Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Rosen
Hi Spencer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
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 Massage 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 enhance the healing environment and support local artists.
Ever since 2007 and across the three sets of owners, our custom therapeutic massage services and inspiring art gallery have served the holistic health needs of loyal local clients and visitors from around the world. We attract and hire the best licensed massage therapists, each with a diverse range of specialties and modalities, to help people ease stress, discomfort and chronic pain, or sometimes just to have a special experience. The goal of each session is to help clients enjoy health and wellness through customized massage, serene surroundings, insightful education, inspiring art, and thoughtful hospitality.
We are so proud to be a Midtown Atlanta icon – a spacious and inspired oasis of calm and healing in a bustling and trendy part of our dynamic city. Our space is unique and unlike any other massage center. It was purposely designed to showcase local artwork amid spectacular views of Peachtree Street and the neighborhood. We love supporting regional artists by sharing their work and stories with the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My personal story as an entrepreneur began in early 2022, after I finished an earn out and exited corporate America from the high tech industry. I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, and I’m a lifelong health nut. When the opportunity presented itself to fulfill the dream of entrepreneurship, I knew my path was through acquisition and I was thrilled to find this business. I fully acquired The Art of Touch Massage just over two years ago, coincidentally on my birthday — so I gave myself an awesome birthday gift.
There have been two big struggles over these first two years of ownership. First, in 2024 “COVID revenge spending” has lessened from 2022-2023, so we work hard to remind our customers to take good care of themselves and their loved ones through therapeutic massage. Second, in 2024 we had some unexpected, large increases in our operating costs; I refuse to pass those costs along to our customers and instead have kept prices steady.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Art of Touch Massage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At The Art of Touch Massage, our mission is clear: To deliver memorable experiences that help with holistic health through therapeutic massage and soothing art. Here’s what that truly means to us:
Memorable Experiences:
We strive to create an experience that stays with you long after your visit. From the moment you step into our boutique, we want you to feel welcomed, relaxed, and cared for. Every detail—from the calming ambiance to the personalized service—contributes to making your time with us unforgettable. Our goal isn’t just to provide a service, but to create a moment of peace, healing, and rejuvenation that leaves a lasting impression.
Holistic Health:
We believe in the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Our focus isn’t just on treating surface-level symptoms, but on addressing the whole person. Through therapeutic massage, we aim to reduce stress, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures that each treatment we provide goes beyond physical relief, supporting emotional balance and mental clarity as well. Watch out for classes and workshops in the future, to round out our offering as a full service wellness center.
Therapeutic Massage:
Our highly skilled therapists are trained to offer a wide range of massage techniques, from deep tissue to Swedish, sports, and more. Each session is customized to meet your specific needs, whether you’re looking to recover from an injury, manage chronic pain, or simply unwind after a long week. Our massages are designed not only to relax the body but also to promote long-term health benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, and enhanced mobility.
Pricing:
Unlike other places that change for different modalities, we believe that you should not have to pay extra just because your body needs some extra pressure or attention. All of our modalities are priced the same, which makes it much easier for our massage therapists to mix and match modalities, custom for your specific body and needs at the time of the appointment.
Soothing Art:
Our boutique is not just a place of healing through touch, but also through visual and sensory experiences. We proudly feature soothing, carefully curated art throughout our space, creating an environment that enhances your emotional and spiritual well-being. By surrounding our clients with local artwork that inspires peace and creativity, we integrate beauty into the healing process. This blend of art and therapy fosters a tranquil atmosphere that promotes both relaxation and introspection.
In Summary:
Our mission is to offer more than just massage therapy; we provide a holistic health experience that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Through therapeutic massage and the calming influence of art, we help our clients achieve a deeper sense of wellness, balance, and inner peace.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The business was shut down for two months at the outset of COVID-19. Then, slowly people came back. And, in 2022-2023, people really came back due to “COVID revenge spending”, where people were basically thinking, “I’m going to take care of myself no matter what it takes.” In 2024, we’ve been reminding people to take care of themselves again, and especially to treat the symptoms that have come from injuries, chronic pain, or simply a stressful year for many. We have learned a lot about how people’s inclination for self-care can sometimes wax or wane depending on public health conditions, the economy, or other factors. And, we’ve also learned how much customers appreciate that we’re here to help.
Pricing:
- $120 60-minute massage
- $135 75-minute massage
- $155 90-minute massage
- $205 120 minute massage
- Couples Massages available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theartoftouchmassage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartoftouchmassage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArtofTouchMassage
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-art-of-touch-therapeutic-massage-center-atlanta-2
