Platteville Massage Therapy has opened at 20 S. Fourth St. in Platteville.

Owner Becky Ambrosy grew up milking cows on the family farm in Sherrill, Iowa. She majored in animal science with a dairy emphasis at UW–Platteville, and eventually added a business degree.

Over the years, Ambrosy benefited directly from therapeutic massages, and that ultimately led to her desire to open her own massage therapy business.

Following graduation from UWP, Ambrosy attended Blue Sky School of Professional Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork in Madison. Blue Sky appealed to her because of its rigorous coursework and its ability to specialize in the medical track.

Ambrosy’s business goal is to help people achieve a more balanced life and to reduce stress levels. Blue Sky’s medical track included Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, which demonstrate how to massage each specific muscle from one attachment to the other attachment.

Platteville Massage Therapy offers deep tissue, Precision Neuromuscular Therapy, relaxation, Swedish, prenatal, lymphatic, craniosacral and chair msssages.

Ambrosy got assistance starting her business from the UW–Platteville Pioneer Launch Lab, Platteville Main Street Program, and Fundunity LLC, a business consulting firm.

Fundunity provided Ambrosy with technical expertise in website design, search engine optimization, and social media.

“At the beginning of the year, I had no online presence,” she said. “Now I am number one in many searches for massage therapy in Google, have over 165 likes on my Facebook page, and have done various Facebook ad campaigns, which has built my clientele.” She has a website, www.plattevillemassage.com, and she is on Facebook.

The Launch Lab connects students and recent alumni with resources, training and contacts to pursue the development of their for-profit business, social or nonprofit venture. It is comprised of people who dedicate their time, expertise and experience to provide resources, consultation, connections, assistance and mentoring to members.

“Participating in the Launch Lab helped me with marketing ideas and enabled me to network with both aspiring and established entrepreneurs,” said Ambrosy. “The lessons I learned and connections I made were amazing. I was also able to compete in events like the Elevator Pitch and Business Plan competition.”

Ambrosy worked closely with Jack Luedtke, Executive Director of Platteville’s Main Street to secure her business location. She is a member of the Platteville Main Street Program and Platteville Optimist Club.