Meet Alissa Paolella of Elysium Massage - Heart of the Business
What’s something that people might not know about you or your business that you wish they did?
Something people might not know about me is that I’m deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can fully be themselves, whether that’s in life or in business. Even before opening Elysium Massage, I was drawn to work that centers connection, care, and authenticity, and that same passion guides everything we do in the studio.
I’m also someone who thrives on dreaming big and taking leaps, which is how Elysium came to be. I love building something from the ground up, experimenting with ideas, and turning a vision into a tangible, living space for others.
On a more personal note, I’m endlessly inspired by the Yellow Springs community — it reminds me every day how lucky I am to live somewhere that values creativity, inclusion, and heart, and it fuels the energy and care I bring to our business.
How did your story Begin? What inspired you to open your doors and take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Our story began with a shared belief that healing and relaxation should be accessible, intentional, and rooted in genuine human connection. In Yellow Springs, we saw a community that values wellness and care, but also a need for more spaces that honor both body and spirit.
Elysium Massage was born from that vision. My partner, Matt, and I wanted to create a welcoming, peaceful place where people could pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. Neither of us are massage therapists, but we’re both passionate about supporting others’ wellbeing and building something meaningful in the community we love.
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship was both exciting and humbling. Our goal is creating an experience where people feel safe, cared for, and seen. Every day, we’re inspired by the trust our clients place in us and by the small moments of calm and renewal that happen within our walls.
What do you love most about owning and running a business in Yellow Springs?
What I love most about owning and running a business in Yellow Springs is the incredible sense of community here. This village has such a unique energy — people genuinely care about one another, support local businesses, and value wellness, creativity, and connection.
Every day, we meet neighbors, artists, teachers, and visitors who bring their own stories and warmth into Elysium. There’s a real spirit of collaboration in Yellow Springs; other business owners celebrate your successes and show up to lend a hand when you need it.
It’s a beautiful feeling to know that what we’re building at Elysium Massage contributes to the wellbeing of a community that has given us so much.
Where do you call home, and how does that community influence the way you do business?
I’m proud and incredibly lucky to call Yellow Springs home. This village isn’t just where I live — it’s where I feel most myself. The sense of belonging, creativity, and care here has shaped everything about how we do business at Elysium Massage.
Yellow Springs has a way of encouraging authenticity. People show up as they are, with open hearts and open minds, and that spirit deeply influences how we welcome clients. We’ve built Elysium to reflect those same values: inclusivity, compassion, and connection. Whether someone is a lifelong local or just visiting, we want them to feel that unmistakable Yellow Springs warmth when they walk through our doors.
Living here reminds me every day how powerful community can be. It’s a place that celebrates individuality while lifting one another up. And that’s exactly the energy we pour into our business. I know how fortunate I am to live and grow in a place that feels this alive, supportive, and full of heart.
What services do people love most – and what makes them special to you?
At Elysium Massage, people love our therapeutic massage services because they’re deeply personalized, inclusive, and rooted in care. Every session is designed to meet clients where they are, physically and emotionally. Our licensed massage therapist takes time to understand each person’s goals, comfort levels, and needs, helping every client feel truly seen and supported.
What makes our services special is our philosophy:
Elysium is a body-positive, judgment-free space where people of all shapes, sizes, identities, and abilities are welcome. We believe that self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a way to reconnect with your body and honor your whole self.
Clients also love our exclusive membership options and special deals, which make regular wellness more affordable and sustainable. Beyond individual care, we’re looking forward to building partnerships with local businesses for workplace wellness programs, co-branded experiences, and community collaborations that extend our mission of healing and inclusion beyond our studio walls.
“Every part of what we do, from our tranquil space to our inclusive values, is about helping people feel comfortable, confident, and cared for exactly as they are.“
When you’re not at your business, where is your favorite place to shop, eat, or unwind in Yellow Springs?
When I’m not at Elysium Massage, you can almost always find me soaking up the magic of Yellow Springs. I love starting my mornings working from the Emporium Wines & Underdog Café — a coffee, breakfast sandwich, and that welcoming community vibe are the perfect combo to fuel creativity.
Ellie’s and Sunrise Cafe are two favorite spots for breakfast. For lunch, I’m a fan of Current Cuisine or Tom’s Market for a quick, local bite. I love browsing the unique shops downtown. I love them all!
