Eye on the Hills: Tech meets touch at Oakland’s new Montclair Massage
A new Oakland hills business is combining technology and touch to attract customers. Montclair Massage is the brainchild of software developer Edward Ishaq and massage therapist Kate Bui, who recently opened their new wellness spa at 5015 Woodminster Lane.
Bui is an experienced masseuse from Vietnam who trained at the Hyatt Hotels. She says she combines Swedish, deep tissue and Thai stretching in her massages, promoting recovery, calmness and long-term wellness. Her technique provides a constant flow of movement and can include hot stones, CBD oil and aromatherapy.
Ishaq is the company’s marketing guru. With a background in software and startups, he says he’s always wanted to build something tangible and community-based, rather than purely digital.
“Working in tech, I experienced firsthand how stressful and physically taxing a screen-centered life can be. Massage became an important way for me to relax, unwind and recharge,” he says.
When the two met, they quickly realized they shared the same dream — offering massages that clients can afford on a regular basis, not just for special occasions. To encourage this, the website montclairmassage.com offers discounted memberships for 60-minute and 90-minute monthly massages. Ishaq says the business model encourages long-term relationships.
“Because we’re a small, neighborhood-based practice, clients develop real continuity with their therapist — something that’s often missing in larger corporate settings.”
Speaking of relationships, there’s a third “staff member” you’ll encounter if you call Montclair Massage. The shop uses an AI assistant called HeyRosie to handle incoming calls. She sounds surprisingly human as she answers questions about massages, reservations and other issues.
“We’ve successfully booked multiple appointments through the service,” says Ishaq, adding that it ensures no call goes unanswered, even when they’re in the middle of a session.
Shop swap: The CVS pharmacy chain will move into the vacant Rite Aid space across the street from the current CVS location in Montclair Village. CVS management confirms the store is slated to reopen in its new, much larger store in July or August. The move is said to benefit CVS customers, who will have a much wider selection of merchandise. It will also fill a high-profile Montclair Village space.
Park news: Montclair Park’s new director, Rodolpho Dominguez, is bringing some much-needed enthusiasm into the job as programs fill up for summer.
Dominguez says enrollment is strong for the 5-to-12 age group and he’s working on recruiting teens for the Counselor in Training program. He’s also looking to bring back some popular programs like ceramics, ballet and gymnastics — along with a Montclair Park attraction for many years — the Frontier Town horses.
On a related subject, a park-cleanup day is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon March 14. Volunteers will pull weeds, trim bushes and remove debris in the park and along Moraga Avenue. Gloves and tools are provided. If you’d like to help, email park@montclairaction.org.
Ginny Prior can be reached at ginnyprior@hotmail.com and followed on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and at ginnyprior.com.