Evans Transformed Her Massage Brand Into a Broader Wellness Franchise
Learning how to speak up and stand her ground didn’t always come naturally to entrepreneur Shane Evans. “One of the hardest things was learning to trust my own voice when I was often the only woman in the room,” she says. “I had to build confidence while building a brand.”
That confidence grew from a deeply personal experience. After a back injury, Evans turned to massage therapy for relief. It made a big difference in her recovery — but it wasn’t easy to afford on a regular basis. “Massage therapy became essential to my wellness journey, but it was expensive, and consistent care felt out of reach,” she says. “I remember thinking, everyone deserves this kind of care, and it shouldn’t feel like a luxury.”
That thought stuck with her. In 2004, she opened the first Massage Heights location in San Antonio, Texas, with a mission to make high-quality massage services more affordable and accessible. A year later, in 2005, she began franchising. “Franchising came as a way to expand that mission to passionate people who wanted to change lives in their own communities,” she says.
Finding Balance
While building her business, Evans was also raising her family. “Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship was a challenge — but it shaped me. I became really good at being resourceful, staying grounded and leading with heart and grit.”
Today, Evans leads Heights Wellness Retreat, an evolution of Massage Heights that expands her vision even further. “It’s everything I wished existed when I first started my wellness journey,” she says. “We combine massage, skincare and touchless therapies in a way that creates high-margin potential without compromising the guest experience.”
Franchising, she says, has been key to growing in a meaningful way. “Franchising has allowed us to scale with soul,” Evans says. “It’s not just about numbers — it’s about finding franchise partners who care deeply about wellness, service and making an impact.”
When awarding franchises, Evans looks beyond the resume. “A great franchisee shares our values and our commitment to elevating the lives of others,” she says. “They’re driven — not just by numbers, but by purpose.”
Evans is especially passionate about creating opportunities for women. “We create real opportunities for women to grow as leaders and entrepreneurs. Empowerment isn’t a buzzword for us; it’s baked into how we build teams and support each other.” Mentorship played a big role in her growth, and she’s committed to paying it forward. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who helped me step into my potential and challenged me when I needed it most. Today, I try to pay that forward every chance I get.”
Growing Heights Wellness Retreat
Looking ahead, Evans is focused on growing Heights Wellness Retreat with care and intention. “Our focus is on smart growth, strong franchisee support and continuing to lead with purpose,” she says. “For consultants, this is a brand to watch and a business opportunity that’s built for the future.” Even with her busy schedule, Evans stays grounded in family life. “My family is my anchor,” she says. “I have three incredible daughters who keep me inspired and honest.”
“Balance is always evolving,” she adds, “but I’ve learned that presence is everything. I try to be all in wherever I am — at work, at home, with my team or with my girls. That’s where the real magic happens.”
Demand for Wellness
The wellness industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy reached $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to climb to nearly $9 trillion by 2028. Consumers today are prioritizing wellness more than ever, and programs like Heights Wellness Retreat reflect this cultural shift — combining business with purpose to meet rising demand.
Learn more about the Heights Wellness Retreat franchise.
