As a proud Chicago native and product of the Chicago Public School system, Dr. Marva Cooksey has worked passionately for over 35 years to serve her community as a licensed clinical pharmacist. She currently practices at Advocate Aurora Christ Hospital. In 2014, she embarked on a mission to rejuvenate men’s health by attending SOMA Institute and obtaining a massage therapist license in 2015. This endeavor allowed her to be able to integrate her expertise as a clinical pharmacist and clinical massage therapist. She founded “Next Man Up” (NMU) a man’s ultimate spa experience. Four years later and a yearning to provide a place of tranquility for males, Dr. Cooksey established her boutique spa located at 946 E. 43rd St. in Bronzeville. Since then, NMU has blossomed and now specializes in clinical and relaxation massages, as well as providing specialized hair, skin, nail, and grooming services.  


Why did you choose to service primarily men? 

“Women have a place. I want to make sure I gave men, in particular African American men, a place to come, relax and refresh all while receiving world-class services.”  I wanted men to enter NMU with the reality that there is a spa that specifically caters to  men. I was very strategic in selecting the equipment such as oversized pedicure chairs and long massage tables to accommodate ADA clients and tall clients, as well as the scents and color palette in the spa to appeal to our masculine clientele. I wanted men to feel like they had a place to come to and receive spa services without fear of judgment or embarrassment.”
Why do you think it’s important for men to have a place like this – a place of relaxation?

“Men typically don’t take time to invest in their self-care. Men are stressed, definitely now considering the climate of the world…of the US with all the unjust killings of Black men and the disproportionate rates of COVID affecting the African American communities, we are all stressed. Whether financially, emotionally, spiritually, or physically stress plays a huge role in our everyday lives. I’ve created an oasis for men to come and prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health. And you know, it was interesting because I started this journey four years ago, with the goal of designing a place for men to come and de-stress. Now here we are in 2020, and this is the exact place needed right now.”

How do you connect your profession as a clinical pharmacist with being the owner of NMU?

“The great thing about me being both a pharmacist and clinical massage therapist, is that I get to integrate both of my professions and expertise. There are instances where massages should not be performed on individuals with certain medical conditions. Not all massage therapists have this level of expertise and may not take the time to cater a massage therapy plan specific to the client’s health concerns and issues. I know if certain medications will have an adverse effect when performing certain types of massages or different products used during the massage.  During the intake process,  prior to the massage service, I request a list of medications and request an abbreviated health history via our questionnaire. This way each service is catered to that specific client down to the massage oils used. It’s a win-win for me because I get to use my highly developed skillsets in a way that most don’t. In addition, Next Man Up has a health blog, “The Man Cave”, which discusses men’s health issues and concerns.”


What attracted you to establish your spa in Bronzeville?

“Bronzeville has such a rich history that many may not know about. The name was given due in a part to the skin color of the people who lived in the area. It was said that our skin looked more “bronze” and not black so the area got it’s name Bronzeville. Between the 1920s and 1950, this was a very influential and affluent area for African Americans. So of the greats lived in Bronzeville from Quincy Jones, to Lou Rawls to Muddy Waters. Its really an honor to be the first Black-owned male spa on the Southside of Chicago, and there is no other neighborhood than Bronzeville better to be in. The culture, the history, the people in Bronzeville are prideful.”

 

How would you describe the community of Bronzeville? 

“Bronzeville is evolving. Today you can see various nationalities, races, and ethnicities throughout Bronzeville, but you still feel and can experience that unapologetic Black culture that resonates with the people who live in the community. Its such a supportive family-oriented community that produces a vibe like no other. I’m excited to see how Bronzeville will continue to evolve.


How did you find your location at 946 E. 43rd St. in Bronzeville? 

“I looked for a home for Next Man Up for over 4 years. I pursued almost every neighborhood in the city, from the Near Westside, Hyde Park, South Loop, to Fulton Market. One Saturday morning, I got up and started driving around. I drove to 43rd and Ellis and came to a red light. I looked to the left and there was a For Sale sign in the window. I said, “Where did that come from?” because I’m always over here. I jumped out of the car and called my realtor and said, “I found my place. I want to get in today!” I then met Hasani Steele (of Steele Consulting Group/REMAX Premier Properties) who was selling the place and the rest is history.”