Meet Gabby Garduno | Mobile massage therapist

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

Hi Gabby, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it was unintentional at first. I had worked at a chiropractic office for years, and part of my role involved doing mobile massage for some of their clients, as well as building a small client base of my own. Then the pandemic hit, and like so many others, I suddenly wasn’t able to work at the office. I continued seeing clients independently where I could, and because so many places were shut down, there was a real demand for mobile services.

Eventually, I realized that the demand for my services outside of my 9-to-5 was growing to the point that it couldn’t be ignored. That was when I had my “aha” moment—maybe I could really make this work on my own. I’ve always worked hard for others, but this was the first time I seriously considered building something for myself.

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?
My business is centered around wellness, accessibility, and trust. I offer a hybrid massage experience—primarily mobile services for in-home sessions and chair massage for workplace and wellness events, but I also have a studio for clients who prefer to unwind outside their home. Flexibility is a big part of what sets me apart. I offer extended hours to accommodate those who can’t make it during typical spa times, which makes self-care more realistic for people with busy or unconventional schedules.

What I’m most proud of is being a trusted space for people to come to when they’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out. When someone makes you their go-to for relief and healing—especially long-time clients who’ve stayed with me for over a decade—it means everything. That kind of trust doesn’t come overnight.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and uncertainty about whether I could really do this on my own. But I kept coming back to one truth: I was genuinely helping people. And massage is something you can’t fake—clients can feel your energy. If you’re not present, they know. So I committed to showing up fully, every time.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that if I don’t put myself out there, I can’t expect to be seen—or to grow. And more than anything, I want people to understand how vital massage and self-care are to mental health and overall well-being. It’s not a luxury—it’s a form of maintenance for your mind and body.

At the heart of my brand is authenticity, care, and a deep belief in the healing power of touch. My story isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about building real connections and creating safe spaces for people to feel better, inside and out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, we’d stars the day off with a trip to the local farmers market, then head to Hellmans Park for a scenic hike. For lunch, we’d hit Uptown Provisions Sandwich shop, then spend the afternoon exploring shops in Uptown Whittier. We’d wrap up the day with dinner and music at Phlight one of my favorite local spots. It’s the perfect mix of good food, great views, and local charm.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my family and my clients. I’ve had plenty of moments where imposter syndrome crept in, but their constant support and encouragement have helped me push through the doubt. Their belief in me has made it possible for me to believe in myself—and to keep showing up fully for my business.

Website: https://www.massagebook.com/biz/Flordelunamassage

Instagram: Flordeluna.massage

Image Credits
Nicole De Anda photography