Inspiring Conversations with Shannon Fares of Whispering Wellness Massage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Fares

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Initially I was at a job that was all consuming. It took tons of my time and I was pretty much working 24/7. I didn’t have a lot of time for family and it just wasn’t flexible at all. I was having to choose between work or my family and was on the verge of a mental breakdown, it was really overwhelming. I was also going through a lot at the time. I was getting married and planning a funeral at the same time. My father passed 6 days before I got married and although we weren’t close it was still very hard to process. After getting back to work after everything it was all just to much and I realized I desperately needed to find another job. Something with better pay and flexible hours. That’s when i found massage. I was at work one day and stumbled upon an add for wellspring school of allied health. I checked out their programs and was a little hesitant at first but decided to take a deeper dive and call and ask some questions about the massage program. I ened up setting up a meeting to tour the school and get info about financial aid. After seeing the school and getting info I needed about financial aid, I spoke with my husband and decided it would be good for not only me but for our family too. So I went back to school. I honestly didn’t know what to expect at first but I was immediately aware that massage was the right career path for me. I absolutely loved school and learning everything involved with massage. Once I graduated I got a job at one of the massage heights near me. I did enjoy working there but after a year found a better position at the spa at Briarcliff. I’ve been there for almost 6 years now and as much as I love working there I just felt like something was missing. So I decided to start my own massage practice. I actually just registered my LLC on September 3rd, so even though I’ve been a massage therapist for almost 7 years, this is the first time I’ve ventured out on my own. I now rent an office space from Northland Medical Massage. My first month there has been absolutely amazing! I’ve had great clients and steady business. I’m excited for the adventure ahead of me and can’t wait to continue to grow my business!

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?
I’ve found that all bumpy roads lead to a better path. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I finally decided to take the leap and start my own massage practice. I did A LOT of research first. The process in itself was actually pretty easy. It was the self doubt and anxiety I think that are the worst for me. I’m definitely my hardest critic so keeping that tiny voice saying I’ll fail quiet has been the biggest challenge for me thus far.

We’ve been impressed with Whispering Wellness 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?
I own my own massage practice. I specialize in therapeutic and deep tissue massage but have a wide range of things I can do. I also do silicone Cupping therapy and hot stone massage. I am currently taking a medical massage course, I do typically work with a lot of people who have different kinds of health conditions. I hope with the medical massage course im taking i can even better help these types of clients. I also have some experience with oncology massage and have taken some courses on scar tissue. Im hoping by taking the medical massage course it will allow me to widen my skill set even farther. I’ve worked on a variety of different clients from powerlifters to professional athletes and people who have serious and rare illnesses to everyday people like you an I. Im always trying to further my education so I can be knowledgeable for my clients. I think what sets me apart from other massage therapists is that I REALLY listen to my clients and if there’s something on their intake form that I’m not familiar with I do some research so I can better help them. I’m very client focused I think the client should get what they are asking for with in reason of course and as long as it’s safe to do so. I listen with my heart and my hands. Honestly what I’m most proud of is myself, I never thought I would be doing something like this. It might not seem like a big deal to some but starting my own business, doing this interview and my own marketing…it’s like a dream come true. I’m extremely proud of myself for pushing myself out of my comfort zone and really doing what I want instead of settling for the next best thing. I want readers to know that at Whispering Wellness Massage you can feel comfortable and safe in a space you can fully take up. I want people who come see me to know that this is a judgment free zone and it doesn’t matter if you shaved your legs or not. I want people to feel at home in my space. Having a rough day and don’t feel like talking that’s ok. Had a great day and feeling chatty, me too! Going through some rough things and feel like crying? Go for it, let it all go and feel safe doing so. Massage isn’t just beneficial for the body, it helps the mind and soul too. I offer 30, 60, 90 and 120 minute massages. I also offer hot stones and silicone cupping therapy. I have a few add-on services as well. A foot and Calf Scrub and ice glove facial massage, I do a cupping and hot stone add-on as well. Hot towels and aromatherapy therapy are complimentary with every service. I also offer a user friendly booking site and check out experience.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family and friends make me happy and also my massage career. I love spending time with my family the most. They bring me an unexplainable amount of joy. I have 4 amazing children, 2 sons and 2 daughters ages 18, 17, 12 and almost 3 and 1 wonderful husband. Being a parent and wife aren’t always easy and can be challenging but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love laughing and making memories with them that’s probably my favorite part. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them. My massage career also makes me happy because I absolutely LOVE what I do and my favorite part of being a massage therapist is that I get to help people, people who are hurting and in pain or grieving or just de-stressing from life and I love being able to help them achieve their wellness goals. My clients’ safety and well-being are my top priority.

Pricing:

• 30 min $40 – 60 min $80
• 90 min $120 – 120 min $160
• Hot stones 60 min $90- 90 min $130
• Silicone cupping therapy 30 min $60
• Add-ons are an additional $15 each.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://whisperingwellness.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whisperingwellnessmassage?igsh=aWI0OWF5MXk1NWxj
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564864727844&mibextid=kFxxJD
• Other: [email protected]