💆♀️ Meet Shawna Farris: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Spa Therapist Living Her Dream
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How This TMA Graduate Overcame Pandemic Challenges, Long Drives & Doubt to Find Her Calling
🛑 From Family Focused to Career-Driven
After dedicating 15 years to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, Shawna Farris knew it was time to do something just for her.
She didn’t take the easy road. She didn’t wait for the “perfect time.” She chose to leap — right into massage therapy school — in the middle of a global pandemic.
“I spent 15 years as a stay-at-home mom,” Shawna said. “I decided it was time to do something for myself.”
And what a leap it was. Shawna enrolled in Texas Massage Academy’s 675-hour Elite Program, exceeding the 500-hour state minimum because she wanted more than just the basics — she wanted to truly understand, practice, and master massage therapy.
💪 Going to School in the Middle of COVID
When Shawna joined TMA, it wasn’t business as usual.
Her class was the first to begin during COVID-19, a time when most schools were switching to remote learning or pausing instruction altogether. But Texas Massage Academy stayed open with safe, in-person classes, because we know how important hands-on experience is in this profession.
“It was hard,” Shawna said. “But we showed up every day, masked up, distanced, and ready to learn.”
That dedication — from both the students and the instructors — created a special kind of community. A group of people united by purpose, working through unprecedented challenges together.
🚗 The Commute: Over an Hour Each Way, 4 Days a Week
As if a pandemic wasn’t enough, Shawna was also commuting over an hour each way from San Angelo to Brownwood — four days a week.
That’s more than 500 miles on the road every week.
Most people would call that unreasonable. But for Shawna? It was worth it.
“I enjoyed being challenged, learning new things, and meeting new people,” she shared. “All the instructors were kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and patient.”
She built her schedule around class. She showed up ready to work. And when doubts crept in, she trusted the process.
“There will be times you feel so confused,” she said. “Trust yourself and the instructors. It will make sense. It’s worth it!”
💆♀️ A Lightbulb Moment in the Treatment Room
Like many students, Shawna had her moment — the one where everything clicked.
“My second client during internship came in looking so grumpy,” she recalled. “After I was finished and she opened the door, she had a smile. Her whole demeanor had changed.”
That’s the power of massage. And for Shawna, it was a powerful confirmation that she’d made the right decision.
That one session reminded her why she’d pushed through COVID, why she drove so far, and why learning the deeper techniques was worth every late night, every early morning, and every mile.
✨ Where She Is Now: Living the Dream
Today, Shawna is exactly where she wants to be — working at The Palladian Day Spa in San Angelo, doing what she loves.
Her specialties include:
- 💆♀️ Relaxation Massage
- 💪 Deep Tissue
- 🔥 Hot Stone
- 👶 Prenatal Massage
- 🌀 Cupping Therapy
“I feel like I’m doing my dream job,” she said. “I’m even looking into adding lymphatic massage in the next couple of years.”
She’s not just working — she’s building a career on her terms. She’s found a space where she can help others while continuing to grow professionally.
💛 Why Her Story Matters
Shawna’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over.
You don’t need to wait for perfect conditions. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, you just need to trust your gut, take a deep breath, and go for it.
She didn’t let COVID stop her.
She didn’t let the commute stop her.
She didn’t let fear of the unknown stop her.
She made a choice — to grow, to learn, and to become the best version of herself.
🎓 What Made Her TMA Experience Stand Out
At Texas Massage Academy, Shawna found more than just education. She found a community of support, a high-quality program, and real-world skills that set her up for success.
✅ In-person learning — even during uncertain times
✅ A 675-hour program that offered more hands-on experience
✅ An internship that built confidence, not just hours
✅ Instructors who care deeply and mentor students for life
📣 Shawna’s Advice to Future Students
“It might not make sense at first. You’ll feel overwhelmed at times. But if you trust the process and keep going — you’ll get there. And you’ll be so proud you didn’t give up.”
Whether you’re a mom ready to re-enter the workforce, a career changer, or someone who’s always been drawn to helping others, Shawna’s story shows that a massage therapy career is within reach — even when the road isn’t easy.
📝 Ready to Follow Shawna’s Path?
At Texas Massage Academy, we’ll meet you where you are — whether that’s starting fresh, starting over, or just starting to dream bigger.
With our flexible hybrid format, affordable tuition, and real-world training, you’ll graduate not just licensed — but confident, capable, and inspired.
📍 Attend in Brownwood or start online today
📧 admissions@texasmassageacademy.com
📞 325.646.4272
🔗 Learn more & apply now
🔗 Related Posts:
- Meet Sarah Suarez: Prenatal Advocate & Spa Pro
- Inside the Classroom at Texas Massage Academy
- Massage Therapy Career Paths
- What Makes Texas Massage Academy Different
1 COMMENTS
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I have known Shawna all of her life. If you knew her as I do, you would know that going to TMA was a huge leap for her. I have seen her grow personally since taking the classes. It’s been a slow process seeing her business take off, and clientele is really picking up. That’s not all… her confidence and belief in herself has grown. I am so proud of this beautiful woman.