by Sarah Anderson | photography by Two Eagles Marcus

Brianna and Chandler Forbes are no strangers to sharing space – a fact made evident by how the two lovingly relate to one another. The pair grew up in Wisconsin just three blocks apart, meeting for the first time as toddlers. Life brought them back together as teenagers, and they have been inseparable ever since.

An opportunity to pursue an education in film brought Chandler to Grand Rapids, and Brianna was soon to follow. As he pursued a career in film while she began hers in the massage world. After gaining experience and learning the market, she opened Urban Massage on North Monroe with a portion of the couple’s savings. When the business moved to Wealthy Street, the couple began to foresee they would soon outgrow the space, and they made a plan; once they found a larger space to buy, Chandler would leave his job in film to lend his talents to Urban Massage.

In September 2017, the couple found an open venue in the burgeoning Creston Neighborhood to move the business to. Chandler devoted all of his time to closing on the space, making long-term businessplans and transforming the building into the perfect home for Urban Massage. The transition into business partnership has been natural for Chandler and Brianna.

“This might sound a little sappy, but I married my wife because I love her desperately. She’s my best friend, and the best part of working together is that we get to spend time with each

other – period,” Chandler expressed. “There’s no one I’d rather spend time with. Ever.”

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]Sarah shuffles between editorial support, content production and advertising at WLM. She loves her job so much, and isn't just saying that to impress her boss.[/two_third_last]