We recently had the chance to connect with Shenel Rimando and have shared our conversation below.
Shenel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am called to start and grow my massage therapy business, Radiantly Rimando. I have been in the construction industry for 10 years and felt it was time for me to learn a new skill. With the increase in AI, I decided to learn a skill that does not require electricity. Helping heal people by using the skills that I learned at the Academy for Massage Therapy Training (AMTT) has been really rewarding. Balancing my career in the construction industry and starting a small business is challenging. I am grateful for the support of everyone during this journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shenel Rimando. I work in the construction industry as a project manager for a commercial sign company. I am one of the directors of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) Greater San Antonio and the Affiliate Chair of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) San Antonio/Austin. I emcee events and do voiceover work for cartoons and marketing campaigns. I recently started my small business called Radiantly Rimando where I help my clients radiate their light from the inside out. I am a licensed massage therapist and have 40+ certifications in various fields including certified life coach, health coach, wellness coach, meditation guide, and reiki master. Whether my clients are booking a wellness massage, deep tissue massage, lymphatic massage, sports massage, reiki session, or more, I’m here to help heal in anyway I can.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work. As some people know, I was born in the Philippines, raised in Chicago, went to college in Houston, and was recruited to work in the construction industry in San Antonio 10 years ago. I would not have been this ambitious to move to different cities on my own had it not been for my parents.
My family of 6 immigrated from the Philippines to Chicago when I was only 8 months old. For a family of 6, we only had $100 for all of us. We had help from our family, our church, and basic government assistance to get started.
My parents worked hard to see how they could utilize their skills and apply them to the economy in the United States. My dad went to school and became a computer programmer. My mom started cutting coupons as her first job and then got a job in sales. Decades later, my parents went into real estate. Eventually, they owned their own real estate and mortgage companies in Chicago. While other companies took advantage of the markets by manipulating numbers, my parents always made sure to handle business ethically. They were not solely focused on the money. They wanted to make sure they did the right thing for their clients because at the end of the day honesty, transparency, and good business will help maintain long-term business relationships.
My parents worked together everyday. They would start their day by going to church together and then would go to the office together. To see them have very few possessions when they first came to the USA to then having multiple companies and investment properties proved the American dream was possible.
Some may say working with your spouse can be a lot, however, my parents demonstrated that working with your best friend, partner, soulmate can be really rewarding. They will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary in January 2026.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I lost my sister to pancreatic cancer in August 2019, a few weeks before my birthday. My sister was 47 years old when she passed. This year, I turned 37 and it made me think to myself, “If I have 10 years to live, am I currently living the life I want?” This was the catalyst for taking the steps to start my own business to help heal others.
Being one of my sister’s caregivers taught me that spending time with family and friends you love will be the most important time in your life. I learned that life is short and you’re never guaranteed tomorrow.
My sister followed the rules. She got married, was a stay-at -home mom, and started working towards retirement in her 30s and 40s. She would tell me, “I’m working extra hours to catchup with my retirement plan.” Unfortunately, she never retired or lived to her 65th birthday. By losing my sister who was like my mother, sister, and best friend, was and still is something I’m healing from. Suffering taught me to be bold and take chances. Do not let others tell you you cannot do anything because even if you failed, at least you tried. Most people don’t even try. It is through suffering that I found the courage to pursue my dreams. I remind myself that there are millions of people who wish they had the opportunities that I have. I work in a male dominated industry, own my own business, help run a chamber of commerce, and a non-profit all while making time for hobbies. Not a lot of people have this opportunity. I never take each day for granted.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
There is a Filipino term called “kapwa” which means shared identity or interconnectedness . It signifies that an individual’s well-being is tied to others, fostering a collective sense of community and shared responsibility, and manifesting as a deep cultural value of caring for others, especially in times of need.
I always try to volunteer or help raise awareness about important causes because we are all one community. This is something I value whether you’re Filipino or not. Similar to how people helped my family when we moved to the USA in the spirit of “kapwa” so to do I help those in need.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do. I found out my natural talents for massage therapy, emceeing, and voiceover work later in life. Friends and family told me I was good at giving massages. They encouraged me to go to school because they wanted to see how much better I would become if I was professionally trained. Emceeing and voiceover work are things people told me I’m good at. I did not know I would enjoy it until my late 30s. If there’s one thing I tell everyone, you never know what your hidden talent is until you try so try.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://radiantlyrimando.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/radiantlyrimando
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/radiantlyrimando
Image Credits
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Greater San Antonio, Teen Star International, and Omar Cogle Photography.
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