If you asked Jess Lewis-Peltier what she wanted to be in high school she would have quickly responded – a doctor. But life changed in ways that led to new opportunities and a creative journey. She entered the workforce in the technology sector as a product manager and found that while she was good at it and found it interesting, it was not her passion.
Like many women, Jess struggled with her body image and was challenged by an eating disorder at one point in her life. During this personal struggle, she was always able to find peace and a place of confidence through the practice of yoga. It was from this place of empowerment and finding her healthy self with yoga, meditation and breath-work that Jess also tapped into her career calling.
If You Can See It – You Can Do It
Jess employed visualization techniques to help her realize her future goals. A firm believer in the – if you can see it, you can do it philosophy, Jess started to plan for her new career path with mental illustrations of the future. The healing profession was still gnawing at her but she moved from aspirations of becoming a Medical Doctor to naturopathy and herbal remedies.
Here is a quote from a recent blog entry on Jess’ website:
“I was speaking with a friend today about clearly visualizing the future yet staying open to infinite possibilities. We visualize clearly in our minds what we want our lives to be like in love, career, family etc. but being rigid in this thinking can lead to disappointment. Are we so focused on the goal or vision that we don’t see the opportunities the Universe presents to us?”
She enrolled in school to credential herself as a naturopathic healer, medicinal herbalist, and yoga guide who blends ancient healing practices with modern-day science to create a practical approach to holistic health. Taking 16-21 credits a semester while working full-time was exhausting but Jess was motivated and this propelled her to move forward towards her ultimate career goal.
Jess studied biology and physics along with naturopathic healing and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wittenberg University. She kept going and entered a graduate program at Wright State University until she was fully qualified to practice as a naturopathic healer and medicinal herbalist. She is blending the ancient healing practices with modern day science to help her clients achieve holistic wellness.
Feed Your Passion and Pay the Rent
Before Jess was able to set up her own practice which she calls Holistic Yogini full-time, she phased out of her technology freelance work incrementally to generate income. She developed a solid business plan and dealt with financial challenges by learning to be a prudent and savvy spender. At the end of each month, Jess still had to pay her student loans and her bills. Realizing her career passion was difficult financially, Jess knew this was an investment in her future and consolidated loans to make it all work. Her strategy was to re-evaluate often, stay focused, and to keep her eye on the prize.
Always an entrepreneur at heart, Jess knew she would enjoy running her own practice. She learned how to brand and market herself and even designed and built her website. Resources like Savor the Success were tremendously helpful as well as her local Chamber of Commerce and the small business advisors at SCORE.
A New Age of Wellness
Utilizing the many resources available to new business founders, Jess was truly appreciative for the it takes a village mindset and eager to reciprocate and help others on their journey. Part of her challenge as a new business owner has been educating prospective clients about naturopathic therapy. Here is a passage from her website that says it all:
“Naturopathic therapy guides the body back to homeostasis with herbs, nutrition, movement, energy work, breathing and meditation based on your body’s unique attributes to encourage natural and sustainable healing.
Have allergies? Unexplained digestive issues or breakouts? Trouble sleeping? Stiffness or pain? Taking a holistic approach helps ease your symptoms while increasing your overall health.”
Jess shared that people are craving this kind of information because there is a new shift in health consciousness. She is on a mission to educate people to think about their wellness holistically and she enjoys the individual connection she makes with each client. Some people are fearful because the concept of holistic health is new to them. Once they gain awareness that the approach will give each person individual tools to achieve wellness, Jess finds it exciting to see them embrace the practice.
Jess is very clear about how her practice does not offer information to diagnose or treat, and her intention is not to take the place of a client’s medical doctor. In fact, she encourages clients to consult with their doctors about health conditions and the use of herbal/natural remedies so the ancient healing practices can be a true compliment to modern day science.
The Continual Journey
In addition to her three pronged wellness practice that focuses on naturopathy, medicinal herbs, and yoga, Jess is now a YogaMint publication contributing expert. She writes articles and blogs for many sources including Ecomii to empower and inspire others about holistic wellness.
Jess lives and practices in Los Angeles where she gives lectures, workshops, and classes on herbal/naturopathic healing, breathing exercises, energy work, meditation, and yoga. She’s currently working on her new book which will focus on teaching a practical approach of holistic health through energy, nutrition and science. She is a member of the American Botanical Council and the American Herbalist Guild.
Jess is a terrific example of someone who visualized her dream and made it happen. Through hard work, determination, and a willingness to shoot for the moon she is practicing what she teaches in her classes and living her light.
Jess’ Advice and Action Steps:
- Visualize your goals and continue to revisit the plan until you achieve what you desire.
- Be emotionally charged about what you want – that unlocks your true passion.
- Consider how you can pay-it-forward.
- Go big or go home – shoot for the moon.
- Darkness and light are both alike – honor both.
Quote:
“Don’t let the challenges in life defeat you – just keep going!” Jess Lewis-Peltier
Resources:
Holistic Yogini http://www.holisticyogini.com/
Savor the Success www.savorthesuccess.com
