![\"Software](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MOP-L-HILLS-COL-0306-1.jpg\")
Software developer Edward Ishaq and massage therapist Kate Bui appear recently at Montclair Massage, their new Woodminster Lane business in the Oakland hills. (Ginny Prior for Bay Area News Group)\u00a0<\/p>\nA 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.<\/p>\n
Software developer Edward Ishaq and massage therapist Kate Bui appear recently at Montclair Massage, their new Woodminster Lane business in the Oakland hills. (Ginny Prior for Bay Area News Group)\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ishaq is the company\u2019s marketing guru. With a background in software and startups, he says he\u2019s always wanted to build something tangible and community-based, rather than purely digital.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking 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,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
When the two met, they quickly realized they shared the same dream \u2014 offering massages that clients can afford on a regular basis, not just for special occasions. To encourage this, the website montclairmassage.com<\/a> offers discounted memberships for 60-minute and 90-minute monthly massages. Ishaq says the business model encourages long-term relationships.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause we\u2019re a small, neighborhood-based practice, clients develop real continuity with their therapist \u2014 something that\u2019s often missing in larger corporate settings.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking of relationships, there\u2019s a third \u201cstaff member\u201d you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve successfully booked multiple appointments through the service,\u201d says Ishaq, adding that it ensures no call goes unanswered, even when they\u2019re in the middle of a session.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Park news: Montclair Park\u2019s new director, Rodolpho Dominguez, is bringing some much-needed enthusiasm into the job as programs fill up for summer.<\/p>\n Dominguez says enrollment is strong for the 5-to-12 age group and he\u2019s working on recruiting teens for the Counselor in Training program. He\u2019s also looking to bring back some popular programs like ceramics, ballet and gymnastics \u2014 along with a Montclair Park attraction for many years \u2014 the Frontier Town horses.<\/p>\n 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\u2019d like to help, email park@montclairaction.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ginny Prior can be reached at ginnyprior@hotmail.com<\/a> and followed on X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and at ginnyprior.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t