Kristy Serdinsky MASSAGE HEIGHTS CORNELIUS, NC
number one priority – my family.” During a road trip, Kristy and her husband of six years, Neil, discussed their long-time dream of owning their own business. They committed to actually doing the research this time and found that becoming franchisees might be the best solution. Subsequently, the couple chose to buy into Massage Heights. “It’s a true family-owned business,” Kristy says, “with family-focused management … it won us over!” Kristy and her family live in Cornelius just a few minutes from their business location. “The number one thing I love about Lake Norman is the small-town feel,” she says. “We are a community of caring, casual, friendly, and loving individuals.” Kristy adds that time with her family is very important and they often enjoy spending the day on the lake or taking long walks in the park. “My family is everything to me,” she beams. Kristy is also aware that perspective is key in realizing your own happiness. “Knowing that no matter how hard I think things may be, someone else out there has wished for, begged for, and prayed for what I have,” Kristy so aptly acknowledges.
A Heart of Happiness … Taking Charge of Yourself! owner of Massage Heights in Cornelius, knows that no one is in charge of your happiness but you. For Kristy, her family and young children are the source of her happiness. The York, Pennsylvania, native was a stayat-home mom until her little ones started kindergarten—after which she immersed herself in the education field. The innocence, wonder, and unconditional love of preschool-aged children have always been her inspiration. “I adore all children, but 3- to 6-year-old kiddos K R I S T Y S E R D I N S K Y,
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literally melt my heart,” Kristy smiles. From teaching she moved into administration and eventually operations, helping open new schools. She was spending a lot of time traveling to these schools and working well over 40 hours. After years of dedication and many long days away from her family, she decided that she needed to make a change. “My work/home life was out of balance,” she says, “and I could no longer give my all at work without sacrificing my
In fact, Kristy has faced her own obstacles in life, which serves to heighten her awareness of the importance of perspective. Twelve years ago, after being sick for months with enlarged lymph nodes (and eventually unable to walk due to pain), Kristy had a lymph node biopsy. She was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a chronic inflammatory disorder with unknown origin. “High doses of prednisone were the treatment,” she explains, “and with terrible side effects, it became my enemy.” Determined to take charge of her own health, Kristy began controlling the inflammation with changes in her diet. She no longer eats any animal protein, which triggers inflammatory reactions within the body. “Today, I am healthy and have been declared in remission.” Kristy knows that the condition could recur at any time, but tries not to let it consume her thoughts. “I am a firm believer of living each day to the fullest – you never know what tomorrow will bring.” By: Michelle Love | Photography By: Chelsea Bren