When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

The first thing you notice is this home smells like a spa. Ylang ylang and grapefruit, to be precise, from a living room reed diffuser that perfumes a cosy Hertfordshire space. It’s one of many thoughtfully chosen details that immediately signal someone with a deep sense of care lives here. That someone is Destiny – a menstrual cycle coach who is passionate about slow living and wellness.

A journey rooted in personal experience

Destiny’s journey to becoming a menstrual health coach began with her own health struggles in her 20s. She found herself navigating a maze of symptoms and medical advice, which led her to take a more proactive approach to understanding her body.

 “A menstrual cycle health coach is someone who bridges the gap between a GP and the individual,” she explains. “We empower women with the language and understanding they need to navigate their cycle – not just their period, but the entire month.”

Destiny is a strong advocate for slow living, a philosophy born out of necessity. “I had a really tough time growing up with health concerns, especially with debilitating periods,” she shares.

“Slowing down and tuning into what my body needs was the best thing for me.” 

For Destiny, slow living means taking control of your decisions – whether that’s what you’re eating, how you shop, or simply how you move through the world. It’s about being mindful and intentional, qualities that she infuses into every aspect of her life.

Creating space for growth

To that end, earlier this year, Destiny and her husband Daniel made the move from a noisy  flat above the Central Line, to a house in a peaceful cul-de-sac near Welwyn Garden City. For Destiny, it was about creating a life with more peace and space – both literally and figuratively. The move offered a blend of city convenience and countryside calm, a balance she values deeply. “I needed more room to grow, both physically and mentally,” she reflects. 

Discovering that she could still book Urban treatments in Hertfordshire was a bonus because, in her words, “my monthly massage is non-negotiable.”

Integrating Urban into her routine

Urban, Destiny says, is the difference between knowing prioritising self-care is a good idea, and actually making it happen.

The ease of booking treatments through the app means she can schedule her massages around her busy life, whether it’s a last-minute session to ease tension after a long week or a pre-planned monthly ritual. “I love that Urban is so accessible – it’s right there on my phone. I can see what’s available around me, and it’s really easy to book. If I want a massage tomorrow evening, I know I can get one.” 

“I love that Urban is so accessible - If I want a massage tomorrow evening, I know I can get one.” 

Over time, Destiny has developed a strong rapport with her regular Urban pro, Irina, who understands her needs and preferences. “The professionals are so respectful of your home, and I love that I’ve been able to build a relationship with the same therapist. She’s amazing, and I always feel better after a session with her.”

A massage for every season

Massage has become a cornerstone of Destiny’s self-care routine, especially during the luteal phase – the days leading up to menstruation when energy levels tend to dip. “I’ve noticed that an energising massage can be really beneficial during this time,” Destiny says. “It’s amazing how different types of massages can affect your energy. I used to think all massages were the same, but they really aren’t.”

Destiny’s self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all; it changes with the seasons. She recalls a recent June massage where, instead of the usual indoor setup, she and her Urban pro opened the garden doors and let the summer breeze and birdsong be part of the experience. “It was the perfect way to unwind,” she says. 

But her approach varies with the time of year: in the summer, when the heat leaves her feeling lethargic, she finds that an energising massage gives her the boost she needs. “I’m not a sun person, so the high temperatures can really drain me. An energising massage in the summer is just what I need to pick myself up.”

As the seasons change, so does her massage preference. “In autumn and winter, I lean towards more relaxing, deep tissue massages. They’re soothing and comforting, which is what I crave when the weather turns colder.”

The importance of play

Destiny is hard to pin down. She’s equally comfortable discussing fashion or football, a throwback to her days as a ball girl for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Her love for food and nature is evident in her home, with cookbooks and bird-watching gear dotted about. She’s passionate about encouraging adults to make time for fun, hosting workshops where people can come together to eat, chat, and get creative.

“I think as you get older, you stop playing and doing the things you love,” she says. “So when we moved out to Hertfordshire, we bought a goal for the garden and I’m the one out there more, doing kick-ups and trying to score goals.”

Destiny's upcoming events aim to inspire the same kind of playfulness: get togethers over seasonal, home cooked food with an educational focus on shared experiences rather than formal lectures.  Plans include panel talks and creative workshops. “It’s coaching with a creative flair,” she explains.

Destiny’s Instagram is where she shares her journey, offering advice on menstrual health and updates on her events that blend creativity, learning and food. Her story serves as a reminder that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s about making space for what truly matters, even when life gets busy. Whether through the consistency of a monthly massage or the simple pleasure of a sunny day in the garden, Destiny has found a way to live intentionally, in tune with her body and the world around her.

To find out more about Destiny’s upcoming events or 121 menstrual health coaching, visit her Instagram or email: destinyjoelivia@gmail.com.