostly on word of mouth alone. My clients buy gift cards for friends and family and tell people about be all the time. The reviews I receive from clients are amazing and have helped so many people find me with a simple google search. Thats how my clients have supported me and my family. I am eternally grateful to my amazing clients.
It can be very scary for people to try a new Massage Therapist with the way the industry has been negatively impacted by shady business using Massage Therapy as a cover. Word of mouth is everything to a business like mine.
Pricing:
- 60 minute Custom Massage $95
- 90 minute Custom Massage $145
- 60 minute Deep Tissue $105
- 90 minute Deep Tissue $165
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.betterbodymassage.co
- Instagram: @betterbodymassage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbodymassage.co?mibextid=wwXIfr
