Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Dowty.
Hi Claudia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got into massage therapy because of my own experience with chronic pain from fibromyalgia. I had tried everything, and massage was the only thing that consistently gave me relief. That’s what pushed me to want to help others who live with pain every day, because I understand firsthand how exhausting and limiting it can be. Getting there wasn’t easy. I was working graveyard shifts at the hospital as a CNA while taking classes, and since there aren’t any massage schools on the Oregon coast, I was commuting to Eugene for school. It was a lot of long days, very little sleep, and a commitment to seeing it through no matter what.
Like most small businesses, it didn’t start out glamorous. It was long days, a lot of trial and error, and figuring things out in real time while still showing up fully for every client. Being a solo therapist meant wearing every hat; provider, scheduler, marketer, problem-solver and learning quickly how to build something sustainable without burning out in the process.
Over time, that consistency and attention to detail started to speak for itself. What began as a small idea grew into an award-winning business with a loyal client base across two locations on the Oregon coast. I’ve been fortunate to earn recognition like Best Place for a Massage in Lincoln County and Best of the Best, but more than anything, it’s the relationships with my clients that have built the business into what it is today.
Now, Kneading to Unwind is more than just massage, it’s an experience. It’s about creating a space where people can truly disconnect, reset, and feel like they’re investing in themselves without guilt. And while the business has grown, the goal has stayed the same: keep the quality high, keep it personal, and never let it become just another routine service.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building this kind of business, especially as a solo therapist, comes with a unique set of challenges that people don’t always see from the outside. There’s the physical demand of the work itself, which is something I don’t take lightly, especially managing my own chronic pain. Then there’s everything that comes with running a business; long hours, constant problem-solving, and the pressure of making sure every client has a consistent, high-quality experience.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow without burning out. In the beginning, it’s easy to say yes to everything, overbook yourself, and push past your limits. But over time, I realized that sustainability matters, not just for the business, but for my own health. Setting boundaries, structuring my schedule, and being intentional about how I work has been a huge part of that learning curve.
There have also been moments of uncertainty, navigating growth, expanding locations, and figuring out how to maintain the same level of care as demand increases. You’re constantly adapting, refining, and making decisions that impact both your clients and your livelihood.
But those challenges have shaped the business into what it is today. They’ve forced me to be more intentional, more resilient, and more focused on creating something that lasts, not just something that works in the moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Kneading to Unwind is a massage therapy business built around the idea that self-care should feel both intentional and accessible, not rushed or routine. I specialize in therapeutic massage focused on pain relief, mobility, and overall wellness, while still creating an experience that allows clients to truly relax and reset. Because I deal with chronic pain myself, I approach every session with that level of understanding, this isn’t just about relaxation, it’s about helping people function better in their daily lives.
What also makes the space unique is that my daughter works alongside me, offering esthetic services including lashes, facials, waxing and brow services. Being able to provide both massage therapy and esthetics in one place allows clients to turn a single appointment into a full self-care experience. In some cases, clients can even book both a massage and facial and stay in the same room, which adds a level of convenience and comfort you don’t typically find.
What really sets Kneading to Unwind apart, though, is how I approach the client experience. I’ve never wanted it to feel like a standard, transactional business. I like to keep things engaging and give clients something extra to look forward to. That includes things like occasional flash sales on gift cards, monthly games where clients have the chance to walk out without paying for their session, birthday discounts, and fun drawings and promotions throughout the year. It keeps the environment light, rewarding, and a little unexpected in the best way.
I also make accessibility a priority by offering late hours and weekend availability, because I know not everyone fits into a typical 9-to-5 schedule. It’s important to me that people who need these services can actually access them without having to rearrange their entire lives.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the balance I’ve been able to create, keeping things professional and high-quality while still making it feel personal, welcoming, and genuine. Clients aren’t just numbers here, and that’s something I’ve worked hard to maintain as the business has grown.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that Kneading to Unwind is a place where you can come in, be taken care of, and leave feeling better, physically and mentally, without it ever feeling like just another appointment.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about this area is the sense of community. Depoe Bay and Newport may be small coastal towns, but there’s a strong level of support for local businesses and a genuine connection between people. It’s the kind of place where relationships matter, clients aren’t just clients, they become familiar faces, and over time, part of your extended community. There’s also something about the ocean itself that adds to everything; the pace, the atmosphere, the way people come here to slow down and reset. It naturally aligns with what I do.
Having two locations in Depoe Bay and Newport has allowed me to serve both communities while still keeping that personal, local feel, which is something I really value.
If I had to point out a challenge, it would be the limitations that come with being on the coast. Access to resources, whether it’s education, staffing, or certain services, can be more difficult compared to larger cities. I experienced that firsthand when I had to commute out of town for my own schooling. Growth can take a little more creativity and persistence here.
But at the same time, that challenge is also part of what makes building something here so rewarding. You have to be intentional, you have to be resilient, and when things do grow, it means that much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kneading2unwind.massagetherapy.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kneading2unwind
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kneading2unwind
