As I mark my two years of stewardship at The Art of Touch Massage, I’m struck by how this beloved Atlanta institution has evolved while staying true to its core mission of healing and community care.
A Legacy of Healing
The Art of Touch Massage’s story began in July 2007, when massage therapist Shannon Grant and attorney Chris Waluk transformed an 11-bedroom house on 14th Street into a haven of healing in Midtown Atlanta. Their vision of creating a welcoming, professional space for therapeutic massage took root and flourished in that historic home, serving as a cornerstone of wellness for the community.
As the practice grew, so did its needs. January 1, 2014 marked a significant milestone when The Art of Touch moved to its current home in the Viewpoint Building at 855 Peachtree Street, establishing itself as a modern urban oasis. The practice continued to thrive under the leadership of Jennifer and Don Dismuke from 2018 to 2022, who brought their expertise in merchandising, design, and financial management to further elevate the business.
When my wife Devorah and I took the helm in October 2022, we were deeply aware of the legacy we were inheriting. As tech industry professionals with passions for health, wellness, and community building, we saw an opportunity to blend our business acumen with our commitment to social justice and community service. Our backgrounds in workplace operations, facility management, and technology business management, combined with our experience as community leaders and volunteers, gave us a unique perspective on how to further develop this healing space while maintaining its soul. We were particularly drawn to The Art of Touch’s unique identity as both a therapeutic space and an art gallery, recognizing how the visual arts and the light filled physical environment enhance healing and support local artist community.
On a personal note, my own wellness journey started in 2006 following a traffic accident. I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. At first, I was full of adrenaline and relieved to be alive. The next day, I felt very sore and my neck hurt pretty badly. In the ensuing weeks and months after seeing myriad specialists and doctors and getting an MRI, I learned the crash herniated a disc in my cervical spine. Four out of five doctors suggested surgery. I listened to the fifth, a physiatrist who recommended the McKenzie Method to heal my own neck pain. It took some time, but I eventually found the combination of physical medicine, physical therapy, an alkaline (anti-inflammatory) diet, and therapeutic massage to be the 4 critical components of my lifelong wellness ritual. I’m now healthier than ever. And, I take pride knowing The Art of Touch Massage is helping others with chronic pain management the same way that therapeutic massage has helped me.
What We’ve Achieved
Looking at our growth over the past two years, I’m proud of how we’ve built upon The Art of Touch’s strong foundation:
- Supporting and growing our team to 29 licensed massage therapists
- Expanding our client base of regular monthly clients
- Enhancing the number of providers for specialized services including prenatal massage, sports massage, and corporate chair massage
- Curating art exhibitions featuring local Atlanta and regional artists
- Creating a space where wellness and creativity intersect to promote holistic healing
Beyond the numbers, we’ve become an integral part of our clients’ wellness journeys. From helping athletes prepare for the Peachtree Road Race to providing relief to healthcare workers during their most stressful days, every session has contributed to Atlanta’s wellbeing. Our art exhibitions have become community gatherings, where healing and cultural expression come together in powerful ways.
Lessons Learned
These two years in the massage therapy industry have taught me invaluable lessons:
- The power of genuine care: While therapeutic technique is crucial, our success comes from our therapists’ authentic dedication to each client’s specific healing and wellness.
- Adaptability is essential: We’ve evolved our services to meet changing client needs, from adding immune-boosting protocols to expanding our hours for busy professionals.
- Investment in therapist wellness: Supporting our team with total schedule flexibility and adequate rest between sessions has resulted in better client care and therapist retention.
Challenges We’ve Overcome
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. We navigated the complexities of post-pandemic safety protocols, managed the industry-wide therapist shortage, and worked to differentiate ourselves in Atlanta’s competitive wellness market. One of our biggest hurdles was maintaining the high standards of care established by our predecessors while implementing modern systems to enhance the client experience. Through careful planning and investment in our infrastructure, we’ve managed to grow while enhancing the quality of our services.
Looking Ahead
As we enter our third year of ownership, our vision for growth is stronger than ever. We’re excited to evolve from a massage therapy practice and art gallery into a comprehensive urban wellness center.
Short-term Goals (Next 12 Months)
- Launch early morning wellness programming including guided stretching, yoga, and sound healing sessions
- Introduce and bloster differentiated therapeutic modalities including Thai massage and craniosacral therapy
- Launch our wellness workshop series with expert-led sessions on topics from nutrition to stress management
- Start our life coaching program to support clients’ holistic well-being
- Enhance our membership program to include access to classes, workshops, and wellness coaching
- Continue our art exhibitions with enhanced programming and artist talks
- Expand our prenatal and postpartum care services
- Expand our pre-op and post-op care services
Long-term Vision (2-3 Years)
- Open a second location, in Atlanta
- Develop a massage therapy mentorship program
- Create a complete wellness center that seamlessly integrates:
- Therapeutic massage and bodywork
- Movement and meditation classes
- Wellness coaching and education
- Art exhibitions and cultural events
- Community workshops and gatherings
- Establish ourselves as Atlanta’s premier destination for holistic wellness and healing arts
- Build a wellness membership community that supports and nurtures lasting lifestyle changes
A Thank You to Our Atlanta Community
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our Midtown community. To our clients who trust us with their wellness journey, our dedicated therapists who bring healing through their hands, our attentive and caring staff, the previous owners who built such a strong foundation, the artists who share their creativity in our space, and our local business partners who believe in our vision – thank you.
Final Thoughts
Two years ago, Devorah and I embarked on a new chapter in our lives by becoming the stewards of The Art of Touch Massage. Today, we’re grateful for that decision and humbled by the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives. Every tension headache relieved, every stress knot released, and every moment of relaxation provided reminds us why we chose this path.
As we look to the future, we’re reminded that running a massage therapy practice isn’t just about providing services – it’s about fostering wellness, supporting our community’s health, and making a positive impact in people’s lives. Here’s to the next chapter of our journey, to the healing we’ll provide, and to the stories of wellness yet to be written.
The best is yet to come.
