Community Highlights: Meet Jess Trusty of Harbor Health and Massage, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Trusty

Hi Jess, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Harbor Health and Massage LLC was founded in 2003 by Tammy Hillen in Downtown Holland, MI. Initially sharing space with Lakeshore Pilates, the business soon moved across the hall to its own location, where it thrived for the next seven years. In 2017, we took a significant step forward by purchasing our own building in the vibrant Washington Square district, solidifying our place in the heart of Holland’s business community.
In September of 2023, ownership of Harbor Health transitioned from Tammy Hillen to Jess Trusty, who now leads the business with care, dedication, and a deep commitment to its legacy.
Jess joined the Harbor Health team in 2018, initially as a receptionist. During my time in this role, I experienced firsthand the transformative benefits of massage therapy. Before working at HHM, I had been living with chronic back pain and was considering surgery. However, with regular massage, I found a holistic alternative to manage my conditions. This personal transformation inspired me to purchase the business when the opportunity arose and pursue a career in massage therapy.
In 2024, I began studying at The Academy of Alternative Healing Arts with plans to become a licensed massage therapist later this year. With a passion for helping people feel their best, I am excited to bring my personal experience and commitment to healing to every client I serve.

My background includes caregiving and some nursing school. I worked in nursing homes prior to working for Harbor Health and Massage. I also have an associates degree from Grand Rapids Community College, earned in 2020 with an emphasis in general accounting. I am, and have always been passionate for helping others — my role as owner of Harbor Health and Massage helps me do that everyday!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In my time as Owner, I have had some minor struggles, especially with staffing early on. Now that I have a great team working with me, things have smoothed out and we are enjoying the journey.
We have continued to grow as a team, and have learned to work well with each other. Now with our expanded team comes our newest challenge — bringing in new clients and meeting more of our community! We are open 7 days a week with massage therapy available 8:30a-7p Monday-Friday, 9a-2p on Saturdays, and 9a-1p on Sundays.

I have also had to adapt to life as a business owner instead of an employee — a business owner juggles more plates and there is a larger responsibility to my team. Finding a good work/life balance was difficult at first but I am finally falling into a groove of managing things in the office balanced with remote work, practicing massage, and enjoying my hobbies outside of the office. I am excited to see what continues to develop for my business and my team. My 2025 goals include creating more partnerships with other local businesses and providers, and meeting more of our community members.

We’ve been impressed with Harbor Health and Massage, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a team of 8 Licensed Massage Therapists. I am currently in massage school and graduate in just a couple of weeks. Once fully licensed, I will also offer some massage hours bringing our massage practitioners up to 9.
Our office is collaborative and we all share clients, meaning folks can rotate amongst massage therapists, who share notes, to seek out the skills and approaches that work best for them.
While most of our team enjoys working on therapeutic massage goals, promoting wellness and good health, and helping clients feel better physically, we also enjoy the slower sessions to help someone decompress and relax — which can be just as therapeutic and healing in it’s own ways!
Most of our staff have been practicing for 4+ years with the highest level of experience around 22 years, with some having been massage therapists before licensing was even required! Together, our team has an astounding 50+ years of massage experience, and our collaborative efforts means that all of our staff have resources available when a new situation arrises.

We also have a Licensed Acupuncturist with Eternal Crane Wellness, LLC onsite 3 days a week offering acupuncture services.

What were you like growing up?
I have always been a curious person — my life has been a series of learning many new skills and continued education. As a kid, I was very studious and did my homework without being prompted. Learning has always been something I have enjoyed, so I have spent a lot of time focused on it. With so many topics out there, how could one ever stop learning?

I moved a lot in high school and attended three different high schools, so I wasn’t as connected to my peers as most were but being a millennial, I was able to stay connected to friends remotely. I was the first in my family to attend college, and I am the first in my family to obtain a college degree.

I am the type of person who has always liked to collect hobbies – outdoor adventures like camping and off-roading on ATVs were prominent hobbies in my childhood. My cousins and I would all gather at our grandparent’s house or our Aunt and Uncle’s house on the weekends with our quads, ready to ride and have a good time! As I grew up, I also had interests in hunting and fishing, cooking and baking, volunteering and giving of my time in ways that helped others. I have always been passionate for cooking and baking because it’s another way of caring for people that I enjoy. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandmothers.

I still enjoy many of the same hobbies, with the addition of hiking and kayaking. I am now a volunteer and board member at Out On The Lakeshore, which is one way I help the community feel that they have a place in this world exactly as they are. Small things that bring others joy has been a theme throughout my life.

Pricing:

• 30 minute massage $60
• 60 minute massage $100
• 90 minute massage $135
• Gift Cards available online with print and email delivery options
• Online scheduling from our website

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harborhealthandmassage.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarborHealth
• Other: https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/hhafh9