Meet Meli Leon | Founder & LMT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meli Leon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meli, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I feel that the most important factor behind my success is the passion for what I do. Providing massage services to moms before and after birth is something that I remember needing desperately when I was pregnant and even more so postpartum. As a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, it was important for me to create a space where moms could find sanctuary – if only for an hour. A place where they could not only get a massage but ask questions, find resources and get recommendations.

The journey into motherhood can be challenging. Luckily, there are many incredible businesses that support moms and therapists that provide prenatal and postpartum support in the valley. My goal is to provide moms with the best care possible as well recommend other providers who may be of assistance.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Nurtured Mama was born out of my own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety. I wanted to create a safe place for moms where they can ask questions, vent, relax and get resources for other mom specific providers in the valley. Motherhood is complex, challenging and everyone experiences it a little differently. Massage before and after birth has been proven to reduce stress and help the body recover and heal but sometimes moms need more support. Over the years, I have built connections with various providers in the valley from pelvic floor specialists to acupuncturists to maternal mental health providers and recommend often. That is what differentiates The Nurtured Mama from others.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to “let the business tell you what to do.” The business will tell you what what services your clients book the most, reviews will help show what they value. You can use that information to improve what you already do and make the experience even better.

This year we are celebrating 13 years in business! When I first started, it was literally just me with a massage table. At the time, only the midwives were receptive and open to working with a massage therapist. Luckily that is something that has slowly changed over the past ten years. Now I have 6 incredible, passionate therapists who continue to provide excellent customer service and therapy to moms around the valley.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My foodie tour would consist of PV Pie and Wine, Akita Sushi, Taco Blanco – Biltmore with Sunday brunch at Butters Pancake House & Cafe.
Activities would include hiking Camelback Mtn or biking – Apache TrailHead and a Diamondbacks Game

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
PSI Arizona has been an incredible resource for me personally as well as for my business. This passionate group of women educates and promotes maternal mental health awareness in the valley.

Website: https://www.nurturedmama.com

Instagram: @the_nurtured_mama

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurturedmama