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

Hi Heather, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I founded Body By Design, my mission was simple: to make a meaningful impact by helping as many people as possible find comfort and relief from pain.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Body By Design was created from the conviction that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, with inherent worth and purpose. Our work is grounded in honoring the body as something sacred and intentionally designed — not something to be “fixed,” but something to be cared for, supported, and appreciated. That belief shapes everything we do. We are a holistic wellness spa specializing in therapeutic massage, lymphatic care, pain-relief therapies, infrared and steam services, and nervous-system-focused work. What truly sets us apart is the way we blend clinical skill with genuine care. Every service is customized; we don’t do “cookie-cutter” sessions. We take time to understand the person, their story, and what their body is trying to communicate.

I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on people’s lives. Clients who walked in exhausted, in pain, or feeling unseen, and left with hope and relief — that is the heart of our work. I’m also incredibly excited about our continued growth and expansion into offering more multidisciplinary services that support whole-person wellness, not just a single appointment on a schedule.

My path here hasn’t been easy. I started Body By Design with a vision, determination, and faith, but not a roadmap. There were seasons of financial stress, staffing challenges, self-doubt, and reinvention. I overcame them by staying anchored in my mission, praying through the hard days, staying willing to pivot, and surrounding myself with people who believed in the vision even when things felt uncertain. Every challenge refined me as a leader.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are these: your purpose will pull you through discomfort, excellence and compassion can coexist, and growth requires both resilience and humility. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin — you just have to keep moving forward.

What I want the world to know about Body By Design is that we are more than a spa. We are a place of restoration. Our brand is rooted in faith, integrity, and a deep desire to serve. My story is one of calling, courage, reinvention after loss, and a genuine love for helping people feel at home in their bodies again. If someone walks through our doors and leaves feeling lighter, seen, and more aligned — then we’re doing exactly what we were created to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best views of the city is from Mount Washington. The overlook is stunning, and the restaurants there are mostly fine dining – and truly phenomenal. A few of my favorites are Otaru and Monterey Bay for a slightly more casual feel. I also really appreciate Shiloh Grill.

My kids and I love to park on Washington’s Landing and walk the trail along the river into the city — it’s beautiful and peaceful.

I’m not as into nightlife these days, but City Winery is a wonderful place to enjoy live music and great food. The Strip District is always fun on a Saturday morning, with its local vendors, unique shops, and specialty food markets like the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company. Pittsburgh also has incredible museums, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which is one of my favorites.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful to my parents for raising me with the understanding that God placed a unique calling on my life to lead. They set the framework for me to anchor my faith in Christ.

I’m also deeply grateful to my late husband, whose unwavering support, confidence, and belief in me helped shape the woman I am today.

Website: https://www.bodybydesignpgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybydesignpgh/

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

Yelp: https://yelp.to/bupKFXWnAV

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bodybydesignpittsburgh706?si=mqp6UPVTKy165FEd

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bodybydesignpgh.

Image Credits
Forever Boundless Photography

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