Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Healy.
Hi Shannon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before I became a massage therapist, I was working as a caregiver for the elderly for about 5 years. I have always enjoyed and found a lot of value and purpose in helping people, specifically one-on-one. Desk jobs have never appealed to me… the structure of my brain and the structure of a 9 to 5 do not share much in common. I crave freedom of movement much like the clients I work with. I’m a very physical person as an ex division 1 soccer player, an avid rock climber, a recently addicted road cyclist and someone who lifts weights. Everything I love to do is body-led. It was only natural that my evolutionary journey led me to the practice of massage. So, after reaching the end of the foreseeable road with caregiving, that’s what I did. I credit those in my inner circle back then for encouraging me to explore the practice.
A light bulb went off when I realized I could help people, work with my hands while doing something physical and potentially create my own structure for my chosen career. I graduated massage therapy school in 2023 and started my business right then. Earthly Body Massage, LLC was borne out of a desire for freedom of movement as much for my clients as it was for myself. Freedom for the body to move as well as it can within the containers of age, trauma, health goals, recovery and healing.
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?
Not at all. My biggest challenge, either ironically or unironically, is creating the structure for success similar to a 9 to 5. I went to massage school after all, not business school. Everything I’m learning about how to attract, retain, advertise and connect has been on the fly. Sure, I have prior knowledge from undergrad, but the stakes are higher. This is real life. And as someone who works alone for the first time ever in my adult life, doing all those things without coworkers or colleagues in my immediate vicinity to bounce ideas off of has been difficult. My other big challenge has been taking care of my own body while taking care of others. Every now and then I seem to crash and need a chunk of time to recharge, both physically as well as emotionally and mentally. There’s a lot of body maintenance that accompanies being a bodyworker, unsurprisingly. And I do a LOT with my body. I think pushing myself physically gives me a bit of an edge with some of my clients because I understand the drive and determination to overcome bodily obstacles on the path to better wellness. It’s not just a job for me, this has deep psychological roots in me. My practice is as much a reflection of who I am as well as who I want to attract. My own recovery journey is thoroughly imbued into Earthly Body Massage.
We’ve been impressed with Earthly Body Massage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Earthly Body Massage is just one person so far, which is me (Shannon Healy, LMT). I work with clients of all ages and body types. My oldest is 92 currently. My youngest is 19. Due to my interests in psychology and energy work, as well as my serious dedication to living in this body and pushing it to its absolute limits physically, an ethos exists in the work I do which is bridging the gap between the emotional/energetic body and the physical body via massage therapy. One cant really exist without acknowledgment of the other. I am endlessly fascinated by the stories we carry in our bodies. The beliefs we hold to be true in our minds and the narratives we carry with us and the way that literally shapes our bodies. And the way all of this energy intersects inside of us, woven in the fascia and muscle fibers under our skin. I am known for my grounding presence and my determination to help others on their path towards better wellness.
I suppose what sets me apart from others is the way I think about the human body and therefore the care and intent I infuse in my touch. I am very sensitive… I tune into others quite easily and can attune to the bodies’ needs in the moment which then has a profound impact emotionally and psychologically on my clients. What I am most proud of brand wise is offering mobile services. Most of the time, I find people to be more at ease and unguarded in their own dwellings. Relaxation and release of tension is one of those universal goals in massage therapy, and I mean who really wants to get behind the wheel after a massage if they don’t have to? Driving is stressful in this city. What I want readers to know is who they are choosing to work with. By showing more of myself here I am hopeful that I will attract those of a similar mind.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you’re starting a business, take your time. Develop a solid plan and collaborate with others as much as you can. Prioritize marketing and advertising. Find something that makes you stand out, whether it is your authenticity and dedication or a specialized modality. Network. Maintain connections within your field so you don’t become an island.
Pricing:
- $100 / 1 hr
- $120 / 75 mins
- $140 / 1.5 hrs
- $10 mobile fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.earthlybodymassage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthlybodymassage
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Earthly+Body+Massage/@30.4110291,-97.7448605,17z/
