Maggie Potter fell in love with bodywork. At 17, she had her first massage while vacationing in Colorado, and she knew right then that massage was something she just had to learn how to do. Now, she’s made it her business to do massage on Market Street.

Potter opened Market Street Massage four years ago, offering therapeutic and relaxation massage, as well as aesthetic services: facials, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. She sees a steady flow of traffic, and her customers are equally divided between women and men.

“I see farmers, construction workers — people who do really physical work,” said Potter. “I do a little more physical therapy, treatment massage than relaxation.”

When Potter moved into the Market Street space, the layout of the office was ideal for the serene environment she’s achieved with neutral colors and wood accents, two closed doors away from the bustle of Market Street. The massage room is subtly lit and boasts an easy chair in one corner, a potted palm in another. Heated towels are provided by an electric towel-warmer; a massage table provides the option of a heated mattress pad should a customer be chilly.

Market Street Massage services are affordable, starting at $35 for a 30-minute massage, $65 for 60 minutes and $95 for 90 minutes. Potter tailors her basic European facials ($50) for each customer based on his or her skin’s needs. Those interested in multiple services may pay for five services up front for $250, and mix and match services of their choice: 60-minute massage, microdermabrasion and chemical peel.

Potter finds perks aplenty in her work, citing the people she meets as clients (“really nice people”), not sitting at a desk all day and that she’s always busy, but she especially enjoys the challenge of figuring out how to relieve tension in the muscles of each unique customer, and helping a body to relax.

Market Street Massage & Aesthetics is located at 141 N. Market St., Washington, 252-946-8989, with hours Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (NC LMBT 8191; Aesthetics E5199).