About Island City Massage
Island City Massage started as the private practice of Christian Perez, a licensed massage therapist, who originally opened the studio in south Florida. Over the years, the studio became known for Christian's unique massage therapy style and his commitment to excellence in massage therapy.
Beyond individual sessions, the studio extends its wellness philosophy to a diverse range of groups. Christian's massage demonstrations have become a sought-after addition to corporate retreats, spa parties, and wellness events, reaching and benefiting a wider audience.
The Studio
The studio is a quiet, thoughtfully designed storefront near downtown Matthews, with convenient free parking and an atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in. Filled with original art and living plants, the space brings a little bit of island energy into the city, creating an environment that feels peaceful, welcoming, and made for exhaling the moment you arrive.
1140 Sam Newell Road, Suite B1, Matthews, NC 28105
Meet Christian Perez, LMBT
Christian’s journey into massage therapy began in 2015 after visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia. During that experience, he became deeply aware of the way a space can affect how a person feels, both physically and emotionally. Surrounded by ancient temples, nature, and a sense of stillness, he saw how environment can shape wellbeing and create room for healing, reflection, and peace.
That realization stayed with him as he pursued massage therapy and began imagining the kind of studio he wanted to create for his own clients. He saw the massage room not just as a place for treatment, but as a space that could help people slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves. That vision eventually led him to Florida, where the calm of the ocean, palm trees, and warm coastal energy inspired the atmosphere that still defines Island City Massage today. Over the years, that blend of thoughtful care and intentional environment has helped make the studio a place clients return to for both relief and restoration.
Bringing Wellness to the World
Island City Massage has been operating since February 10th of 2019. On that day, the esteemed late Mayor Justin Flippen issued a proclamation designating it as “Island City Massage Day”.
Building Island City in Florida
Opening a business on Wilton Drive marked a major milestone in Christian’s early career and placed him in the heart of a community known for its diversity, inclusivity, and strong sense of local pride. At just 28 years old, he was recognized by OutClique Magazine as the “Youngest Business Owner on Wilton Drive,” an acknowledgment that reflected both his ambition and the momentum the business was already beginning to build.
From the beginning, community involvement was a meaningful part of that journey. Christian dedicated time to supporting local organizations and events including Miami Beach Pride, the Wilton Manors Business Association, the annual cycling event Smart Ride, and the LGBTQ flag football tournament Sunshine Cup. That involvement helped him build lasting relationships, strengthen local connections, and establish Island City Massage as a business rooted not only in quality care, but in service, visibility, and trust.
Like many small business owners, Christian also had to navigate the uncertainty and disruption of the pandemic years. Even through temporary closures and constant change, he remained committed to his clients and to the future of the studio. He stayed current with public health guidance, continued to prioritize safe care, and personally carried the business through difficult stretches without stepping away from the work.
As Island City Massage continued to grow, Christian expanded from Wilton Manors into Fort Lauderdale. Known for its waterways, beaches, and vibrant energy, Fort Lauderdale offered a natural next chapter for the business. The move allowed the studio to evolve while staying true to the atmosphere that had always defined it: calm, restorative, and inspired by coastal living.
A New Chapter in North Carolina
Eventually, that journey led Christian to North Carolina, where Island City Massage found a new home in Matthews. While the setting changed, the heart of the business remained the same: thoughtful, personalized massage therapy in a space designed to help people slow down, breathe deeper, and feel better in their bodies.
Today, Island City Massage continues that work in a quieter, more grounded setting just outside Charlotte. The studio has become a place where longtime values of care, community, and intentional atmosphere can meet a new chapter of growth. With convenient access near downtown Matthews, original art, living plants, and a calm, welcoming energy, the storefront carries forward the spirit of Island City while putting down roots in North Carolina.
