MEET THE Heart + Sole wellness TEAM

Leigh Ann Martin is a talented and compassionate Massage Therapist with a passion for healing and improving the lives of others. Born and raised in Burlington, NC, she currently resides in the same house her mother grew up in, surrounded by four generations of her father’s family. Leigh Ann’s journey in North Carolina began when she moved back to her home state in 2010 after spending a few years in Miami, Florida. Despite her time away, her heart remained tied to NC, and she continued to travel back to Florida until 2013. Family plays a significant role in Leigh Ann’s life. She shares a deep connection with her significant other, whom she has known since childhood, and they are blessed with a precious daughter. However, the passing of her mother in February 2020 brought immense sadness, leaving her father and older sister as surviving family members. Her sister currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her niece and brother-in-law, while her father lives across the street from Leigh Ann’s home. From a young age, Leigh Ann’s dreams of becoming an architect were apparent as she filled sketchbooks with unique floor plans. But a newfound passion for flying developed during her adolescence. However, it was a life-changing event and the relief she experienced from a massage during her junior year of high school that sparked her true calling. This experience led her to become a Massage Therapist, driven by her desire to help people find relief from pain and tension. Leigh Ann finds fulfillment in her work, especially when she can ease someone’s pain and make a positive impact on their quality of life. Her favorite treatment is Ashi-Thai, a blend of Ashiatsu and Thai massage, which emphasizes the importance of stretching for overall well-being. She also enjoys providing face, scalp, and neck massages. When it comes to self-care, Leigh Ann practices what she preaches, regularly indulging in an infrared sauna, massages, facials, and yoga/stretching. Beyond her work and self-care routines, she is a woman of diverse interests. Her family’s gardening background instilled a love for plants and the art of turning trash into treasure through woodworking and crafting. She enjoys antique festivals, painting, and a thirst for knowledge, especially about the unknown. Her love for the color green, symbolizing growth, reflects her mindset of constant improvement and progress. As someone who dislikes being cold, she relishes the summer season, which allows her to indulge in her favorite activity – swimming, especially in the ocean. Traveling has also enriched Leigh Ann’s life, and her favorite destination is the Sequoia National Forest, which she describes as magical. She’s also had a memorable experience in Thailand and has considered moving to Costa Rica. However, her ultimate dream is to visit Africa, Egypt, and Madagascar, where she hopes to go on a safari, volunteer to help animals, and witness the pyramids and Baobab Trees. Professionally, Leigh Ann co-founded Heart + Sole in 2019 with her business partner, Jes Fife. As the only massage therapist practicing Ashiatsu in the county since 2012, Leigh Ann’s expertise was a valuable addition to the business. The duo established their presence in a small office in downtown Graham but later expanded to a larger space in February 2021 after the pandemic. Unfortunately, Jes decided to leave the business in January 2022, but she is pursuing her passion at Bull City Soles in Durham, NC. Leigh Ann envisioned Heart + Sole as a unique and transformative experience, distinct from traditional spas. The moody and inviting atmosphere aims to take clients to another world. Her commitment to quality drives her approach to hiring practitioners and service providers, allowing the right people and opportunities to come her way naturally. Currently, Heart + Sole boasts three full-time massage therapists, a full-time nail technician with additional expertise, two part-time massage therapists, and a part-time life coach. Leigh Ann plans to make subtle modifications to Heart + Sole each year in order to enhance and bring more joy to every clients experience.