A single mother and former dental professional in Mancos is taking a leap of faith and venturing out on a new career path as she prepares to open Statera Wellness and Aesthetics, a massage therapy business.

A licensed massage therapist since 2007, Brianna Yeomens has spent the past 16 years working in dentistry. She did massage therapy on a contract basis as a side business, but decided this was the year to stand on her own.

“I got into dentistry because I love helping people, but after a certain point, dentistry became so production-based, it wasn’t what I used to enjoy,” she said. “It’s always scary, but the time is right, I think.”

Yeomens specializes in deep tissue, Swedish and sports massage and loves talking with people about the numerous benefits of incorporating massage therapy into a regular lifestyle.

“It’s so beneficial for health from a totally holistic standpoint, not only for relief but injury prevention,” said Yeomens. “It’s great for relaxing and getting toxins out, it helps with diabetes, ADHD ... there are so many health benefits to this that I think a lot of people don’t know about.”

For information, call 970-749-3878.