Faces of Cody: Nick & Darla Hartley – Lion’s Paw Massage

Dec 27, 2024

Cody, Wyoming, is more than just a place; it’s a way of life. It’s a place where you’re not just living, you’re truly alive. Tucked away in the northern part of the state, this hidden gem is a haven for dreamers, adventurers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to nature and community. Cody’s beauty goes beyond its stunning landscapes, the people make it truly special.
 
Here, neighbors are more than acquaintances, they’re friends who support, uplift, and celebrate each other. It’s a place where a strong sense of community fuels shared success and belonging. People like Nick and Darla Hartley have found not just a home here, but a space to thrive and heal, whether; starting a new business, embracing a creative passion, or simply soaking in the serenity Cody has to offer. In Cody, dreams are nurtured, goals feel within reach, and every day is an opportunity to write your own story.
 
Nick Hartley’s journey after leaving the Army in 2011 is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering determination. Following his honorable service and various journeys through civilian careers, Nick sought to rebuild his life and establish himself in a way that was both purposeful and balanced.
 
In 2014, he graduated from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance and went on to pursue personal investments and opportunities. He eventually developed a vision for a more self-reliant lifestyle and sought to achieve this on his own terms. Nick purchased property in Tennessee in 2016 to pursue homesteading, combining his love for nature with a desire to live sustainably and self-sufficiently. By 2018, The homesteading venture in Tennessee was put on pause as circumstances encouraged him to continue his public service career by working for the Department of Defense in Indiana.
 
In 2019, he transferred to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Gillette, Wyoming, in a new role as a Farm Loan Officer. His career in Agricultural Lending developed quickly and brought him to the Big Horn Basin. Training details required him to travel throughout the region, where he discovered Cody and the surrounding area’s vibrant community and warm culture. It didn’t take long for Nick to fall in love with the Basin. He found solace and inspiration in the serene environment and the close-knit communities, even as Covid hysteria took root.
 
Because of his prior interest in, and pursuit of, homesteading he found a passion for helping A-typical operations such as Farm Table West and Medley Farms. Due to the complex analysis involved, as non-traditional operations, these unique ventures are often turned down for funding. Nick, however, was willing to go the extra mile to help these businesses receive a fair chance of being considered and set up for success.
 
After being permanently assigned to the Powell FSA office in 2021, he bought a house in Cody. The agency continued to experience attrition and unbalanced workloads as Covid polices and the eventual Vaccine Mandate took root for Federal employees. Nick remained committed to his work while being defiant of irrational demands, in spite of potentially adverse consequences.
 
Injuring his back while working on his newly purchased property in Cody, he sought natural healing methods to strengthen his health and well-being. During this challenging time, he discovered the transformative effects of Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic care, which helped him recover. Through this process of self-rehabilitation, Nick experienced firsthand the incredible healing power of massage and holistic care, planting a seed that eventually led him to a more fulfilling career helping others (especially veterans) heal as he had.
 
After years of high-stress environments, military service, and personal stressors, Nick decided it was time to make a change. He left his job with FSA, choosing to take a year off to prioritize his well-being and reassess avenues to live a more purposeful life. He reluctantly put the house he purchased in Cody up for sale, unsure if he would ever return. Drawn by Massage Therapy’s positive impact on his life, Nick pursued his education and Licensure to become a Massage Therapist in Sioux Falls, SD. During this transformative chapter, Nick met Darla, the love of his life. Nick and Darla (a single mother who was also rebuilding her life) immediately recognized a profound connection. The two bonded over their shared but separate life experiences, and their current determination to heal, grow, and create a brighter future.
 
Together, Nick and Darla embarked on a new journey of Massage Therapy training and practice. Darla’s background in biology and pre-med complimented the coursework. Together, they embraced the healing and restorative nature of the art. Their love blossomed, and they embraced their shared dream of building a strong, stable, and growing family. The Cody house was taken off the market with plans for an imminent return, upon graduation and licensure.
 
Drawn back to the tranquility and mindset of the area, Nick and Darla returned in the Summer of 2024, welcomed another child into the family, and stood up their Massage Therapy practice, Lion’s Paw Massage. With their vision and a shared sense of purpose, Nick and Darla were married in their newly established office on November 6th, 2024 as symbol of their love, dedication, and a blessing to their workspace and a new chapter together.
 
Lion’s Paw Massage has become a haven of healing and restoration, offering services for individuals and couples seeking relief and relaxation. Today, Nick and Darla remain committed to helping others find their peace and healing through customized and personalized sessions. Their unwavering dedication to their community and their family drives everything they do.
 
Nick’s journey from the military, to personal pursuits, to public service has culminated in building a beautiful new life with Darla in a beautiful place. Their shared life experiences, resilience, and deep empathy allow them to bring unmatched value and care to their clients. Come experience the warm, welcoming space for healing, relief, and connection they have created at Lion’s Paw Massage in Cody!
 

Missy Burns
Owner of MB Creative
Marketing and Editing Manager for Cody Journal

Missy Burns is a passionate marketing strategist who loves helping small businesses not just get by, but really thrive. She’s great at building strong brands, streamlining operations, and driving long-term growth. With her hands-on style and deep understanding of the challenges small businesses deal with, Missy is the go-to partner to help you stand out and succeed in a competitive market.

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