We had the good fortune of connecting with River Grana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi River, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In school I noticed that there was no curriculum, or even recognition of Trans bodies. My coursework was extremely gendered and made me uncomfortable. I knew too from my own experience that there wasn’t a lot of knowledge surrounding Trans people in the wellness world. That’s when I decided I wanted to start a business that centered Trans and Queer people along with being financially accessible. So many times you hear that massages are inaccessible unless you’re wealthy and cis and white. It’s not fair, and so many times oppressed demographics of people deserve access to wellness more so than the privileged. That’s why I began Queen of Cups Massage.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are a lot of Massage Therapists in this city. Talented, dedicated, and healing body workers. I am honored to be one of them. However I noticed immediately that there weren’t many who were Trans, trauma/grief informed, and accessible to low income people. I have always believed if something is not accessible to the poor it is not accessible at all. Being able to give to my community what I never had is important. I am a survivor of abuse that had to relearn positive touch so I wanted to give that to my clients. I am a Trans person who struggles with dysphoria and I want to give my clients a safe space to exist without the dysphoric thoughts and feelings. I also grew up poor. I never had access to “luxuries” so I wanted to make sure that I start erasing that line. Massage is not a luxury for the rich. It should be for us all. All of these things are important to me, and I run this business with my whole heart. I don’t believe in professionalism. I am your friend and I’m here to give you access to care that you may have never had before. I’m not above you, or someone to put on a pedestal. I’m just a human. A human who learned a trade and wants everyone in my community to have access to wellness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve been in Atlanta for 7 years and am still finding hidden gems all of the time. I would say my go to would be lunch at Arepa Mia (I have celiacs so I love an all gluten free restaurant). Drinks/dinner at Ok Yaki, dancing at Mary’s or MSR. Then I love a good Freedom Park picnic to spend the day in the sun with my dog!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be as far into this journey without my incredible friends. Chosen family is the reason I have the confidence, security, and drive to do what I want to do. So many times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and then I have a friend who comes along and reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing. I was the only Trans person in my program, and always felt alone in what I was feeling. It was important for me to lean on my own community to gain the confidence I deserve to have.

Website: Queenofcupsmassage.com

Instagram: @queenofcupsmassage

Image Credits
Queen of Cups Logo: Sarah Al-Khayyal

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