Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantel Howard.
Hi Shantel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I previously worked in the allopathic medical world. I knew I wanted to change my expertise. I’ve always loved to grow medicinal plants, making my own medicines like salves and balms, tinctures, and teas. I loved doing Mixed martial arts. I wanted to do something to combine them. I knew that this was my calling. In 2012 I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I knew then I really needed to focus on my health. I started eating healthy. I started walking and changed my eating habits. I was able to get back into MMA and weight lifting. I graduated in 2017 with a BS in Alternative Medicine, followed by my certificate in massage therapy in 2019. I really enjoy educating my clients and helping them achieve relief from pain without using pharmaceuticals. I know what massage has done in my own journey to healing. I wanted to give that to other people.
I worked in spas after getting licensed in Texas, but always knew I wanted my own studio to practice my Alternative Medicine and my style of Athletic massage.
Since being licensed, I have gained my medical massage certification and received my certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworkers. I am working towards being licensed to teach my craft to others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have had many struggles. I moved from New Mexico after a devastating divorce. I had to move back into my parents. I had nothing to show for my 10 years of marriage. I had been a stay-at-home mom. I had no work experience. I had no money. I wasn’t happy and needed a change. I dedicated myself to massage school.
I’ve had to pick myself up. I’ve had to push through fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. I’ve had to rebuild my life from the ground up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Small women-owned business. I specialize in the relief of pain for weightlifters and people with active lifestyles. I use many techniques. I am working to add Guided Meditation to my menu of sessions in the next few months. Neuromuscular
Massage:
Cupping
Gua Sha
Aromatherapy
Lymphatic Massage
Dry Brushing
In my practice, there is no tipping. I am part of your health care team and as such do not accept tipping. I’m also not a full-body massage therapist. My clients come to see me to work on specific types of pain i.e., Sciatica, Thoracic Outlet, and plantar fascistic.
What I am most proud of, is how my clients trust me with their own healing journeys. Pain is a very personal thing. My clients can come into my space and are allowed to just be. Talk, not talk. Cry not cries. They have someone to talk to about their pain. Someone that wants to help them to not be defined by their pain.
There is zero tolerance for discrimination.
I support other local small businesses.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Self-care is important. We don’t allow ourselves that much-needed self-care. It’s not selfish. It’s ok to for you to want to live pain-free.
Pricing:
- 60 min Therapeutic Session 150$
- 90 min Therapeutic Session 195$ (most popular)
- 120min Therapeutic Session 300$
- 30 min Reflexology 75%
Contact Info:
- Email: shantel@ntxamt.com
- Website: www.ntxamt.com
- Instagram: @ntxamt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ntxathleticmassage
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/peterparker_visuals/
