What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?
Before attending SWIHA, I felt like I was living in survival mode 24/7, just trying to get through each day. The difficult experiences I faced in childhood, coupled with the lingering effects they left behind, made navigating adulthood feel overwhelming and impossible. From a tough and often abusive childhood to the lifelong impact of trauma, I was constantly juggling my roles as a human being, friend, daughter, sister, mother, and community member. At the same time, I was trying to manage the internal chaos that trauma left in its wake. Most importantly, I was learning how to genuinely care for myself and how to love myself. SWIHA was one of many baby steps I started implementing into my life.
I discovered SWIHA in 2015 while going to cosmetology school and getting my aesthetics and cosmetology license. SWINA was a school I discovered only after I started my aesthetics and cosmetology program. My discovery of SWINA led to my discovery of SWIHA and my 8-year journey to actually starting the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) Diploma program with a specialty in Hypnotherapy in June of 2023.
I’m passionate about building a space and a business that offers support and resources for those who, like me, have struggled to live a “good, healthy, or even normal” life due to the lingering effects of trauma. My goal is to guide individuals who feel lost or overwhelmed by their experiences and help them learn the foundational tools and strategies that everyone deserves to know for living a balanced and fulfilling life. I want to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where people can explore, heal, and gain confidence in navigating their own realities. With my education in hypnotherapy from SWIHA, I’ve gained the tools and techniques to help individuals tap into their subconscious minds, address deep-rooted issues, and cultivate lasting change. Whether it’s understanding self-care, developing healthy coping mechanisms, or simply finding a sense of stability, I want to empower others to rebuild their lives and embrace the possibility of living fully—one step at a time.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
I realized I was on the right path when I took a step back and noticed just how much my life had transformed since starting this program in June 2023. It’s hard to pinpoint just one moment because, in countless ways, I’ve grown and evolved. I’ve built meaningful connections with fellow students who are walking this journey alongside me, and even my relationships outside of SWIHA have deepened and become more fulfilling. I’ve gained skills, tools, and knowledge I never imagined I’d have. My training has given me the confidence to help others, and every time I witness a client experiencing a breakthrough, I’m reminded that this is where I’m meant to be. It’s a powerful feeling to know you’re living your purpose.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
My life has changed in profound and unexpected ways since I began my journey at SWIHA. Before starting this program, I felt like I was merely surviving each day, constantly weighed down by the lingering effects of past trauma. Through my training in hypnotherapy, I’ve experienced a shift— in how I see others and myself. I’ve learned to create a space for my own healing, which has allowed me to build stronger, more authentic connections with the people around me.
I now approach life with more confidence and purpose, feeling aligned in a way I hadn’t before. My relationships, both personal and professional, have deepened. I feel more present and connected with those I work with and myself. This journey has helped me rediscover parts of myself that I didn't know existed and has empowered me to step into a role that feels truly fulfilling. It’s not just about the skills I’ve gained—it’s about the growth, self-compassion, self-love, and renewed sense of purpose I feel every day.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned while attending SWIHA is to trust myself and embrace self-love as the foundation for everything I do. Before this journey, I often doubted my abilities and struggled with self-compassion, however, my time at SWIHA has shown me that real healing starts from within. I’ve learned to listen to my intuition, recognize my own strengths, and extend the same kindness to myself that I would to others. This has deepened my sense of self-worth and has also empowered me to show up more authentically in all areas of my life. Trusting myself and cultivating self-love has been a transformative experience that has shaped both my personal and professional path.
Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?
I’ve genuinely enjoyed the classes I’ve taken at SWIHA so far, and the staff and educators have been supportive and knowledgeable throughout my journey. It’s been a positive experience, and I appreciate the environment they’ve created for learning and growth.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
My biggest advice for future SWIHA students is to show up as your authentic self and be open to the experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—whether it’s from staff, instructors, or classmates. Connect with the people around you and build friendships within your program! Having a strong support system of like-minded peers can make all the difference when navigating challenging courses or personal growth. You’re not alone on this journey, so lean on each other and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.
What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned so many incredible things, yet the most important lessons have been about trusting and loving myself. I’ve discovered the power of giving myself grace and creating space for my own growth and healing. I’ve come to understand that I am worthy of self-love and that embracing my own potential is the key to everything I want to achieve. This experience has shown me that I am fully capable of running my own business and creating a life that aligns with my vision. It’s been a journey of empowerment, and I’m excited to see where this path leads me.
