Business Profile: Wellness by Wicks

Trisha Wicks decided to leave her job at Wells Fargo to simplify her life.

With her kids growing up fast, Wicks wanted a career that would give her a chance to spend more time at home and set her own schedule.

So Wicks quit her job in 2001 and went to school to become a licensed massage therapist. In December of 2003 she opened Wellness by Wicks at 460 Sixth St. in Waukee.

Wicks, who lives only a few blocks away from her business, wanted to be able to walk to work every morning.

“I wanted to simplify things, and to work in the community where I lived,” Wicks said.

Priding herself on her ability to read people, Wicks said she tries hard to “set the environment” and meet the needs of her clients. One of the reasons she decided to become a massage therapist was to do something that would give back, and there’s nothing that makes her happier than improving the health of her clients.

“When they get up and leave they just have the most serene look on their faces,” Wicks said.

Amy Garbett, a longtime client of Wicks', agrees. Garbett said she looks forward to her monthly appointments with Wicks.

“I continue to come because of Trish,” Garbett said. “Not only are her massages wonderful, but she’s a warm and wonderful person to be around.”

Wicks said there are a number of benefits to massage, including stress relief, improving mobility, increasing circulation, and simulating the immune system. She offers 1½-hour massages for $85, hour-long sessions for $55 and a 30-minute massage for $30.

Since leaving the corporate grind Wicks said she doesn’t have any regrets. When asked if there’s anything that she doesn’t like about her job, Wicks said that she used to hate filling the tiny bottles of lotion that she used for massages, but since she switched to Mason jars, it’s been smooth sailing.

“I don’t have the Sunday night blues,” Wicks said. “There’s something about owning your own business that’s very satisfying.”

DETAILS

FOR AN APPOINTMENT: Call (515) 978-6017

HOURS: Wicks is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday; on Friday and Saturday mornings; and Wednesday and Friday afternoons.