At Irene’s Myomassology Institute, we love celebrating the success of our graduates— especially those who take their passion for healing and turn it into lasting impact in their communities. Shawndrika Pulliam is one such graduate. Since completing her training at Irene’s, she has built a thriving, self-employed massage therapy practice rooted in compassion, professionalism, and purpose.
We caught up with Shawndrika to learn more about her journey, her favorite aspects of being a massage therapist, and what advice she has for new graduates entering the field.
A Passion for Healing and Connection
“It is incredibly rewarding to connect personally with clients and witness their progress.” – Shawndrika
For Shawndrika, the most fulfilling part of her work is the positive impact she has on her clients. Whether it’s helping someone reduce chronic pain or guiding them toward greater relaxation and stress relief, the benefits of massage go far beyond the physical. Her ability to form meaningful connections with clients is what fuels her love for the profession.
Building a Business with Heart
After graduating from Irene’s, Shawndrika immediately began working for herself, offering chair massages at local community events and wellness programs. Today, she continues to grow her private practice while partnering with community-based wellness initiatives.
Her specialties include:
- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
She has helped countless clients improve their well-being— one in particular stands out. By using deep tissue and myofascial techniques, she helped a client with shoulder and sciatica pain achieve reduced muscle tension, pain relief, and improved range of motion through regular massage sessions.
Keys to Success
When asked what she attributes her success to, Shawndrika credits a mix of hard and soft skills:
- Professionalism
- Marketing and promotion
- Strong client communication
- A welcoming, client-centered environment
- Lifelong learning through continuing education
Marketing has been a critical part of her journey, and she even took first place in a business competition that emphasized the importance of self-promotion. “Networking with other businesses and organizations not only helps marketing efforts,” she says, “but also contributes to personal growth.”
Taking Care of the Caregiver
In addition to helping others heal, Shawndrika prioritizes her own wellness. She practices what she teaches—literally—by leading self-care workshops while also focusing on eating well, exercising consistently, and giving herself grace when needed.
She’s open about early challenges, including overcoming self-doubt and nervousness when launching her practice. “I had to remind myself: You are helping people, and you’ll help even more with experience.” Her resilience and willingness to accept feedback helped her move forward with confidence.
Words of Wisdom for New Therapists
“Keep learning. Practice self-care. Maintain professionalism. Listen to feedback. And network!”
Shawndrika’s advice to recent graduates or students entering the massage therapy field is simple but powerful. Success takes a balance of skill, mindset, and a willingness to grow. And above all, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Interested in Booking with Shawndrika?
You can reach her by email at ShawndrikaPulliam@gmail.com or call (989) 601-6424 to learn more about her services.
Launch Your Career in Massage Therapy
If you’re inspired by Shawndrika’s story and want to pursue a meaningful career helping others feel their best, Irene’s Myomassology Institute offers comprehensive training that prepares you to thrive—whether you choose to work in a spa, open your own practice, or teach others along the way.
Explore our massage therapy program today »