Rock Perks Spotlight: Westside Massage

By Mason Nichols

Westside Massage is unique in the City of Grand Rapids – both because of the kind of amazing service you will receive as a customer and because of the one-of-a-kind team that operates the business. Perhaps the best thing about Westside Massage, though, is the team’s dedication to serving those around them and keeping their “hands on the community.” We sat down with Ursula Hatton, founder/owner at Westside Massage, to learn more about her business and why giving back is such an integral part of the work she performs every day.

Editor’s Note: Photos on this page courtesy of Westside Massage.

Tell me a bit about the history of your business. How did you get started and what did it take to get to the point you’re at today?

My business was born from the realization that people need to be valued where they work. I worked for a company many years ago and I remember the excitement, creativity and level of loyalty that I felt toward them. Why did I feel this way? My voice was heard, my opinions were respected and my personal well-being mattered. Although that may not have much to do with massage, I believe it should be the foundation of any small or large business – value your people. That environment resonated so much with me that I sought to recreate it in my own endeavor.  Honestly, it took embracing fear, trusting myself and building solid relationships with other local businesses to get here. Without my amazing staff, there would be no Westside Massage.

What’s your favorite thing about operating a business in Grand Rapids?

Serving the community of Grand Rapids elicits so many different experiences and emotions. Making an impact on someone’s life through touch is the most powerful thing … ever.

Why did you join the Rock Perks program? What benefits has it brought to your business and your customers?

I remember volunteering along with my staff for a golf outing. There, I met a very friendly and charismatic man named Mike. He felt that there was a possibility for a connection that my company could make with his. He gave me his personal cell number – at the time all I knew was that he worked for Rockford Construction. Later, I found out he is a pretty big deal! And that was the start of our relationship.

We were actually “partners” before Rock Perks was created. I think that makes us an “OG.” Once I was inside of Rockford’s corporate office doing chair massages, I realized what an amazing company it was. Rockford is diverse, community-oriented and filled with great people. Joining Rock Perks has really brightened our base, helped us forge new relationships and given us the ability to offer discounts to great people.

What’s on the horizon for Westside Massage?

My vision for Westside Massage is that we will keep serving our community and clients and continue to be the leader in introducing massage in the most unorthodox environments. We are deeply ingrained in our community. We donate our time monthly to a variety of nonprofits and we desire to make an impact wherever we are led. We are not just an ordinary massage studio. Treating clients is our passion, but serving our community is our mission.

As a Rockford Property Management resident or Rockford Construction team member, you have access to the Rock Perks program, which will get you 10% off full-price services and $5 off discounted packages at Westside Massage. Don’t have a Rock Perks card yet? Consider joining us as a resident.