Shawanna Turner

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Bliss Therapeutic Massage

Licensed massage therapist Shawanna Turner is the owner of Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Spa. Her company offers a variety of massage therapy and spa services, including Swedish Massages, Deep Tissue Massages, and Hot Stone Massages.

Shawanna, a native of Louisville, KY,, says the question she is asked the most is what is massage therapy and how will it benefit me? Her answer is always the same; it’s the manipulation of the body’s soft connective tissues, including the tendons and ligaments. “Massage promotes better sleep and reduces stress by increasing relaxation. It also aids in reducing pain and muscle soreness by improving circulation and lowering the heart rate and blood pressure.

Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine. It is being offered more frequently as a form of treatment. Shawanna states that Massage Therapists cannot diagnose a client medically but can provide a professional opinion and direct someone to their physician for further in-depth treatment if necessary.

Along with massage services, Bliss Therapeutic Massage offers various spa services that a client can choose to enhance their massage experience. These are detox services, including a steam cabinet and sauna blanket, body wraps, body contouring, face rejuvenation, and laser lipo. “A client can come to Bliss and have a day of pampering, which is always good for relaxation,” she says.

With two locations, one in Shively and one in Lyles Mall, Bliss Therapeutic Massage prides itself on being the best. Shawanna has invested her time and resources into building her practice to one of the best. “I started going to school to learn massage in 2016. I worked for an insurance company, sitting in a cubicle and looking at two monitors while processing claims. During that time, two life-changing events occurred in my family, death and incarceration, both within 30 days. I fell into depression and was confused about the future. I was concerned about supporting my family, and dealing with the trauma and uncertainty became a part of my daily routine. I knew that I didn’t want to stare at monitors and think about all the things that I couldn’t control. So, I decided I wanted to do something fun. While watching television one evening, a commercial came on about massage, and I said to myself, “why not?” That was the beginning of Bliss Therapeutic Massage,” Shawanna says.

Shawanna says she loves assisting people with reaching their goals. The time she spends with her clients during their massage sessions affords her a chance to listen. “Sometimes it’s quiet and relaxing. Laughter may be involved, and there may be some tears, but what’s most important is that my clients leave feeling better than they did when they arrived. I try to listen to their concerns and make a difference,” she shares.

Had it not been for the adversity Shawanna faced, Bliss Therapeutic Massage may not have happened. She says the job experiences over the years, and several mentors who have and continue to pour into her have helped her dream big and take Bliss to where it is today. “I never imagined myself owning a business and working for myself. I had a vision and took steps, I’ve made mistakes along the way, and I’m sure I will make more, but I use those experiences to my benefit. I didn’t know where my efforts would lead. I just kept going and prayed for guidance, and I know without a doubt that I’m where I’m at today because of my faith in God,” she says.

For those aspiring entrepreneurs who may be on the verge of launching a business, Shawanna offers the following advice. “Do your research and have a business plan in place. Ask yourself where you want to be in your business in one, two, or five years. Write your answers down and hold yourself accountable. Surround yourself with people you learn from, take what works for you, and apply it to your goals. Don’t engage with naysayers, and most importantly, never give up,” she says.

As life continues to happen for Shawanna, she is preparing herself for greater opportunities. She will continue to provide professional, affordable, and accessible massage therapy services. She is also taking continuing education courses to refresh her exciting skills and learn about new practices and protocols in her industry. “I’m excited about all things new and look forward to the future. The sky’s the limit for Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Spa,” she says. To learn more about Bliss Therapeutic Massage, please visit their locations in Louisville, or visit their website.