Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Grant
Hi Ty, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to Minneapolis to get my MBA at the Carlson School of Management in 2014. After receiving my degree, I did a brief stint in corporate America, which definitely wasn’t for me, but it pushed me to pursue my dream of being a massage therapist which I did in 2018. I felt drawn to giving all people, particularly those in marginalized bodies access to bodywork and healing arts.
In 2020 after the uprising, I saw how so many BIPOC activists and community members were overwhelmed, burned out and grieving and it seemed to me this need for spaces even deeper. Also during this time I had arm injury and was directed to a space that provided free acupuncture to people of color in a space off of Loring Park. I had a great treatment and fell in love with the space it was in and asked to rent a room to massage. Two years later the acupuncturist was ready to move out and offered me the space which was amazing.
Body of the Earth was a confluence of different aspects of my life in Minneapolis. That of body work, my MBA and my community involvement. We have expanded over the years and now have a team of 6 practitioners.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Though the road has not always been smooth, I have felt held and supported along the way. The team at Loring Corners has been amazing in seeing to it that BOTE has what it needs in the space to thrive.
I have had some unexpected extended absences that the studio made it through. My father became ill in Jan ‘23 and was living abroad at the time with little support. I went to take care of him until he passed and then spent another few weeks settling his affairs. I am so appreciative of how the team came together to keep the studio going while I was away.
This past winter I had the opportunity to study with a Thai Massage master in Thailand and traveled for a couple of weeks for that.
Expanding from being solo to having a team and marketing for the entire team has been a challenge. I was accustomed to making direct connections with people and handing out my business card with the anticipation to come see me. Communicating the same level of trust and confidence in coming to see someone that they have not met feels like it adds another layer of complexity to the communication.
Learning to delegate tasks and build the administrative infrastructure to support the business has been difficult but essential to maintaining a good work life balance. I have learned how being a small business owner can feel all consuming, even while feeling rewarding and worthwhile. The larger the team the more I have to trust things to be completed without me. The loss is always felt when a team member leaves
As you know, we’re big fans of BOTE. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
BOTE was founded as a Queer & BIPOC centered wellness space with the mission being to ensure those in these marginalized communities have a space to feel safe and heard, and to seek wellness outside of the medical industrial complex.
A key piece of our mission is making bodywork accessible- we provide sliding scale services and work with local organizations and funds to help provide bodywork to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
In 2021 we started the BIPOC Community Fund, a donation based fund where community members have given money to allow for BIPOC members of the community to come in and receive a free hour in times of need.
We are a collective with a wide range of holistic bodywork modalities. I consider each practitioner a wellness artist- each bringing their talent and style to the practice.
I personally specialize in deep tissue rehabilitation and injury relief, but have been certified in lymphatic drainage therapy, cranial sacral massage, and Thai massage.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Likes- I love that there is a larger Queer community here than anywhere else I have lived around the country. I distinguish the Queer community (from a gay or lesbian community) by the inclusivity regardless of gender expression or strict adherence to sexual orientation- we are all Queer and family.
Dislikes- not being native it’s the winter, of course! There were unexpected aspects of winter that I wasn’t prepared for- the shoveling, the icy car when you’re running late, the length of winter. Overall, it’s just an adjustment (and I wonderful excuse to travel).
Pricing:
- A key piece of our mission is making bodywork accessible- we provide sliding scale services and work with local organizations and funds to help provide bodywork to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it. An hour massage can be as low as $80 (full price $110) A 90 minute massage can be as low as $120 (full price $150)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bodyoftheearthmassage
