Meet Kristina “Nina” Schau | Customized Bodyworker & Massage Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina “Nina” Schau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina “Nina”, how do you think about risk?
I see risk as a necessary part of growth. It’s never about being reckless but about trusting yourself enough to step into the unknown. For 10 years, I worked as a chemical engineer and even earned my M.S. in the field. It was a stable and respectable career, but deep down, I felt called to something different.

The real risk wasn’t just leaving my engineering job—it was believing in myself enough to build something entirely new. Once I embraced that, my career as a full-time massage therapist truly took off. Now, I get to serve incredible clients, including professional athletes & celebrities, and work in a space that brings me fulfillment every day.

Taking that leap wasn’t easy, but it taught me that the biggest rewards come when you trust your passion and follow through with action.

What should our readers know about your business?
ATL Therapeutic Massage was built on the foundation of addressing the muscles and treating the fascia—because real, lasting relief comes from understanding how the body moves and where it holds tension. As a former athlete myself, and with my roots in sports massage, I take an intuitive approach to my work. I focus on finding the imbalances, the scar tissue, and the restrictions in movement, then noting what treatments bring the best results. It’s not just about relaxation; it’s about real, functional healing.

What truly sets my practice apart is the ability to blend therapeutic relief with deep relaxation. Whether my clients are actors on set, athletes pushing their limits, or just hardworking professionals carrying stress, I love creating a space where they can reset and feel their best. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching someone walk out of a session with a whole new level of mobility and ease.

Of course, getting here wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge was breaking away from my mentor and fully stepping into my own private practice. That transition was tough, but as soon as I took that leap, things took off. Now, I get to work with an amazing roster of clients, from professional athletes to entertainment industry professionals, and it’s been nothing short of a blessing.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that trusting yourself is everything. Building a business isn’t just about skill—it’s about confidence, consistency, and showing up even when things feel uncertain. ATL Therapeutic Massage is more than just a business to me; it’s a reflection of my passion for helping people move, feel, and live better.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohh this is my specialty !! As I work with so many transient clients I love to share recommendations. Right now a couple of my favorite spots are Del Bar in Buckhead and Bar Blanc in West Midtown. For things to do, as a nature girly I’m all about the hikes. The Bamboo Forrest is one of my favorite hiking spots, and so is Iron Hill Mountain at Lake Alatoona. For a late night vibe, don’t miss out on Palo Santo and swing by Jenny’s for an ice cream night cap. Atlanta has so much to offer and I’m looking forward to 2025 Broadway schedule, attending art shows at SCAD, and tapping into our wellness partners like Fit9 and 2UMedical.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my biggest supporter and advocate—my mental therapist at the Atlanta Center for Self Compassion. Their guidance was life-changing, helping me navigate the three-year transition from a corporate job I no longer felt aligned with to stepping fully into my passion as a massage therapist.

Leaving behind a stable career wasn’t easy, but having someone who truly listened, challenged my doubts, and encouraged me to take that leap made all the difference. Their support gave me the clarity and confidence to build the career and life I love today. I am beyond grateful for their wisdom, patience, and unwavering belief in me.

Website: https://atltherapeuticmassage.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atltherapeuticmassage/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atl-therapeutic-massage/

Twitter: https://x.com/atltm_nina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATLTherapeuticMassage/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atl-therapeutic-massage-atlanta

Image Credits
The Cork Bros