Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Smith.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career as a massage therapist in 2003 with a simple intention: to help people feel better in their bodies and improve their quality of life. What started as a profession quickly became a calling. Over the years, I deepened my education, refined my skills, and learned that the most meaningful work happens when you truly listen—to the body, to the client, and to yourself.
Earlier in my career, I attempted to open my own business for the first time. While I had the passion, I eventually realized I wasn’t in the right place to be a business owner at that point in my life. Letting go of that dream was difficult, but stepping back allowed me to grow, gain perspective, and continue learning while working for others. Looking back, that chapter was necessary—it taught me patience, humility, and resilience.
In 2020, when COVID shut down businesses across the country, I found myself at another crossroads. Like many others, my work suddenly stopped, and I was forced to make a decision about my future. Out of uncertainty and necessity, Escape Spa was created again—this time with clarity, intention, and a deeper understanding of what I wanted to build.
The response from the Wimberley community has been nothing short of overwhelming. The support, trust, and encouragement I’ve received reaffirmed why I chose this path in the first place. Today, Escape Spa continues to grow, rooted in genuine care, consistency, and connection. The journey hasn’t been linear, but it has been deeply rewarding, and I’m incredibly grateful to serve a community that believes in wellness and supports local small businesses.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was realizing that passion alone isn’t enough to sustain a business—you also need the right mindset, structure, and support. My first attempt at business ownership taught me that timing matters, and that stepping back to grow personally and professionally was necessary before trying again.
The most significant external challenge came in 2020, when COVID forced widespread business shutdowns. Like many small business owners and service providers, I suddenly lost my ability to work and had to navigate uncertainty with very little notice. That period was financially and emotionally challenging, but it also forced me to reassess what I wanted to build and how I wanted to operate.
Rebuilding during that time required resilience, adaptability, and trust—both in myself and in the process. Learning how to balance hands-on client care with the demands of running a business, managing stress, and setting healthy boundaries has been an ongoing challenge, but one that has shaped me into a stronger business owner.
Looking back, each obstacle has helped clarify my values and solidify the foundation of Escape Spa. Those challenges ultimately led to more intentional growth, deeper community connection, and a business built to last.
We’ve been impressed with Escape Spa, 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?
Escape Spa is a boutique wellness space in Wimberley, Texas, built around intentional, results-driven care rather than one-size-fits-all treatments. While relaxation is certainly part of the experience, I specialize in therapeutic massage focused on pain relief, injury support, stress reduction, and helping clients feel better in their bodies long-term.
What sets Escape Spa apart is the level of personalization and consistency in care. Every session begins with listening—understanding how a client feels that day, not just what’s on their intake form. I take a thoughtful, intuitive approach to massage, combining clinical knowledge with a calm, grounding environment so clients feel both supported and restored.
In addition to massage therapy, Escape Spa offers advanced LightForce laser therapy to help reduce pain, support healing, and treat a variety of acute and chronic injuries. This non-invasive technology allows clients to address inflammation, mobility issues, and recovery in a way that complements hands-on bodywork and supports lasting results.
Escape Spa has also expanded to include customized skincare services, allowing clients to care for both their bodies and their skin in one trusted space. I’m especially proud of building a small, dependable team and creating an environment where clients feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely cared for.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust and loyalty the business has earned within the community. Escape Spa isn’t about trends or quick fixes—it’s about showing up consistently, maintaining high standards, and offering care that feels human and approachable.
Escape Spa exists to help people move through life with less pain, more ease, and a deeper connection to their own well-being.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t see myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I do believe in taking thoughtful, intentional risks when they align with long-term goals and values. For me, risk has always been about preparation, timing, and trusting the work I’ve put in rather than making impulsive decisions.
One of the biggest risks I took was reopening and rebuilding my business during the uncertainty of 2020. Starting Escape Spa during a time when so much felt unstable required faith, adaptability, and a willingness to move forward without guarantees. While it was a financial and emotional risk, it was also a calculated one—I knew my experience, my skill set, and the level of care I could provide.
As the business grew, another meaningful risk was expanding beyond a solo practice. Bringing on additional support and adding new services meant learning to trust others with the brand and the client experience I had worked hard to build. Investing in advanced offerings, including new treatment modalities, required commitment before there was certainty, but it was guided by a desire to better serve clients and create something sustainable.
I’ve learned that risk doesn’t always look dramatic—sometimes it’s choosing growth over comfort and trusting yourself enough to take the next step forward. Some of the most meaningful growth in my life and business has come from taking risks when staying comfortable was no longer an option.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Escape-spa.square.site
Image Credits
Alicia R. Paparo Photograhy & Art
