SWIHA Blog

After serving for thirteen years as an Air Force Pilot, Lisa McCranie began a six-year educational journey toward her true passion for fitness, nutrition, and health. Lisa did not know exactly what to expect, or what would be coming her way. However, Lisa did know that she was meant for great things and that she would work hard to continue to push herself in all areas of her life. This life path change is what brought Lisa to the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts to study Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching.

“Before SWIHA I was going through a spiritual awakening that was very unorganized, uncomfortable, and scary. My gifts were all over the place. I knew that I wanted to help others who were also going through it, as I was all alone. I was randomly led to one of SWIHA's mailers. That was the answer to organizing my gifts and making my awakening more comfortable. I am passionate about all things spiritual. These healing modalities saved my life. I aim to help others feel the same way.”

“I felt most aligned with the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner with a concentration in the Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma Program and I am SOul grateful that I followed my heart because prior to this entire experience, I have had a history of allowing my head to talk my heart out of following itself. I graduated in February 2023 and since then I feel even more confident in my decision to choose SWIHA to further my education and help me develop my gifts.”

Imagine having a career where you help people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. The Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics is not your typical Aesthetics and Laser school. Offering a blend of Natural Aesthetics Education and Advanced Laser Training, we graduate confident and ready Aestheticians who are well-versed in current market trends and technologies. Choosing the right school can make a huge difference in your success! Consider these 5 ways that SWINA stands out from the rest!

“I always say SWIHA chose me. I went to lunch from one of my random jobs one afternoon, and came across a SWIHA course calendar at the table I sat. As I read through, I discovered more about the Life Coaching program and it was an instant connection to what I had been seeking yet did not know existed. Once I came to visit the campus, the rest was history. The feeling of belongingness, the community, the environment, the course content, and the immersive experiences I would get sold itself. This was a school that taught true understanding and not just memorization.”

Before becoming the life coach and King of Cueing Yogi that Will Zecco is today, he had an impressive and established career being a hairstylist for over 40 years! Having this background allowed Will to have ample amounts of experience working in the industry of “people”. Listening to people talk about their lives, their problems, their dreams, and their goals. Hairstylists don’t just do hair, they are therapists! All things aside, Will Zecco’s journey eventually led him to the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and the Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics. Having many roles at both schools, today, Will Zecco is the Director of Student Success for SWIHA’s Yoga Teacher Training programs.

Before Sandra Steenstra Byrd ever considered becoming a life coach, she was a retail/restaurant manager. The mixture of having a management position and a welcoming presence meant that most employees were drawn to her when they needed someone to talk to. Having this innate gift of being a calming and guiding presence for others, Sandra knew there was a bigger calling for her out there.

“I love being a Coach because I get to see people helping themselves heal, and turning their life into the life that they deserve to live and feel proud of! In turn, I learn a lot as well…and I feel like through helping others I am able to help myself!”

Diane’s Journey to Life Coaching

Before becoming a Life Coach, Diane Jones was working a normal 9 to 5 job that gave her no personal satisfaction or feeling of purpose. Diane knew she wanted to make a positive impact on the world and help those who want to live a better life and don’t have the tools to get there. The path became clear, and Diane came to SWIHA to gain the education to become a Life Coach. SWIHA quickly became a home away from home for Diane. Diane shares, “It felt like the home I needed! I felt welcomed every time I stepped onto the campus.”

The start of a new year often brings with it a sense of new beginnings. It is a time when many people reflect on the past year and contemplate what they want to achieve in the year ahead. For some, the new year is an opportunity to create resolutions or set personal growth or career advancement goals. Others may use the new year as a time to make positive changes in their lifestyle, such as adopting healthy habits or pursuing new hobbies.