Heather Brown, founder and owner of Body by Design, has been a trusted name in holistic wellness for 17 years. What began in Ross Township as a neighborhood spa has grown into a beloved sanctuary where healing, care, and community meet. Now, with a vibrant new location in McCandless, Heather is expanding her vision and welcoming even more people into a space that feels like home.
A proud Black woman entrepreneur, Heather has built more than a spa. She has created a place where wellness is deeply personal and rooted in intention. Voted “Best Spa/Medical Spa” and “Best Therapeutic Massage in Pittsburgh North” by TribLive readers, Body by Design is known for its tailored approach to healing. Each client is matched with a therapist who specializes in modalities such as Trigger Point Therapy, cupping, bamboo and hot stone massage, and reflexology. The goal is always the same: to help people find relief, restoration, and renewed energy.
When asked what inspired the expansion, Heather explained, “Our move to McCandless was driven by the need for more space to expand our services and our team. We’ve rebranded and opened a beautiful new location that’s more accessible to residents north of the city. With increased visibility and ample parking, we’re excited to make it even easier for clients to find and enjoy the care they deserve.”
Her journey into wellness was anything but ordinary. With degrees in political science and public relations, her original plan was to pursue law and eventually politics. But she quickly realized that path would not fulfill her. “My original plan was to become an attorney and eventually a politician, but after internships in both fields, I realized those paths wouldn’t fulfill me,” Heather said. “Meeting Tasso Spanos, founder of the Pittsburgh School of Pain Management, was the turning point. When I personally experienced relief through Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, I knew I had found the most effective way for me to help people heal and live better.”
That leap of faith became the foundation of Body by Design, launched in 2008 with a mission to help people restore their health and reconnect with their bodies. Unlike chain massage businesses, Heather built her spa on personalization. “I’ve personally experienced massages where my concerns weren’t heard and I left with the same pain I came in with — and I knew I wanted to create something different,” she shared. “At Body by Design, every session is rooted in compassion and carefully tailored to each client’s goals, whether it’s pain relief, emotional reset, or long-term vitality through cellular detoxification.”
The move to McCandless marks a new chapter, and Heather is celebrating with the Community Wellness Series. “The Community Wellness Series will bring education and experience together,” she said. “We’ll showcase our massage and pain management services as well as innovative biohacking technologies. In addition, we’ll host sound baths and wellness retreat opportunities through collaborations with like-minded businesses in our network. Our goal is to inspire the community to explore new avenues of healing and self-care.”
Heather is also introducing Employee Assistance Program Benefits, which bring Body by Design into workplaces. “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a sharp decline in mental health and a rise in workplace burnout,” she explained. “Massage therapy can play a transformative role for both employees and employers. For employees, it reduces stress and tension, increases focus and productivity, and boosts overall morale. For employers, it supports higher retention, reduced absenteeism, fewer stress-related injuries, and a healthier workplace culture.”
At the heart of Body by Design is Heather’s belief that healing should always be intentional. From the spa’s faith-inspired name rooted in Psalm 139:14 to the themed treatment rooms that transport guests into serene getaways like a palm tree paradise or a mountain oasis, every detail reflects her purpose. “Every guest at Body by Design is welcomed into a space designed to be both sacred and nurturing,” she said. “From the moment they arrive, they’re given a personal tour to explore our facility and offerings. We aim to create a complete sensory experience: the beauty of the design details, the subtle scent of organic roses, the taste of infused water, the sound of flowing fountains, and the healing touch of skilled therapists. Our deepest hope is that each guest feels seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.”
For Heather Brown, the expansion into McCandless is more than a business move. It is a continuation of her mission to inspire healing, uplift her community, and create spaces where people feel valued and renewed. Body by Design remains not just a spa but a sanctuary, a place where wellness is reimagined and everyone has the opportunity to restore and thrive.
Images Courtesy of Heather Brown
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