40 Under 40: Shannon Fabre-Cox

Shannon Fabre-Cox entered the health and wellness field at 19, almost by accident, when she earned her first certification in Level 1 Reiki. It wasn’t something the now-owner of Mud + Stone Massage and Skin had planned on, but that introduction to energy work sparked a deep fascination with the body’s innate ability to heal. 

She always known I wanted to help people, and after experiencing her first massage, she was captivated by both the science and the process behind it. That passion led her to pursue massage therapy.

At the time she was working as an actress in San Diego and Los Angeles, searching for a career that would support her in the meantime. In 2010, I moved back to Seattle and completed massage school at the Cortiva Institute. She began working at a high-end spa, refining her skills in therapeutic bodywork.

An opportunity to move to Kauai, Hawaii, shifted the course of her career. After she joined the St. Regis Princeville Resort (now 1 Hotel), she was introduced to esthetics.

"I quickly fell in love with skincare, beauty, and the holistic approach to self-care that was deeply woven into the island lifestyle," Fabre-Cox said.

After she and her husband moved to his Idaho hometown to put down roots, the couple began to build their businesses and their family. After completing esthetician school in 2016, she rebranded her business as Mud + Stone — a reflection of her evolving practice and passion for integrating bodywork, skincare, and holistic wellness.

Both formal training and personal discovery have deepened her understanding of holistic healing. A study of massage therapy at the Cortiva Institute gave me a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic bodywork. Her training as an esthetician expanded her focus to include the skin — not just as a surface to be treated, but as a reflection of internal health, emotions, and overall well-being.

It all prompted her to pursue holistic esthetics evolving from conventional skincare to a whole-body philosophy. Studies in hypnotherapy and nervous system rewiring have reinforced what I have long believed — that true wellness is not just about external treatments but about addressing the subconscious patterns that shape stress responses, healing processes, and overall health. 

"Learning to regulate the nervous system and work with the mind-body connection has been one of the most transformative aspects of my education, both for my personal growth and for the work I'm integrating more with my clients," Fabre-Cox said.

Her health and wellness journey began as a patient when, at 16 years old, she experienced severe stomach pains before she was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 21. 

"During that time, I was constantly searching for relief — physically, mentally, and emotionally," she said. "My first massage was a revelation. I had never known my body could feel so deeply relaxed, and for the first time in years, I experienced a true sense of ease. That moment changed everything."

Fabre-Cox said her work continues to evolve, shaped by her own healing journey, the profound experiences she's shared with clients, and the many influences that have guided her along the way.

She plans to continue to expand the way she integrates holistic healing with  clients, going beyond one-on-one sessions to create deep, lasting transformations. Teaching will play a much larger role and she envisions leading group classes both online and in the community, developing courses that empower people to take charge of their own healing. She plans to share her knowledge, possibly through articles, books, and other creative outlets.

She also plans to continue to pursue my passion for acting, allowing it to coexist with her healing work in a way that feels aligned and fulfilling.

Her goals is to blend all of her passions — teaching, writing, healing, and acting — into "a life that feels both purposeful and creatively rich."

Advice to her younger self: "If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to trust the process and allow myself to evolve at my own pace. I’d remind myself that my path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s and that there is no set timeline for success. There were times when I doubted the direction I was heading, especially when things didn’t unfold the way I had imagined. But looking back, every twist and turn has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that growth often comes through unexpected paths. I would tell my younger self to be patient, trust my intuition, stop comparing myself to others, and not be afraid to let go of old plans to make room for the new opportunities that align with my true purpose."