We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Thornton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been my desire to help people with something I have survived myself. I believe all pain has the potential to aid in other’s suffering, and opening a private practice was my way to manifest that belief with the hopes of making someone else’s journey lighter than my own.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I named by business after the chrysalis because real change can only occur when we work hard and do it ourselves. Like the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, a beautiful transformation is possible for us all. My job is to stand beside you and offer the tools to make the task easier and provide compassionate support along the way. To get where I am, I fell down 7 times and got up 8. I learned the hard way sometimes but often sought the guidance of seasoned therapists for best business practices. I spent a significant amount of time researching the offerings of other mental health resources near me and created synergistic partnerships to help us both. I want people to know I’m human and I’m flawed and I don’t have all the answers. However, I stay current on the latest research in my field to provide the most relevant information to help my clients. That, combined with my true heart to bear another’s burden and very likely chance that I’ve literally experienced their pain is what sets me apart from other practitioners. Having a place to unload to someone who has been where you are and understands you in that special way is a gift worth its weight in gold.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start big and then bring it back to Frisco for the finale . I’d begin in Ft Worth with the Stockyards to give them a true taste of Texas. Then we would travel to Dallas for a Segway tour and visit the 6th Floor Museum, the Art Museum, and hit Deep Elum for pictures and cocktails in the arts district. I’d drive out to Melissa or so to show them fields of bluebonnets and insist on having our pictures made in them as all good Texans do. We would then visit SouthFork Ranch to see where Dallas was filmed and see our beautiful longhorns grazing. Finally I would give them a grand tour of Frisco, and hit Frisco Square and the Farmer’s Market, we would tour the historical district and eat at Babe’s, and we would listen to live music and enjoy dinner at the Railyard. The last day would be a leisurely breakfast at The Biscuit, 5th Street Cafe, or Norma’s. We would have a picnic and hike through the Frisco Commons, and end the day at the wineries in Celina, and top it off with my favorite Italian place, Gallo Nero in Frisco.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I went back to grad school in my 40s and had two young children at the time. Without the help of my supportive and encouraging husband, I would not have had the success I’ve had.

Website: www.chrysalisbtc.com
Instagram: @chrysalisbtc.com
Facebook: @chrysalisbtc.com

Image Credits
Mark Thornton

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