Hello, I'm Cecilia Bagwell, founder of Thrive Geriatric Massage. My journey into the world of massage therapy began in 2004 when I became a licensed therapist. It was then that I discovered my passion for medical rehab massage, recognizing the profound impact it could have on recovery and quality of life.

However, it wasn't until 2015 that I identified a significant gap in our industry. Despite the growing needs of our aging population, there were few specialized massage services available for seniors. This realization was the spark for Thrive Geriatric Massage. I envisioned a service that would not only cater to the unique needs of the elderly but would also provide the healing power of touch to enhance their lives significantly.

Life's complexities initially delayed my plans, but the isolation many people not just seniors experienced during the recent pandemic reignited my determination. It was clear the time had come to bring Thrive to life.

Incorporating my daughter, Vanae, into Thrive was a decision deeply rooted in our history together. From a young age, Vanae was a fixture in my business, eagerly assisting with tasks and engaging with clients. By 23, her readiness to embrace this challenge had only grown. Partnering with her to launch Thrive turned our shared dream into an exciting reality and brought us even closer together. 

Our mission at Thrive is driven by a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) to make geriatric massage a cornerstone of senior wellness. It's crucial that seniors not only have access to beneficial massage therapies but that these services are delivered by therapists who understand the aging body's specific challenges. Our 'Thrive Modality' is designed to ensure that we enhance senior well-being and quality of life through holistic, non-medicated means.

Looking to the future, our ambitions for Thrive are expansive. Over the next three years, we aim to grow our presence in Atlanta and prepare for expansion to Chattanooga, where my sister, a seasoned therapist, will join us as we explore developing a franchise model. This next phase is about more than business growth—it's about building a family legacy that impacts seniors' lives nationwide.

In the next three to five years, we hope to bring Thrive Geriatric Massage to other cities, spreading the benefits of our specialized service and transforming senior care. At Thrive, we are not just a business—we are a movement dedicated to ensuring that every senior can age with dignity, comfort, and optimal health.