Today we’d like to introduce you to Jena Van Houwe.
Hi Jena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Jena Van Houwe, and I am the owner of Jenna’s Massage Therapy LLC. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Cosmetologist, and Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach. Outside of my work, I love being outdoors, training for ultra marathons, playing music, and seeking new adventures. I believe that growth and healing happen when we challenge ourselves, stay curious, and embrace life’s experiences.
Growing up, my nickname was “Gentle Jena.” I was always deeply sensitive to the people around me and could intuitively sense when someone was hurting or struggling. I naturally became an encourager and wanted others to feel seen, supported, and cared for. Looking back, I realize that my empathy and compassion were gifts that would eventually shape my life’s work.
As a child and teenager, music played a huge role in my life. I sang with the Young People’s Chorus of Erie and had the incredible opportunity to participate in the World Choir Games. Through music, I learned professionalism, teamwork, discipline, and the beauty of connecting with people from different backgrounds. The stage became a place where I felt safe, inspired, and empowered.
My journey into massage therapy began through my own healing experience. After undergoing elbow surgery at a young age, I received bodywork from a massage therapist who worked in a chiropractor’s office. I was amazed by her skill, her calming energy, and the way she collaborated with the doctor to help patients heal. I vividly remember telling my mom, “I want to be like her someday.” Although I didn’t immediately pursue massage therapy as a career, that experience planted a seed that never left me.
I eventually attended Mercyhurst Northeast to study massage therapy, embracing the philosophy of “Carpe Diem” seize the day. Since then, I have dedicated myself to continuously learning and growing in my profession. Over the years, I have expanded my education and certifications because I believe there is always more to learn and new ways to better serve others.
Today, my business is built on intentional, results driven care that helps people move better, feel stronger, and reconnect with themselves. I believe healing is not one-size-fits-all, and every person’s wellness journey deserves to be honored and supported.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people, I’ve faced challenges that have shaped who I am today.
Growing up, I struggled with learning difficulties and often learned differently than others. There were times when I questioned myself and had to work harder to build confidence in my abilities. Those experiences taught me perseverance, patience, and the importance of finding strengths within our challenges.
I also wasn’t always healthy or active. My own journey toward wellness has been filled with learning, setbacks, and personal growth. Through that process, I discovered that health isn’t about perfection. It’s about making intentional choices, showing yourself grace, and continuing to move forward.
Building my business has also come with its own challenges. Starting and growing a business requires courage, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning. There have been moments of self-doubt, long hours, and obstacles that tested me, but each challenge has strengthened my purpose and deepened my passion for helping others.
Because of my own experiences, I have a deep understanding that everyone’s healing journey looks different. The struggles I’ve faced have given me empathy, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others feel supported, empowered, and capable of creating positive change in their own lives.
As you know, we’re big fans of Jenna’s Massage Therapy LLC . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Jenna’s Massage Therapy LLC was founded with one simple mission: to help people heal, move with confidence, and feel empowered in their bodies. We believe that massage therapy is more than relaxation. It’s an intentional form of care that can positively impact how people live, work, and show up in their everyday lives.
At Jenna’s Massage Therapy, we focus on providing personalized bodywork sessions designed around each client’s unique concerns and goals. Every session begins with a consultation and intake process to understand what is happening in your body and what you hope to achieve. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I tailor each session using a variety of modalities, including Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Cupping Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT), and more.
To promote health and well-being, massage is an effective tool. Through specific techniques, I work to help calm the nervous system, reduce tension, improve movement, and support the body’s natural healing process. Because every person is unique, I believe it often takes about three sessions for clients to fully understand my approach and begin noticing meaningful, lasting changes. From there, we work together to create a personalized plan, whether that’s addressing pain, restoring function, or maintaining overall wellness.
One of the greatest gifts of my work has been watching my clients challenge themselves. Whether they’re training for a race, recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, navigating life’s stresses, or simply learning to prioritize their health, their determination and resilience inspire me every day. Seeing my clients step outside of their comfort zones and commit to their well-being has encouraged me to continue challenging myself both personally and professionally.
That inspiration led me to compete in the Pennsylvania Massage Championships this year, where I was honored to receive a Silver Medal in Wellness Massage and a Bronze Medal in Sports Massage. The experience pushed me to grow, refine my skills, and pursue excellence in my craft. I also had the opportunity to network with incredible massage therapists who share the same passion for elevating the massage industry. Being surrounded by professionals dedicated to learning, collaboration, and raising the standards of our profession was truly inspiring.
There are four primary areas that I focus on within my practice:
Pain Management: When a client comes in experiencing pain or recovering from an injury, we focus on the areas causing discomfort. During this phase, sessions may be more frequent to support healing and help clients return to their daily activities.
Restoration of Function: Using a variety of techniques, we work to improve movement, restore physical function, alleviate discomfort, and address specific musculoskeletal challenges so clients can move with greater confidence and ease.
Wellness Check-Ins: These sessions focus on assessing overall well-being, identifying areas of tension, discussing stress levels and lifestyle habits, and creating a personalized plan that supports long-term wellness.
Maintenance Care: Once goals have been achieved, we develop a maintenance plan that supports the client’s ongoing wellness journey. This may include sessions once or twice a month or seasonally to help manage stress, maintain mobility, and keep the body functioning at its best.
Another thing that sets Jenna’s Massage Therapy apart is that I don’t charge extra for specialized techniques or enhancements. Every session includes the tools and techniques that best support the client’s needs that day, including seasonal products or wellness tools that are thoughtfully incorporated into each experience.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe massage therapy will continue moving away from being seen as a luxury and become more recognized as an important part of overall health and wellness. More people are discovering that massage can help manage pain, improve mobility, reduce stress, and support a better quality of life.
Our profession is constantly evolving. There are hundreds of massage and bodywork modalities, and new techniques continue to emerge as we learn more about the body and healing. That commitment to growth and education is one of the things I love most about this industry.
Competing in the Pennsylvania Massage Championships this year and earning Silver in Wellness and Bronze in Sports Massage reinforced that passion. I had the opportunity to connect with incredible therapists who are dedicated to elevating the profession and advancing the level of care we provide.
I believe the future of massage lies in education, collaboration, and helping more people understand that taking care of their bodies isn’t a luxury. It’s an investment in living life to the fullest.
Pricing:
- 30 minutes massage $55
- 60 minutes massage $95
- 90 minutes massage $135
Contact Info:
- Website: https://massageeriepa.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BckVQ6CDq/
