Sisters bring community-focused massage studio to Flint’s downtown - Flint Beat

[Ramona Watson]

FLINT, Mich. — Sisters Kara Dahlberg and Jana Suppes opened 81Ohm Massage & Co. because they wanted to fill a void.

The duo often supported downtown Flint but noticed a need for more businesses.

“I kind of wanted to start something here. Realizing there was nothing downtown, which I’m a frequenter of downtown,” said co-owner and lead therapist Kara Dahlberg. “I was like, okay, let’s open up shop in downtown Flint to make it accessible for pedestrians.”

Located on the corner of Harrison and Second Street, the shop’s name, “81Ohm,” is a play on Flint’s area code (810) and the sound healing term “Ohm” (or “Om”). Rather than naming it 81Ohm Massage Company, Dahlberg intentionally included “and” to reflect their collaboration with other local businesses.

“Putting ‘and’ in the business name was so important so we could bring in different vendors, different people who bring awesome services that represent themselves and not just our business,” she explained.

An inside view of 81Ohm Massage & Co. in downtown Flint, Mich. (Joshua Johnson | Flint Beat)

Locally sourced goods on the shelf at 81Ohm Massage & Co. in downtown Flint, Mich. (Joshua Johnson | Flint Beat)

Locally made products line the shelves at 81Ohm Massage & Co., a new massage studio in downtown Flint, Mich (Joshua Johnson | Flint Beat)

That emphasis on collaboration is clear throughout the space. Locally sourced goods like lotions, tinctures, earrings, teas and cookiesline the shelves and register area. They also sublease part of their space to Hive Holistic Center, which shares the studio on most weekdays and weekends, offering complementary wellness services.

81Ohm’s most popular treatments are table massages ranging from Swedish and deep tissue to Thai, prenatal, lymphatic drainage, cupping, trigger point therapy and medical massages. Couples massages are available Thursdays and Fridays; chair massages on Tuesdays through Fridays.

Massage chairs and a treatment table are arranged along the wall at 81Ohm Massage & Co. in downtown Flint, Mich. (Joshua Johnson | Flint Beat)

They also offer therapeutic stretching, subscriptions and walk-in appointments Tuesday through Friday.

Uniquely, 81Ohm offers AcuDetox, acupuncture for the ear, which targets PTSD, insomnia, trauma and stress, setting them apart.

To keep services accessible, they offer a 10% discount to those who live or work in Flint, and they prioritize walkability and affordability for locals, including those who rely on public transportation.

Dahlberg’s path to massage therapy began with a desire to help others. Originally, she studied personal training, but at just 19, she found it difficult to earn trust in that role. Her interest in health and wellness eventually led her to massage, which she pursued through formal education and hands-on experience. She hasbeen practicing for more than twelve years.

Born and raised in Saginaw, Dahlberg moved to Genesee County in 2001 when her mother was transferred to the Department of Treasury in Flint. Over the years, Flint became more than a familiar place—it became home. She got married at the Flint Farmers’ Market, a moment she remembers with quiet joy.

“It was so beautiful to get married there,” she said. “And I think one of the most ironic parts is mine and my husband’s favorite photo of us is up on the balcony, and it’s literally showing this location and the Capitol Theatre lights right behind it. Who would have known the foretelling of that picture?”

After leaving in 2010 to travel and pursue her dreams, she eventually found herself missing home and family. In 2015, while living in Utah, she realized it was time to come back.

The business is built and sustained by family. While Dahlberg prefers to stay behind the scenes, Suppes handles community outreach, attends Genesee Chamber and Flint Economic Alliance meetings, and makes sure the business stays connected to Flint’s broader ecosystem. Dahlberg’s husband helps with maintenance and odd jobs.

“I make the joke frequently that Jana is my older sister and business manager, and she’s been managing me my whole life,” Dahlberg said. “And she does it quite well.”

Having been open for four months with steady growth, the sisters are looking to expand their offerings. They’re currently hiring a second massage therapist and hope to lease out an upstairs space to an esthetician or another wellness practitioner. Dahlberg is also preparing to take a brief maternity leave, but plans for the business to continue full steam ahead.

Starting in June, 81Ohm will introduce yoga and fitness classes, led by certified instructors and available for both pre-booking and walk-ins.

“You have this beautiful side of Flint that is amazing. It’s growing, it’s coming back, it’s thriving, and I’m on that side. I’m on the ‘be good energy’ side. And a lot, if not all, of our clientele, are so proud to live here.”

81Ohm Massage & Co. is at 140 E. Second St., Suite 100, in downtown Flint. Services can be booked online or by calling 810-206-2640. For more information, visit 81ohm.com or find them on Facebook.