Biography

Remarkable people are not only true masters in their fields but are inspirations to people they encounter.  They lead by example.  They motivate others, and bring life and energy to every situation.  It is no surprise that Shana Bly Washington is a true master whose creative talents and humble generosity is admired by all.  As a young entrepreneur whose company The Yellow Chick offers a diverse menu of items and services for the body, from massage to clothing, and yes even temporary airbrush tattoos, Shana is none other than remarkable.

Born in Philadelphia in 1975 to jazz saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. and his wife Christine, Shana grew up in a loving, supportive environment alongside her older brothers Loran and Grover III.  She was educated at private Quaker schools: Friends' Central from grades 1-5 and Abington Friends from grades 6-12.  Much of her free time was spent riding horses, creating arts and crafts, and volunteering to help people with special needs.  For most of her life, Shana has been actively involved with Special Olympics and the Pegasus Riding Academy where horses are used to help rehabilitate mentally and physically impaired individuals.  Shana has also spent 10 years working as a personal caregiver to a child with autism.  She credits her brother Loran, who is mentally and physically disabled, with inspiring her to aid others.  In 1997, this heartfelt desire to help others led her to the Institute of Essential Integration where she became a certified massage therapist specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Jin Shin Jyutsu massage techniques, as well as Reflexology, Rolfing, Aromatherapy, and Cranio-Sacral therapies.  Shana's appreciation and understanding of the human energy field and its essential integrations of the mind, body, and spirit were deepened.  Shana has worked in some of Philadelphia's finest spas and now offers massage and bodywork through her home-based business.

Shana's entrepreneurial spirit led her to recently launch additional components of The Yellow Chick.  From unique jewelry and hair accessories, to handbags, mommy-to-be accessories, and hand painted t-shirts, jackets, boots, and whatever else her clients can think of!  Shana has something for everyone.  Through word-of-mouth, The Yellow Chick has become so popular some items can now be found in local stores throughout Philadelphia.  Affectionately called Massagejawn by music industry friends, Shana was the inspiration behind the song "Grover III (the theme to massagejawn.com)" on the chart-topping 2002 album entitled King Britt presents The Philadelphia Experiment Remixed.

Shana also serves as the Secretary of the Grover Washington, Jr. Protect the Dream Foundation which fosters and enriches the lives of young people  through music education.  The Grover Washington, Jr. Protect the Dream Foundation purchases musical instruments, books, music lessons, as well as scholarships for the students.  When Shana isn't juggling her numerous responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Albert Vasquez and their two daughters, Isabella Christine and Genevieve Sky.