Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Leslie.
Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a single mom to two amazing boys. I was working at the front desk at a security company when I found out I was pregnant with my youngest son. After he was born, he was diagnosed with Polymicrogyria—a rare brain condition that causes developmental delays. Because of his needs, we had to attend numerous appointments: physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other appointments for further testing. Working long hours simply wasn’t an option anymore.
I decided to become a hairstylist, hoping it would offer more flexibility. I did hair for a little while, but the hours were still too long. Interestingly, when I washed my clients’ hair, many of them complimented my scalp massages. One client even told me, “You should be a massage therapist—you have magic hands!” That really stayed with me.
I looked into it, and becoming a massage therapist felt like the perfect fit. I enrolled in massage school and was loving the journey—until halfway through, when I received life-changing news: I had a brain tumor. I had to pause school, undergo surgery, and focus on healing. Thankfully, I was able to return, complete the program, pass my state board exam, and earn my license.
Now, I offer mobile massage therapy. It allows me to do one or two sessions a day, work around my youngest son’s appointments, and still be home in time for my older son—to make dinner, help with homework, and just be present.
It’s been a challenging journey, but every step has led me to a place where I can care for my family and do work that brings healing to others. I’m incredibly grateful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Many times, clients prefer to schedule massages in the evenings—after work, after a business trip, or to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Evenings used to be my busiest time. But it was challenging, especially with my boys being 11 years apart. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving them home alone at night, and it was also scary going to someone’s home after dark.
Eventually, things started to work out, little by little. Then one evening, I got rear-ended. It felt like I was back at square one. I had to get my car fixed before I could start working again. Once that was taken care of, I began scheduling clients again, and things slowly picked up. Some months later the engine in my car blew, and I had to get another car.
As time went on, I began focusing more on building a daytime clientele while my sons were in school. I’d work during the day, but sometimes I’d still have massage appointments shortly after my sons got home from school. There wasn’t much time to cook, so I often resorted to fast food just to make sure the kids were fed and I could stay out working before it got too late. But when my youngest son began having seizures, I knew I had to cut back on the fast food and return to cooking healthy meals again.
Sometimes, right in the middle of making dinner, someone would book a last-minute massage appointment. I’d stop cooking, go do the massage, then come back home to finish cooking the meal—Sometimes it was already dark.
I came up with a brilliant idea to turn an RV into a luxury mobile spa. People absolutely loved how I transformed the inside—it became a spa on wheels. I could bring the spa right to their apartment, office, or driveway.
But I ran into obstacles. I received tickets for parking in front of homes, even where there were no “No Parking” signs. Some HOAs didn’t allow commercial vehicles or street parking at all. Still, I kept going. Then, the electric generator I had purchased for the RV began running out of charge after just two hours—it couldn’t power me through a full day. Soon after, the SUV I bought to tow the RV stopped working too. I had to get another car.
It’s been a tough journey, especially after investing so much into this mobile spa dream. But I’m not giving up. I’m now exploring the idea of parking the RV spa at a plaza—this way, clients can come to me, or I can still go to them when needed.
I love what I do, and no matter the challenges, I will continue to grow.
We’ve been impressed with TruCare Mobile Massage , 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?
I’m a mobile massage therapist, and I travel to my clients—whether it’s their home, hotel, office, or apartment. I bring everything needed to create a relaxing spa experience: a massage table, soothing spa music, hot stones, warm towels, and calming aromatherapy.
I offer a range of massage services, including sports, prenatal, postnatal, light, medium, or deep tissue massage. Each session is designed to encourage healthy blood flow, promote healing, and help loosen tight muscles for improved mobility.
But beyond the physical benefits, I always show up with kind, uplifting, and welcoming energy—because I believe that’s part of the healing, too. I genuinely love what I do, and it brings me joy to care for others in such a meaningful way.
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?
Massage is one of the greatest forms of self-care. I truly believe everyone should receive a massage at least once a month—it does so much more for the mind and body than most people realize.
Because I’m so passionate about healing others, I’m excited to take the next step by placing my RV spa at a plaza, giving clients the choice to either come to me or have me come to them. My goal is to also open a brick-and-mortar location where I can train like-minded therapists to deliver powerful, hands-on healing to even more people. More than ever, people are embracing holistic wellness and self-care, and I’m honored to be part of that journey.
Over time, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible individuals—from athletes and successful entrepreneurs to school teachers and everyday heroes. I’ve provided massages for educators at schools like Luminary Middle School, where the teachers and staff were so appreciative and kind.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work with amazing people like Brandon Copeland, former NFL player and author of Your Money Playbook. Athletes often push their bodies to the limit, breaking down and rebuilding muscles. I helped Brandon with targeted sports massage that included deep stretching, increased circulation, and muscle recovery support.
What fulfills me most is being able to care for people from all walks of life. I truly enjoy massaging everyone I meet, and I’m excited to continue connecting with beautiful-minded individuals along the way.
Image Captions:
Me with the amazing teachers and staff at Luminary Middle School after providing chair massages—they were so kind and grateful.
Brandon Copeland, former NFL player and author of Your Money Playbook—I supported his recovery with sports massage and therapeutic stretching.
A photo of me with my two incredible sons—they are my inspiration.
A look inside my beautiful spa on wheels—a relaxing space created with love.
Me in action, providing chair massages at a convention—spreading wellness wherever I go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trucaremassagespa.com
- Instagram: Trucare_massage
