Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trissa Pearson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Trissa, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
My mental health journey reached a critical turning point after years of prioritizing my business over myself. When I started my massage and spa company in 2015, my passion slowly became all-consuming—I poured every ounce of energy into growing it, unaware of the toll this took on my well-being. By 2023, the neglect had escalated into debilitating anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout. That’s when I realized survival meant choosing myself.
Reaching out for professional help was transformative. Weekly therapy taught me to reframe negative thought patterns, rebuild self-worth, and recognize my right to happiness. This clarity empowered me to leave an unhealthy marriage—a difficult but necessary step for my well-being. Combining therapy with medication allowed me to regain mental clarity, reduce obsessive thoughts, and reclaim my sense of self.
While the work continues, this dual approach has given me hope. I’ve learned to prioritize self-compassion alongside ambition and now view growth as an ongoing process. My business thrives today not despite these struggles, but because addressing them taught me resilience I now channel into both my work and personal life
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
What I Do:
I’m the founder of Morning Sun Massage & Spa and a Licensed Massage Therapist dedicated to creating spaces where healing touch transforms lives. My team of skilled practitioners and I provide therapeutic massage and skincare services, but our deeper purpose is to foster connection—the kind that reminds clients they’re worthy of care, and practitioners they’re valued beyond their labor.
What Makes It Special:
This work is deeply personal. My grandmother’s nurturing touch—her hands massaging my face as she spun stories—taught me early how tenderness can soothe both body and soul. At 48, I finally honored that legacy by pursuing massage therapy, a leap that let me share her gift of presence with others.
Morning Sun was born from two visions:
For Clients: A sanctuary to release physical tension and emotional weight, where every session honors my grandmother’s belief that healing begins with feeling seen.
For Practitioners: A supportive, hassle-free environment where therapists and estheticians thrive. I handle logistics, marketing, and operations so they can focus purely on their craft—no burnout, just the joy of serving clients.
What’s New:
This September, we proudly celebrate 10 years of Morning Sun Massage & Spa! This milestone isn’t just about longevity; it’s a testament to the power of resilience—both mine as a survivor of personal struggles, and our collective commitment to redefining wellness as a human right, not a luxury.
Why It Matters:
Wellness, to us, isn’t about perfection. It’s showing up authentically, whether you’re a client carrying daily stress or a practitioner needing space to grow. Every day, we prove that businesses can thrive when they prioritize people over profit—one healing touch at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three Most Impactful Qualities:
Perseverance:
Why It Mattered: Building a business while navigating mental health challenges required relentless commitment. Even in moments of self-doubt or external setbacks, showing up consistently—for clients, my team, and myself—kept the vision alive.
Advice: Embrace discomfort as part of growth. Progress isn’t linear; celebrate small wins and reframe “failure” as feedback.
Clarity of Purpose:
Why It Mattered: Knowing my “why”—to create a sanctuary for both clients and practitioners—guided every decision, from hiring to service design. This clarity helped me stay focused amid noise and criticism.
Advice: Write down your core mission. Revisit it regularly to filter distractions and align actions with values.
Collaborative Learning:
Why It Mattered: Asking mentors for help and studying others’ successes (and mistakes) accelerated growth. It also fostered humility, reminding me that no one thrives alone.
Advice: Build a “support squad”—mentors, peers, therapists—who challenge and champion you. Curiosity > ego
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My Biggest Growth:
The most transformative shift this past year has been redefining my relationship with myself. Through weekly therapy, I’ve learned to dismantle the narrative that I wasn’t “enough”—smart enough, competent enough, worthy enough. My therapist helped me see what I’d overlooked: I’d already built a thriving business and life despite relentless self-doubt. Letting go of that internal critic unlocked a profound truth: I’d been capable all along.
How It Changed Everything:
Professionally: With newfound confidence, I’ve made bold decisions for Morning Sun Massage & Spa, trusting my expertise rather than second-guessing every move.
Personally: I’ve set healthier boundaries, prioritized joy, and embraced the idea that success isn’t a prerequisite for self-respect—it’s a byproduct of it.
Advice for Others:
Your mind is the foundation of every dream you’ll build. Invest in it as fiercely as you would your business or craft. Start here:
Seek support early. Therapy isn’t a last resort; it’s a toolkit for unlocking potential.
Rewrite your inner script. When fear whispers “You can’t,” counter with evidence: “I already did.”
Celebrate the unseen wins. Growth isn’t just revenue or milestones—it’s the quiet moments you choose self-trust over self-sabotage.
This journey taught me that healing isn’t about fixing brokenness; it’s about recognizing the strength that’s always been there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morningsunmassage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningsunmassage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morningsunmassage
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
