Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Wargo.
Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a single mom to two grown men. I went to College not knowing what I wanted to do. I studied some business and child development classes at CMU. I dropped out five classes shy of my bachelor’s degree and decided to start my own licensed in-home daycare so I could stay home with my children. My children were both nerodiverse which created some learning obstacles for all of us. This included me driving back and forth for three years to Grand Rapids, so my youngest could get the education his learning disability required.
As they grew, it eventually became less necessary for me to stay home with them. I was looking for something to ignite my fire, something that I was finally passionate about as far as my career went.
At the age of almost 40, I hadn’t quite found my purpose outside of being a mother.
I had been interested in massage and decided to give it a shot. I loved caretaking for others and it made me happy to make a difference.
Soon into my massage career, I realized how I had finally found my fire! Having clients come in in pain and leave an hour later feeling so much relief was admittedly gratifying. I also had a hunger for knowledge and learning about all the amazing things the body can do!
At this time I started envisioning owning a wellness studio where I could help others learn alternative forms of healing.
I had worked at various studios over the years and then during covid I suffered a life-altering injury that caused me to reevaluate things. It was at that point I made the decision to finally bring my vision to life. And now, two and a half years later, I’m the proud owner of Birch Tree Wellness Studio. I’m currently expanding to add numerous services as well as opening a cafe next door.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD inattentive type. Believing that I was unintelligent for most of my life.
I was severely injured in an incident during covid. One in which I had to have a spinal fusion as well as a cage insertion to prevent me from being paralyzed. I was looking at never being able to do massage again.
Being a single Mom, having to learn how to do things as a one woman show and co -parent effectively.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Birch Tree Wellness Studio ?
We are a nature inspired wellness studio that believes that self-care should be a necessity, not a luxury. We offer alternative holistic services to support a healthy mind, body and spirit.
We are big on educating clients and helping them realize the root cause of their aches and pains.
We offer various modalities for all ages such as numerous types of massage; deep tissue, medical, hot rock, light pressure relaxation, sports, Ashiatsu. Others services such as reflexology, cupping, Gua Sha, Reiki, Ionic foot bath, nutrition coaching, intuitive counseling….
We are getting ready to expand and add on a yoga studio and we will be offering new services such as red light therapy, Japanese scalp massages, full body mud masks, neurofeedback, and holistic facials. Once that is completed, we will also be offering various workshops such as beginning meditation, journaling, breathing techniques, shopping for a healthy lifestyle, for all ages.
Our nature inspired cafe will be opening next door this fall, so we can provide delicious, healthier, less processed foods for patrons.
The dream is for Birch Tree to become a truly relaxing and welcoming space for those that need a little break and want to feel supported in their wellness journey!!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All my friends and family. For all of them supporting me when it was just a crazy dream. For the ones that cheered me on and dried my tears when I felt like I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t be here without them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birchtreewellnessmi.com/
- Facebook: Birch Tree Wellness Studio LLC
