Meet Jacob Lemerand of Sage and Spry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Lemerand.  

Hi Jacob, 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.
I first became a massage therapist in 2016 after graduating from Baker College in Muskegon, Michigan. I worked as a general massage therapist focusing on sport/injury-specific issues at various chiropractic office. As the years flew by, I found myself needing a change of scenery and practice, I needed a place to grow as a therapist. 

I packed up my backpack and drove to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Marquette in mind. At that time, I had no intentions on moving or working here but rather to just take a break and explore our wonderful state. One beautiful August night, I was gazing at the northern light standing in Lake Superior and told myself, “If I can get a job in three days, I’m moving here.” Exactly three days later, I acquired a job at Sage and Spy owned by Angie Kates. I loved it! I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and implement it into my practice. 

A few years went by, and the COVID pandemic hit. Massage businesses were not able to work for 3-4 months, and many had to close their doors. Upon this time off, I reflected on my dreams and ambitions, recalling that I once promised myself to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. A 2650-mile continuous footpath starting at the California-Mexico board that ends at the Washington-Canada border. 

So began my new journey in April 2021 that lasted through September 2021. I did it and completed that life-changing challenge. Many folks, after a thru-hike, change their careers, ways of living, and more. I, however, had a strong pull to get back to work at Sage and Spry. Yes, the west coast is beautiful and massive, but nothing like Michigans UP, and I stand by that. 

During that time, I changed my modalities to practice Functional Bodywork (massage). I liked general massage work but loved functional wellness. A year after that, I took over as owner of Sage and Spry. 

Walking that long long dirt path and taking over a small business were two of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I now intend to grow Sage and Spry into a wellness center with various body and mental health practitioners. 

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?
Some struggles I faced along my way was change I just didn’t know it at the time. Having 3-4 months off work made me realize I needed to grow my mind and not just my practice. Hiking in mountain wilderness for 5 months really forces one to think about their entire life, then think about it again and again. It’s like the most intense therapy, and I was my own therapist. Sounds wild, I know, but it’s true. I came back a changed and happier person. I still implement changes I’ve learned on the trail to this day. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sage and Spry is a wellness center that currently focuses on massage and bodywork. I specialize in Functional Massage, which is very different from general work. Clients with chronic pain, limited range of motion, injuries, athletic performance, etc benefit from this therapy the most. It’s a fast way to help with dysfunctions in the body. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
One of my biggest supports was Angie Kates (previous owner of Sage and Spry). She gave me a job and trusted me to manage her business for years. When I told her about hiking the PCT, she encouraged me to. Not many folks can quit their job for 5-6 months and be welcome back with open arms then allowed to take it over. I felt very lucky and still do. 

All my friends and family supported me throughout the last decade to become who I am now. 

Contact Info:

• Website: sageandspry.com
• Instagram: @sageandspry
• Facebook: @sageandspry