Inspiring Conversations with Marija Kovačević of MARISSA STUDIO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marija Kovačević.

Hi Marija, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I believe life often leads us down paths we never planned to take, yet those very paths bring us exactly where we are meant to be. That is how my journey began. What started as a simple desire to help people relieve pain and reduce stress gradually became my life’s calling.

I am the founder of Marissa Studio, located in the Banovo Brdo neighborhood of Belgrade, Serbia. To me, it is much more than a wellness studio—it is a place where people can slow down, breathe, reconnect with themselves, and restore harmony between body, mind, and spirit. I truly believe that healing begins the moment we choose to care for ourselves.

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to be the kind of therapist who never stops learning. Throughout the years, I have completed numerous professional trainings in relaxation, therapeutic, sports, prenatal, and anti-cellulite massage, as well as lymphatic drainage, reflexology, facial lifting massage, buccal massage, Hijama, cupping therapy, Pinda Sweda Herbal SPA massage, Fire Cupping therapy, and many other holistic techniques. Every new education has expanded not only my knowledge but also my responsibility toward the people who trust me with their well-being.

My passion for this profession also led me to international massage championships. In 2023, I received Second Place in the Pinda Sweda Herbal SPA Wellness Massage category at the International Massage Championship in Sremska Kamenica, Serbia. In 2024, I earned Second Place once again in the same category, along with Fourth Place in the Facial Massage category. At the International Massage Championship in Croatia in 2025, I was honored with Third Place in both the Facial Massage and Wellness categories. In 2026, I received Third Place in the Wellness category at the International Massage Championship in Sremska Kamenica. While these awards are meaningful milestones in my career, the greatest reward will always be the trust of my clients and seeing them leave feeling healthier, happier, and more at peace.

As my experience grew, teaching became a natural extension of my work. Today, I educate future therapists in Hijama, cupping therapy, and other manual therapy techniques. I believe knowledge becomes truly valuable only when it is shared, and helping others grow professionally is one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.

Like every entrepreneur, I have faced challenges, uncertainty, and moments that tested my determination. Those experiences taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of staying true to my purpose. Success, in my opinion, is not measured only by awards or achievements, but by the number of lives we positively impact.

My vision extends far beyond my studio. My greatest dream is to establish a School of Massage and Manual Therapies, where future generations of therapists will learn not only professional techniques but also compassion, integrity, and the philosophy that every treatment begins with genuine care for another human being. I hope to create a lasting legacy by inspiring others to continue helping people through healing touch.

I believe the human body has an incredible ability to heal when given the right support, and that touch—when guided by knowledge, intention, and empathy—is one of the most powerful forms of therapy. That is why I begin every day with the same purpose: to ensure that every person who walks into Marissa Studio leaves feeling calmer, healthier, and more connected to themselves.

For me, this is not simply a profession—it is my way of life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, my journey has not been easy, but I believe that the challenges I faced shaped me into both the person and the therapist I am today.

One of the most important decisions of my life was leaving the security of a stable job after 20 years of employment to fully dedicate myself to the profession I truly love. It was a major turning point, filled with uncertainty, but deep inside I knew it was my true calling.

Starting my own business in a large city like Belgrade has not been easy. The competition is strong, and it is not enough to simply be good at what you do—you have to be authentic, stay true to your values, and continuously invest in your knowledge and skills. That is why I have never stopped learning, competing internationally, and building Marissa Studio on quality, trust, and genuine care for every client.

There were moments of doubt and many challenges along the way, but every satisfied client reminded me why I chose this path. Today, I know it was the best decision I could have made. I believe true success is built through courage, perseverance, and love for what you do.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Marissa Studio is unique because it combines modern manual therapies with traditional complementary medicine practices that support the body’s natural healing processes. I believe the human body has an incredible ability to restore balance when given the right support, which is why every treatment is personalized to meet each client’s individual needs.
One of the specialties that sets Marissa Studio apart is Hijama (wet cupping therapy), a traditional healing practice that has been used for centuries in different cultures. Along with Hijama, I offer cupping therapy, therapeutic massage, reflexology, and other manual therapy techniques that complement one another to promote overall well-being, relaxation, and a healthier lifestyle.
I want people to see Marissa Studio as more than a wellness studio. My goal is to create a place where professionalism, continuous education, and genuine care come together to help clients reconnect with their bodies and improve their quality of life. Every treatment is performed with intention, compassion, and respect, because I believe healing begins with trust and a personalized approach.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Many people assume that because of my profession, I am always calm and full of energy. The truth is that, like everyone else, I have faced stress, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. Those experiences actually strengthened my belief in what I do because I learned firsthand how important balance, rest, and self-care truly are. Another thing that surprises many people is that I love singing. Music is one of my greatest passions and one of the ways I recharge. I believe music and healing touch have something in common—they both have the power to calm, connect, and bring joy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa_massage_hidzama_011?igsh=MWJrMHVwNXhwbW8yZA==