Nourishing Hands Massage & Wellness

In 2018, I thought I was dying.

I was 29, married, working in tech, and had just been told I had kidney failure. My doctor said I was at high risk for a heart attack. I hadn’t even turned 30 yet.

I didn’t tell anyone.

I held it in like I always did. Not wanting to scare people. Not wanting to burden anyone. But inside, I had already made peace with the idea that my life might be ending.

And then I made a decision:
If I was going to go, I was going to fight first.

I changed everything.

No more harsh medications. No more ignoring my body. I shifted my diet, committed to healing, started yoga, received regular massage, and began training my body instead of numbing it.

Within months, I went from kidney failure to Stage 2 chronic kidney disease, something I now manage for life.

But what really changed me was something small:

A magnet on my cubicle at work that I stared at every day for years.

“Do more of what makes you happy.”

That became my compass.

After losing my job during COVID, caring for my family through illness, and sitting with my grandfather until his last breath, I realized:

If my life had an endpoint, I wanted to actually live it.

So I left everything that no longer served me, including my marriage, and rebuilt my life from the ground up.

I chose purpose.
I chose healing.
I chose myself.

Today, I’m a massage therapist, not just because it’s a career, but because it saved me.

I believe in this work because I’ve lived it. I know what it feels like to be in pain, to feel stuck in your body, and to think medication is the only way out.

It’s not.

Healing is possible.
Change is possible.
A completely different life is possible.

The person on the left thought his life was ending.
The person on the right knows it was just beginning.

So here’s your reminder:
Do more of what makes you happy.

I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by BusinessRate as the Highest Rated Massage Therapist in Brookhaven. 🙏

What many people don’t always see is that being a massage therapist is actually only a fraction of what I do every day. Behind the scenes, I wear every hat in my business — marketing, finance, operations, client experience, branding, strategy, and more.

Achieving strong digital rankings doesn’t happen by accident. It meant teaching myself SEO, understanding how organic search works, identifying my niche, and learning how to position my practice geographically so the right clients could find me when they needed care most.

This recognition represents not just the hands-on work in the treatment room, but years of learning, adapting, and building something intentionally from the ground up.

To every client who has trusted me with their care, left a review, referred a friend, or supported Nourishing Hands Massage & Wellness along the way — this belongs to you too. Thank you for allowing me to do work that truly matters.

LGBTQOwnedBusiness SmallBusinessOwner MassageTherapy Heiko A Pinero

The world feels loud right now.
And sometimes I notice the noise drains me so much that I forget to take care of myself.

This was your reminder (and mine):
Caring about the world doesn’t mean abandoning your body (baby).
Both can exist.

If you’re tired, it makes sense.
Rest is still allowed. 🤍





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What a year for my business!

✨ End of Year Reflection ✨ This year asked more of me than I expected. I poured myself into learning—Thai Foot Massage, Thai Immersive, Thai Master, and stepping into a TA role for a Thai Intensive—not just to gain skills, but because I needed something that challenged me and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. I moved my business three times between my Atlanta office and The River’s Edge. Closing my space at The River’s Edge wasn’t because I stopped loving it—it was a choice I made for more work–life balance and to take some weight off my plate. Even so, I will deeply miss seeing everyone at camp every weekend and being part of that rhythm and community. But, I’m exciting to continue going to camp as a fellow camper and enjoying all that it has to offer! With each move, I poured intention into designing every space, hoping one would finally feel like home. There was a lot of uncertainty, exhaustion, and moments where I questioned myself along the way. And then… this one did. I didn’t expect to fall in love with a studio again, but my current space feels grounding, supportive, and aligned in a way I didn’t know I needed. It feels like a deep exhale after a long season of holding my breath. Through all of it, I’ve fallen more and more in love with Thai Massage. It continues to humble me, stretch me, and teach me—about my body, my patience, and my presence. I don’t just want to offer it; I want to honor it. I want to become an expert, slowly and intentionally, through continued study, practice, and respect for the lineage behind it. This year wasn’t easy—but it was honest. And I’m walking into the new year softer, clearer, and more rooted than I’ve been in a long time. Thank you to everyone who trusted me, supported me, and stayed with me through the transitions. I’m so grateful you’re here. 🤍 #NourishNow #ThaiMassage #HealingJourney #EndOfYearReflection #MassageTherapistLife SmallBusinessGrowth DecaturGA AtlantaWellness LGBTQBusiness

Had a wonderful time last night at Stonewall’s Snowball benefiting the Player Assistance Fund! Thank you to for allowing and me to be sponsors and support a community and organization we truly love.

We partnered with Evolve Chiropractic at the wellness station, demonstrating and sharing more about our practices, and hosted a joint giveaway featuring our services and a gift basket. Such a great night of connection and giving back! 💙✨

Stop by our station at Stonewall's Snowball to sign up and check out our wellness giveaways. Score a basket full of goodies, a one-hour chiropractic exam or reiki session, or a one-hour massage session!

Today marks the end of a very special chapter.
I just finished the final massage in my suite at 1924 Clairmont Rd, Suite 220 — my first space that was fully, truly my own. No subletting, no borrowing… just me building a home for my business from the ground up.

I decorated every corner.
I learned, grew, and healed alongside my clients here.
This space carried me through some of the biggest transformations of my life and my business, and I’m deeply grateful for every moment inside these walls.

Now it’s time to step into something new.
✨ Starting December 1st, Nourishing Hands Massage & Wellness opens its doors at our new location:
📍 2250 N Druid Hills Rd, Suite 233

I cannot wait to show you the new space — created with even more intention, comfort, and room to grow.
Thank you for supporting me on this journey. Here’s to new beginnings. 💛✨

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