Today we’d like to introduce you to Renée Riedel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Massage therapy first caught my attention back in high school at a career fair. I remember being intrigued by the idea of helping people feel better through something as simple and natural as touch. Still, like many 18 year olds, I wasn’t quite ready to make it my career. Life took me in another direction, and I devoted my time to raising my daughter. Years later, when she was a mischievous teenager, I decided to get a massage for myself to destress. That single experience reignited the spark I had felt years before. I left that appointment knowing I had found what I wanted to do. Within two months, I was enrolled in massage school and finally felt like I found my calling.
I graduated in December 2019 with my Associate’s Degree in Occupational Science, right as the world began to change with the onset of COVID-19. Despite the challenges that came with starting a hands-on career during that time, I began working professionally in 2020 for a few different companies. Those early years gave me the chance to learn from others, explore different modalities, and fine tune my own approach and techniques.
By July 2024, I was ready to take the leap and open my own business, Ohana Massage Therapy, LLC. I wanted the freedom to build something that truly reflected who I am by having full control over all aspects to create the perfect experience for every client. Being a small business owner, I take great pride in connecting with people in the community. I chose the name Ohana, which means “family” in Hawaiian, because my family has always been the heart of everything I do. My daughter was my biggest supporter and encouraged me at every step as I brought my dream to life. In February 2025, she was tragically taken from us, but her spirit continues to guide me every day. Her love and belief in me remain deeply woven into the growth and purpose of Ohana Massage Therapy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening Ohana Massage Therapy was far from a smooth start. Like many small businesses, I faced the usual challenges such as building up clientele, managing the ups and downs of slow seasons, and learning the rhythm of entrepreneurship. But nothing could have prepared me for the unimaginable loss of my daughter. Her passing brought everything to a halt, and I closed my doors for a couple of months to grieve and find my footing again. Slowly, with time and strength, I began reopening. I carry her memory with me, finding new purpose in helping others heal through touch, just as I worked to heal myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Ohana Massage Therapy, I offer a variety of massage modalities including relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, and cupping. Often blending techniques from several styles to create a customized experience for each client. While I enjoy all forms of bodywork, I’m most well known for my deep tissue massages, where I take pride in helping clients release chronic tension and leave feeling looser and more relaxed. Reaching my one year milestone of successfully operating Ohana and continuing to grow it has been one of my proudest achievements. What truly sets me apart is my commitment to providing high quality, personalized massage therapy sessions. Each session is tailored to the specific client’s needs, goals, and comfort. I’m dedicated to making every client feel seen, cared for, and feel refreshed. I’m also the only massage therapy business in Kansas City with a comforting tropical theme. Ohana offers a relaxing island escape right here at home by creating a unique atmosphere where clients can unwind, recharge, and truly feel transported.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from our many family trips. They always began the same way, our parents waking us up early, piling us into the car while it was still dark outside, and setting off on another adventure. Whether it was a shorter drive to Branson or a long road trip to Florida, what made those trips special was the quality time we spent together. On one of our rare plane trips we went to Hawaii and my older brother took me out into the ocean to ride his boogie board. Suddenly, something popped up beside us, and we both panicked, scrambling back to the beach as fast as we could. Once safely on shore, we realized it was just a sea turtle. That moment has stuck with me ever since. Now sea turtles are one of my favorite animals, and their presence fills my office as a reminder of that joyful, funny, and cherished memory.
Pricing:
- 60 min relaxation $100
- 90 min relaxation $130
- 60 min deep tissue $120
- 90 min deep tissue $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohanamt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohana_massage_therapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYMiiATen/
