Sarah Shoen

I met my dear friend and Newport Woman, Sarah Shoen, founder of Little Bird Wellbeing, a few years ago in what was then nicknamed “The Stu” — an airy space at the old Congressional church on Historic Hill in Newport, Rhode Island. I instantly felt comfortable around Sarah, and was captivated by her presence, energy, and beauty.

Can you tell us about your upbringing and background?

My dad was a deep sea diver in the Navy and my mom was an artist. I moved up and down the east coast as a child – 10 times in 18 years. My mother instilled in me the importance of maintaining a sense of creativity and imagination, and I learned to appreciate the continuity of change. Fortunately, it was easy to connect with others. I always loved meeting new people and making new friends. It came easily to me, having to make new connections wherever we’d end up.

That being said, I gravitated towards nature in a lot of ways. My family had a lot of ups and downs, and I was lucky to find my place outside: in the ocean, or on land in the woods. I loved to swim, it is a very vivid memory – finding that stillness under the surface of the ocean. I never felt alone when I was outside, and that to me felt the most nurturing and the most familiar. 

How did your upbringing influence the woman you are today? 

I don’t remember a lot from my childhood but I do remember how close I became to my surroundings. I still find so much peace when I’m outside, exploring and going on adventures. 

I also have a strong desire to connect with others on a deeper level. I like to think the external environment goes hand in hand with your internal landscape: one created through nature and the other built through human interaction, bodywork, movement. It’s this ongoing creative process that stems from that balance I found growing up – connecting with the world around me, while finding a home inside of myself.  

What drew you to the path of Little Bird Wellbeing? Tell us about your favorite moments, or a challenge starting the business. 

I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Rhode Island College in 2011. After that I knew I wanted to explore a completely different part of the country. So I moved out west, worked at a hostel in Alaska, then hopped down to California to work on a farm for a few months. 

That time in my life was a true commitment to exploring and meeting new people in a completely different landscape. It paved the way for that balance I strive for between adventure and connection. I ended up in Asheville, North Carolina, where I developed a strong yoga practice. While teaching yoga, I went back to school for physical therapy and worked in the industry for three years. I always knew I wanted to help others, it just took me close to 28 years to realize massage therapy was the outlet for me. I went to the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy, an intensive 4-month 600 hour program in 2018. Four months later, I found a studio in Newport, and haven’t looked back since. 

“You spend most of your time nesting inside of your body, your mind. To fill both with spirit and peace is a gift.”

Three studios and many massages later, here we are. Little Bird Wellbeing came from the idea: though we may seek out new experiences in different places, near and far, wherever you venture, you are your first home. You spend most of your time nesting inside of your body, your mind. To fill both with spirit and peace is a gift.  This was a lesson from childhood, and it has stuck with me throughout my life. 

What does a day in the life as a massage therapist and business owner look like?

I am a total early bird so waking up to catch the sunrise is very important. There’s something very special about that time of day – when the rest of the world is sleeping still, when the sun is just waking, coffee in hand, sand on my feet. I work most days, so it’s nice to get that time in, early in the morning. I tend to the plants, listen to music, drink more coffee. The daily routine has been really beautiful to explore these past few years. Mopping the wooden floorboards, listening to the morning birds, lighting candles, watching the light change throughout the day – these are all meditative states of being and I appreciate them all. 

Throw in a handful of massage sessions, and call it a day. Every person that comes to the studio has a story, has experiences to share, and I’m grateful for both the physical space and the time and energy spent connecting with others. 

How long have you lived in Newport?

I have lived in Newport, on and off my whole life. We moved here in 1996, my parents got divorced and my mom stayed in the area. We always came back to visit for holidays, and after my studies I returned to Rhode Island to be closer to my mother, and closer to the ocean, of course.  

I have been here for about six years, running Little Bird for about 3 years. Wow, time flies.

What is one of your favorite treasures at home?

I collect heart rocks. It’s an ever growing collection, and for someone that isn’t too into “things” these are my favorite little treasures. I also savor my coffee collection, and the thrift books that are thrown across every surface in my apartment. Secondhand pages…that has to be a perfume scent somewhere in this world. 

Do you have any sort of spiritual practice or grounding routine?

I meditate every morning. It is something that has helped me both physically and emotionally. I write letters that I don’t necessarily send, but the words on paper are grounding enough. Sometimes that’s all you need. I enjoy simple acts of mindfulness: gardening, cleaning, walking, and truly the most grounding experience for me is bodywork. There is nothing more enjoyable, more rewarding, more grounding, than holding space for a process I wholeheartedly believe in. It’s this state that is so freeing, so alive, so authentic and the truest and closest thing to source, for me. 

"The past year in particular, I’ve been focused on..."

I have been focusing my attention on the collective. I want to reach more people so that bodywork can be a form of healthcare for people all over. That’s my goal. 

For so long massage has been this “luxury”. While the relaxation is great and the restorative nature of the work is incredible, there’s also real healing going on. I want to facilitate that change and I want it to be inclusive, attainable, and sustainable. The wellness world needs to expand; it needs to open its doors to everyone. 

What is on the horizon for you in the next few months?

I am working on collaborating with some incredible people around town, offering massage and meditation in and out of the studio. I have been crafting herbal oils to include in massage sessions. I want clean ingredients and to incorporate medicinal herbs into the mix – that’s another element I can stand behind. There are some upcoming opportunities to grow with other practitioners. For example, Kelley Kirwin is at the studio now – she’s phenomenal. We are introducing live music events, art nights, and in the spring, I want to fill the space outside the studio with a community herb garden. Little Bird Wellbeing, a sense of peace and community for all.

“The wellness world needs to expand; it needs to open its doors to everyone.”

To see more of Sarah, follow @littlebirdwellbeing on Instagram.

To book a session with Sarah, visit https://littlebirdwellbeing.com/.