When it’s time to unwind, I enjoy walking the trails at Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Evenings often end with a drink and great conversation at Peach’s.
What makes Yellow Springs so special is that wherever you go, you’re surrounded by creativity, warmth, and people who truly care about this community. It’s a beautiful place to both live and grow a business.
What are the top three things you love most about being a small business owner?
The top three things I love most about being a small business owner are connection, creativity, and freedom.
Connection: Every day, I get to be part of people’s healing journeys — to offer a space where they can feel safe, cared for, and reconnected with themselves. Those genuine moments of human connection make all the hard work worth it.
Creativity: Building Elysium Massage from the ground up has been an incredible creative process. From shaping our brand and designing our space to dreaming up partnerships and community events, entrepreneurship lets me turn ideas into reality in a way that’s deeply fulfilling.
Freedom: One of the most empowering parts of this journey is having more flexibility and control over my own path. I get to make choices that align with my values, my wellbeing, and my vision for success. That sense of autonomy — of building something meaningful on my own terms — has been life-changing.
And at the heart of it all is community — Yellow Springs itself, where small business owners lift one another up and where everything we do feels connected to something bigger.
What is the mission or heart behind your business…the “why” that keeps you going?
At Elysium Massage, our mission is to create a safe, restorative space where every client feels seen, supported, and cared for. We believe that everyone deserves access to healing and relaxation in an environment that celebrates body positivity, inclusivity, and authenticity.
We deliver trauma-informed, client-centered massage therapy that nurtures both body and mind, helping individuals reduce stress, relieve pain, and reconnect with themselves.
Our “why” is simple but powerful: to make wellness welcoming for everyone. What keeps us going is seeing the transformation that happens when someone leaves our space lighter, calmer, and more at peace than when they arrived. Those moments remind us that we’re not just offering massage — we’re helping people come home to themselves.
What is the biggest challenge your business is facing right now, and how are you working through it?
As a new business, our biggest challenge right now is simply building awareness — helping people discover who we are, where we are, and what makes Elysium Massage unique. In a wellness market full of choices, standing out as the new name in town takes time, consistency, and trust.
We’re meeting that challenge head-on by engaging deeply with our community, partnering with other local businesses, offering introductory specials, and showing up at local events to connect face-to-face. We’re also building a strong digital presence to share our story, our values, and our vision of body-positive, inclusive wellness.
More than anything, we’re focused on creating exceptional experiences for every person who walks through our door. We know that word of mouth is powerful in a village like Yellow Springs, and every happy client helps us grow. It’s exciting to be at the start of something new, and we’re committed to building Elysium one relationship, one massage, and one moment of calm at a time.
In addition to running this small business, what other hats do you wear?
I wear a few other hats that keep life interesting and fulfilling. I also run Paolella Consulting, where I help organizations with marketing, communications, and community engagement, so I get to flex my strategic and creative muscles in different ways.
My partner, Matt, also has his own business, YS Greene Plumbing, so between the two of us, our days are full of juggling schedules, supporting each other, and celebrating small wins across our ventures.
On a personal level, I’m a partner, a friend, a sibling and a community member who loves getting involved in local events, supporting neighbors, and soaking up all the inspiration Yellow Springs has to offer. I served as the volunteer coordinator for the Yellow Springs Pride Festival for two years and help out with the annual Yellow Springs Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Balancing these roles can be challenging, but each one feeds the others and keeps me energized, creative, and connected.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment with a customer or client that has stayed with you?
TBD 🙂
How many people does your business employ?
Currently, we employ one licensed massage therapist. Our short-term growth plan includes adding a second LMT at the same location before eventually launching branch locations. We’re committed to being one of the best places to work for massage therapists in the area, which is why we built a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees and foster a culture that encourages open sharing of ideas, collaboration, and professional growth.
Even as a small team, we aim to create a supportive, inclusive environment where every staff member feels valued and empowered because when our team thrives, our clients and community benefit, too.
Elysium Massage, located at 1496 Southgate Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, open for almost one month, they provide tailored services from relaxation and deep tissue work to sports recovery and gentle trauma-informed options designed to help every client feel restored and at ease.
Guided by compassion, inclusivity, professionalism, holistic care, and genuine community connection, they create a welcoming space where every client feels supported, respected, and empowered on their wellness journey.
Visit elysium-massage.com
Heart of the Business cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Heart of the Business is presented by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the vibrant stories and unique contributions of local member businesses throughout the village.
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