Client Feature: Danielle Garratt – Owner of Orange Goat Massage

Divine Kitchen
4 hours ago
3 min read

Meet Danielle Garratt, RMT, the proud owner of Orange Goat Massage right here in Slave Lake. Danielle’s journey into massage therapy is an inspiring story of reinvention, courage, and passion for helping others.

She decided to pursue a new career path at the age of 40—a leap of faith and an act of courage. At the time, Danielle was a stay-at-home mom supporting her ex-husband’s contracting business in the oilfield industry, while also managing the books and administrative tasks for their family business.

Becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) wasn’t something she had planned. It was a friend and fellow RMT, Jolene LeBlanc, who first suggested the idea in January 2020. Although Danielle was hesitant at first - especially considering her age - she realized that massage therapy offered something she had always wanted: the chance to help people, paired with the flexibility to be present for her sons.

The Story Behind Orange Goat Massage

When Danielle moved out of Cast & Court, she saw it as the perfect time to reintroduce her business under a new identity. She didn’t want to continue using just her name—she wanted something that reflected her personality, values, and the fresh start in her new location.

As part of her training, Danielle had already created a business plan, including a company name. The name she chose was both meaningful and memorable:

Orange – her favourite colour, symbolizing vibrancy, excitement, and energy.
Goat – inspired by her zodiac sign, Capricorn, and the idea of resilience.

Together, they became Orange Goat Massage—a brand that feels authentic, bold, and a little nostalgic, just like Danielle.

“I’ve always been drawn to the colour orange—it reminds me of the golden hour, a corally kind of shade,” she explains. “When I looked up the meaning, it just resonated with me. Pairing it with ‘Goat’ for Capricorn, it all just aligned.”

Overcoming Challenges with Community Futures Support

Like many entrepreneurs, Danielle faced challenges - particularly finding the right space for her clinic and managing finances in the early stages. During an acupuncture session, she learned about an available location at 112, 201– 2nd St. NE, Slave Lake, where she has since moved Orange Goat Massage from Cast & Court.

Financially, Danielle turned to Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region for support. With a Capital Growth Initiative (CGI) loan, she was able to invest in essential tools for her business - new software, advertising, equipment, and covering other costs.

She also became one of the first local businesses to participate in EDGE (Empowering Digital Growth & Engagement), Community Futures’ digital adoption program. Through EDGE, Danielle received support in building her own website, setting up her Facebook page, and creating social media content that reflects her brand.

These digital tools helped her expand her reach and attract new clients. “I gained a lot of business because of my presence on social media,” Danielle shares. “It’s been a big factor in growing my client base.”

Continuous Learning & Advice for Others

Danielle is committed to ongoing education and recently signed up for new courses in Calgary to expand her skills and keep her accreditation current. She believes in continuous growth—both personally and professionally.

Her advice to other entrepreneurs? “

"Go talk to people who have already built businesses. Learn from their journey, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. And if you’re considering a space, connect with others in a similar field, you’ll gain valuable insight.”

For Danielle, becoming an RMT was about more than a career shift - it was about creating a life that allowed her to balance family, passion, and purpose.

Today, Orange Goat Massage is a thriving practice in Slave Lake, proof that it’s never too late to pivot, learn something new, and succeed.

Show Some Love to Orange Goat Massage by Danielle Garratt

Follow Orange Goat Massage on social media and visit her new massage studio at 201–201 2 St. NE, Slave Lake, AB! Book your appointment today!