When people talk about wellness therapies, most think "new age," but Healing Hands Massage Therapies offers clinical, certified massage therapy under owner Rene Sackett, who perfectly balances professional with personable for this unique, hands-on business.

Their small but serene suite has a tranquil, soothing atmosphere. This helps create an environment, Sackett said, that allows clients to mentally and physically unwind.

“We are not your typical chain spa or salon," Sackett said. "We’re here for the total healing of mind, body and spirit."

Healing Hands was born from Sackett’s love of getting massages herself to help shed some of the fatigue tied to working as a personal chef and caterer. Soon, after 15 years in the food service industry, Sackett found herself completing 520 hours of coursework and opening her own message therapy business, which has been open for five years.

Originally from Hollow deep in West County, Sackett now resides in Ellisville, where she's lived for the the last 7 years with her husband, George.  Together, they have four grown children: Ryan, 29; Todd, 26; Gabe, 25; and their daughter Hannah, 21.

“Cooking and giving massages are passions of mine, and when you can do what you love, life is good,” Sackett said. “I really enjoy everything about my life from the massages to all the healthy ingredients in my products right down to the Ellisville Farmers Market.”

Ellisville's Farmers Market, too, isn't something Sackett simply enjoys as a patron. She and George founded and manage the Farmers Market, which they hosted last year for the first time in Bluebird Park. Sackett said she looks forward to continuing to share her love of all things organic when the market reopens this summer (You can find more information on the Ellisville Farmers Market page on Facebook).

Healing Hands' office manager, Julie, who also runs Happy Feet Reflexology from the same suite, said Sackett's skills as a people-person are something she learns from almost daily.

Sackett said the two have a a solid relationship that's invaluable for running her business.

“Without Julie, I’d never be able to run the business," Sackett said. "That is the hardest part for me, being able to handle both sides, the massage part and the business aspect. I’d be lost without Julie and her experience.”

When asked what people would be most surprised to learn about her or her business, Sackett said it's inevitably her height.

"I’m 5’2” and people are surprised at how strong I am," Sackett said. "Also they’re surprised at how good you can feel after a massage! People need to ... realize when they are tired, sad or depressed, a massage is better than running to the drugstore.”