Ann Marie Schofield
Ann Marie Schofield is the founder of Restore Massage in Irvine, California, where she specializes in helping clients relieve neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and stress-related tension. After graduating from college, she initially pursued a career in the corporate world but realized it wasn’t aligned with her deeper sense of purpose. During a moment of reflection and meditation, she felt called to pursue massage therapy instead. She followed that intuition, completed massage school, and has spent the past twelve years building a career dedicated to helping others feel better in their bodies and daily lives.
Today, Ann Marie operates her own private practice, where she works with four to six clients each day and focuses particularly on individuals dealing with chronic neck and shoulder pain, including many women and mothers who experience strain from the physical demands of caring for young children. Known for her attentive, relationship-centered approach, she emphasizes listening to her clients and providing care that extends beyond the massage table. In addition to treating clients, she manages every aspect of her business—from networking and marketing to partnerships with other health professionals, bookkeeping, invoicing, and content creation.
Through dedication and perseverance, Ann Marie has grown her solo practice into a six-figure business and built a strong personal brand in the wellness space. In addition to her work as a therapist, she is expanding into coaching and mentorship for women seeking greater purpose in their careers. In June, she will launch a six-month group coaching program designed for women in corporate roles who feel called to pursue something more meaningful, offering weekly sessions, business training, and ongoing support to help them create and launch the next chapter of their professional lives.
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing & Minor in International Studies
• Community Action Partnership of Orange County
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, perseverance, and resilience. Building a business on my own has required consistency, patience, and the willingness to keep going even during uncertain moments. My faith in God has also been a guiding force in my life and career, helping me trust the process and stay grounded as I’ve grown my practice.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When asked about the people who have made the greatest impact in my life, I immediately think of my mom. She has always been my biggest inspiration. She balanced both a career and family so gracefully, and watching her manage those responsibilities showed me that it was possible to pursue meaningful work while still prioritizing the people you love. I’m incredibly grateful to have been raised by such a motivated, strong, and dedicated woman, and I would love to recognize her for the example she set.
I would also like to recognize Kate Wade, someone I worked for in the past who built her own successful business and supported me during a transitional time in my life. Her guidance and encouragement helped me move forward with confidence as I was finding my own path. Another person who has had a meaningful influence on my career is Dr. Monica Scott, a chiropractor I have collaborated closely with in my practice.
I feel very fortunate to have had these incredible women in my life. Each of them has inspired and encouraged me in different ways, and their support has helped me grow both personally and professionally as I continue moving forward in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: take the risk. If you feel a calling to do something different or pursue a path that feels more aligned with who you are, trust that instinct and go for it. It can feel scary to step away from what’s familiar, but sometimes the greatest opportunities come when you’re willing to follow what you truly feel called to do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family and friendships are incredibly important to me, and I value building strong, genuine relationships both personally and professionally. I also believe deeply in service—showing up for people, supporting them, and treating others the way I would want to be treated. Those values guide how I run my business and how I approach life every day.