Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Jones.
Hi Katie, 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 came to Austin to celebrate my 21st birthday with my brother. I received my first massage ever during that visit. As soon as the massage was over, I knew I had found my purpose. I went home and within 4 months, I started massage therapy school. I have practiced on and off from 1997-2017 in the Kansas City area. The majority of my career was spent at Your Wellness Connection, which is a holistic wellness center. There I had the wonderful opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the holistic wellness field from chiropractors to Chinese medicine doctors to naturopathic physicians to reflexologist. It was there that I was also introduced to the wonderful world of yoga. I “retired” at the end of 2017 as we were preparing to move to Austin to purchase an insurance agency. I took on the position of CFO of our agency. In 2023, I knew it was time to get back me (excel spreadsheets & QuickBooks just didn’t give me the fulfillment that the wellness world did). I started my business, Rapha Vitality. I really felt called to create spaces for women to come together and connect to themselves, their purpose, nature and each other. I also got my massage license and see clients one day a week. I LOVE being able to help people relax and feel better. Last year, I decided to get my yoga teacher training certification. I now call myself a relaxation specialist. I help people learn to relax and take care of themselves through massage, yoga and wellness retreats. I feel that women, especially in my stage of life (entering the “wisdom” stage) many times find themselves having spent the last couple decades of life focusing so much on their family or careers that they lose touch with themselves and who they are away from all the titles they have acquired along the way. I want to give them space and opportunity to reconnect to their heart and purpose. I have partnered with two therapists and we will be hosting our first women’s wellness retreat called “The Journey to Reconnection & Vitality Retreat” Nov 13-16, 2025 at The Retreat Ranch in Marble Falls, TX.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not! Honestly, it hasn’t actually been all that tough either. I feel that when you are doing what you are made to do, it all seems to fall into place. That has really been my experience all along the way with my massage journey. I was several years into my career before I actually realized that it was indeed my “career”. Once I was married and focused on having a family, it was what I could do to have an income but also be the very present mom I always wanted to be. It also gave me the chance to have a good purpose outside of being a mom. “Momming” isn’t always the most thankful job in the world and as a massage therapist, I always felt appreciated. 🙂
I think my biggest challenge was physical. I do pretty deep tissue massage and it is hard on my body. That is why I only do one day a week in the office now. I occasionally do massage at retreats but am very careful to not overtax my body.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rapha Vitality ?
I created Rapha Vitality to help people relax and care for themselves. I am very passionate that we cannot care for those we love most until we have cared for ourselves first. We live in such a busy society, i want to help people slow down and be present and allow time to refill their hearts.
I covered a lot of this in the “my story” section.
What’s next?
I plan to travel a LOT. I hope to continue to do retreats where we can explore and refill at the same time. I am looking forward to hosting our first retreat in November.
Pricing:
- Retreat $1099-$1999 depending on accommodation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raphavitality.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphavitality
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rapha-Vitality/61556476836978/#
