Christin Draybuck and Josie Ann Lee are massage therapists with a keen business sense.  They opened their five-room Balance Massage Therapy studio (5155 Plymouth Rd.,
www.lifeisactive.com, 734-660-5919) just a year ago (runners-up for “Best New Business” in Current’s Spring Readers Choice Awards); meticulously tracking the return-on-investment of their individual campaigns and promotions, they’ve managed to sustain 15 percent monthly growth since — impressive numbers for services that, despite verifiable medical benefits, are all-too-often regarded as frivolous expenses.
Balance Massage offers both relaxing treats (like hot stone massage) and therapeutic deep-tissue work, with the aim of being “affordable, accessible, and adaptable.”  They bring massage chairs to office complexes and events (including drop-ins at U of M dorms and sorority houses).  Ongoing specials include student discounts, a new-client special ($49), “Two For Tuesdays” (2 People, 2 Massages, $60), and “Happy Hours” (all services 25-percent off from 3-8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays).  
Lee notes, “Chris and I are proud to both be graduates of the University of Michigan. We know how stressful college years can be, and we want to make sure we are there for students in a way that doesn’t break the college budget.”