Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantel Stanifer.
Hi Shantel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started more than 16 years ago as a massage therapist with a passion for helping people heal, recover, and feel their best. In 2017, I founded Escape to Paradise LLC with the vision of creating a space where clients could prioritize their wellness, recovery, and self-care while receiving compassionate, personalized treatment.
Over the years, I discovered my passion for post-operative lymphatic drainage and recovery care, helping clients navigate the healing process after cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. As the need for specialized recovery services continued to grow, so did my commitment to expanding the level of care and support I could provide.
One of the things I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me during some of the most vulnerable parts of their healing journey. Many of my clients travel from across Minnesota and beyond because they want personalized, compassionate care from someone who genuinely cares about their results and recovery.
Recovery can be overwhelming, and I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions, learning about their healing process, and knowing they have someone in their corner every step of the way. Creating a positive and supportive experience has always been just as important to me as helping clients achieve their recovery goals.
When I founded Escape to Paradise in 2017, I worked out of a single treatment room in this same building. Today, Escape to Paradise occupies the largest suite in the building and has evolved into a wellness collective that includes Sculpted Silhouette, 7.13 Aesthetics, Bodyology, Sets in the City, Appeal Body Sculpting, and Twin City Faja Seamstress. One of the most rewarding parts of this growth has been the opportunity to support other entrepreneurs by providing a professional space where they can build and grow their own businesses.
As I continue to grow Escape to Paradise, my mission remains the same: to provide exceptional care, educate clients on the importance of proper recovery, empower other entrepreneurs, and create a space where healing, confidence, and community come together. The growth of the business has been rewarding, but the people I’ve been able to help along the way are what make the journey truly meaningful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone will understand your vision in the beginning. Building something from the ground up takes patience, consistency, and the willingness to keep showing up even when progress feels slow.
There were moments of uncertainty and difficult decisions along the way, but I remained committed to the vision I had for Escape to Paradise. I learned that growth often requires taking risks, trusting yourself, and continuing to move forward even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Every challenge taught me something valuable and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Looking back, I realize that the obstacles were necessary. They taught me resilience, strengthened my confidence, and reminded me of the importance of trusting the process. Those lessons continue to guide me today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Escape To Paradise ?
Escape to Paradise specializes in post-operative lymphatic drainage, recovery care, fibrosis treatment, body contouring, infrared sauna therapy, and wellness services designed to support clients throughout their healing journey. With more than 16 years of experience in massage therapy and recovery care, I have dedicated my career to helping clients recover safely, comfortably, and confidently after cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
What we are most known for is our personalized approach to recovery. Every client heals differently, and I believe recovery should never be treated as a one-size-fits-all process. I take the time to educate clients, answer their questions, and provide individualized care based on their unique needs and stage of healing.
What sets Escape to Paradise apart is that clients can find many of the resources they need throughout their recovery journey all in one place. In addition to post-operative lymphatic drainage and recovery services, clients have access to post-op essentials such as fajas, foams, boards, and other recovery products. Through our wellness collective, clients can also enjoy services from other professionals within our space, including facials, teeth whitening, nail services, and custom faja alterations.
What I am most proud of is the reputation Escape to Paradise has built over the years. We have become known for providing compassionate care, personalized treatment, and a supportive recovery experience that puts our clients first.
Above all, I want readers to know that Escape to Paradise is more than a place to receive a service. It is a place where healing, wellness, education, and support come together to help clients feel their best every step of the way.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people will always remember how you made them feel. Skills, experience, and knowledge are important, but the relationships you build and the way you treat people matter just as much.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that taking the time to listen, educate, and genuinely care about the people you serve can make a lasting impact. Whether it’s a client, colleague, or fellow entrepreneur, people appreciate being seen, heard, and supported.
I’ve also learned that success isn’t just measured by growth or accomplishments. It’s measured by the lives you impact, the relationships you build, and the difference you make in your community. Those are the things that continue to motivate me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.escapetoparadisellc.com
- Instagram: @escapetoparadisellc
- Facebook: @escapetoparadisellc
