Steven Stewart, a blind massage therapist, is making a significant impact in Orland Park, Illinois, by offering free massages to single parents in the community. Stewart, who opened his practice, Unsighted Massage, within Nicole Richards Hair Salon on September 1, 2025, is driven by a deep desire to give back to those he feels resonate with his own experiences.
Stewart became fully blind eight years ago but reports feeling happier and more fulfilled now than he did before losing his sight. “I’m in a better place now than I was back then—physically, emotionally, mentally—just all of the above,” he stated. His journey from a forklift driver in a cold storage warehouse to a massage therapist was spurred by his vision loss, which he views as a turning point in his life.
In a bid to support single parents, Stewart is randomly selecting five individuals from entries received via social media for complimentary massages. This initiative stems from his appreciation for his mother, who raised him and his siblings, often under challenging circumstances. “A lot of my overhead is my time and my hands, and I don’t mind giving that to people,” he explained.
Stewart’s first massage giveaway coincided with a federal government shutdown that resulted in approximately 2 million Illinois residents losing their SNAP benefits. Moved by the stories of families struggling to meet their basic needs, he felt compelled to contribute in any way possible.
His efforts have inspired support from the community, including Tracy Beagarie, who discovered Stewart through social media. After booking an appointment, she offered to create charcuterie boards to accompany the massages for the selected parents. Beagarie expressed her belief that acts of kindness do not always require recognition. “You don’t always need the recognition for doing nice things,” she remarked. She is also preparing cookies for Stewart to distribute to the recipients of the free massages.
Stewart recently graduated from Moraine Valley Community College’s massage therapy program and has quickly established a loyal clientele at his new location. He shared an emotional experience with one client who broke down in tears during her appointment due to her struggles. “In the massage profession, you have to keep boundaries, but it’s hard when you come across someone who’s kind of breaking down and crying,” he noted.
While Stewart has received heartfelt responses, he has also encountered some instances of misrepresentation. He emphasized that only single parents should participate in the current giveaway to uphold the integrity of his initiative.
Community Support and Personal Connections
Support from local business owners has been pivotal for Stewart. Mary Lynn Fleck, owner of Nicole Richards Salon, highlighted Stewart’s dedication and the consistent flow of clients he brings. Fleck, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, has personally benefited from Stewart’s lymphatic drainage therapy. “It was the best night’s sleep I got throughout my whole chemo treatment,” she said, expressing gratitude for the care she has received.
Fleck noted that at the end of each workday, either she or another salon professional ensures that Stewart feels safe leaving the building, which she considers a significant compliment. “We clicked because we both have had experiences that changed our lives,” she added, referring to their mutual understanding of adversity.
Stewart’s commitment to community service aligns with Fleck’s vision for her salon, which aims to foster kindness and support. She commended Stewart for his ability to turn a tragic situation into a means of helping others. “There are not many people who could have their sight taken away and turn around and give back as much as Steven has given back,” Fleck stated.
As he continues to grow his practice and expand his outreach efforts, Stewart remains focused on the impact he can have on the lives of those around him. His story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of kindness in the face of adversity.
