• Education: MLS from Washington College of Law;
BA and AS from the University of the District of Columbia;
American Massage and Bodywork Institute graduate
• Lymphatic drainage, body mechanics, chair massage, and
work with tools (cupping, Graston scraping, and wood therapy tools)
• Owns Mi Naturalé in Virginia
Massage & Bodywork: Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are today?
Leslie DeJesus: I’ve been doing bodywork since I was a kid. I’m Afro-Caribbean Indigenous—when people don’t feel well, a part of the care is home remedies and bodywork we call a “sobo.” [When I was younger], my mom or an aunt would mix up an oil or Vicks, and I would apply it. Being an LMT was never a goal for me, it was just something we did when someone didn’t feel well.
Growing up, I wanted to be a scientist or a lawyer. I excelled at debating and negotiating, even as a child. However, I came from a modest and hardworking family. I had to support myself throughout my college career while working full time, so I became a nontraditional student. Eventually, I landed at a law firm for almost a decade. Still, during the economic downturn from 2007 to 2009, I found myself with three part-time jobs. I started working for myself, creating items such as food, body butters, and oils to make ends meet. In the process, I fell in love and eventually started a family. I needed flexibility in my schedule so I could continue being a full-time mother. I attended a complimentary massage class that I didn’t remember signing up for and was amazed that people actually pay for sobos. With my family’s support, I immersed myself in my education and training to become an LMT. The school offered evening hours, which was perfect for me. I created body oils and butters as a passion project while in school, then gave my business a name and cultivated it from there.
M&B: What does massage mean to you?
LDJ: Massage is an exchange of energy and good intentions, which makes it vital to wellness, and it should be available to everyone. I realize it’s been glamorized as a luxury, but it isn’t one.
M&B: What feeds you on a personal level?
LDJ: I’m driven by purpose. I firmly hold to my faith, traditional values, and integrity, and I advocate for the underdog, especially when it comes to ensuring equitable access to health care.
M&B: Any words of advice for someone just entering the profession?
LDJ: Practice improves progress, and mastery isn’t about perfection; it’s finding your niche and making it your own. Give yourself grace—this will take time, and running your own business isn’t as linear as you’d think. Stay flexible, take care of yourself, pay attention to your body mechanics so you don’t crash and burn.
M&B: Who is someone you look up to?
LDJ: My dad had an elementary education, but he was one of the most intelligent people you’d ever meet. He never met a stranger, and he had a servant’s heart. He was a fantastic cook, and he worked his way from dishwasher to head chef. He learned to read English by looking through printed magazines that showcased varying electronics.
M&B: What do you do for fun?
LDJ: I’m a hands-on creative. You’ll catch me customizing mechanical keyboards (yes, I have favorite switches), roller-skating, and traveling in search of unforgettable food experiences.
