We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ava Milva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ava below.
Ava, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
When I first started my practice it was really more because my soul was calling me to live my purpose and I didn’t necessarily have it all figured out, but rather it happened as a gradual step by step process of going through different levels. What I mean is that I literally started teaching in my living room when I first became certified as a yoga instructor because no studios would hire me without experience or a following. But I knew I had a passion for sharing healing tools so I wouldn’t let anything stop me. So I made a weekly class and I was loving doing that for a while until I actually started teaching at studios. That was really an amazing experience and helped me build my confidence and then without even knowing how my own practice was starting to come together. I feel the pandemic really pushed me in that direction as everything closed and I began tapping into creative ways of sharing my work with people, That really was a huge catalyst for creating more of my own practice and becoming a spiritual entrepreneur. Because I love what I do so much and my heart’s desire is to share this work with as many people as possible I felt called to figure out ways to expand and create more offerings that will help people in various ways. Having your own practice definitely requires getting out if your comfort zone and having the courage to take the steps not knowing how it will all turn out. My biggest advice to anyone that is considering is to be brave and just go for it and not be afraid to fail. Also, don’t expect to be perfect or have it all together when you start out because truly you learn so much as you go and the mistakes you make in the beginning teach you how to build a solid foundation for the long run. My other very important tip is to stay consistent no matter what. If you show up and do what you love then it has no choice but to grow and evolve, so don’t let temporary fears or set backs stop you, keep going. You will definitely encounter challenges but they are there to help you grow and not to prevent you from reaching your goals. Always remember that whatever dream the universe put in your heart is there for a reason, so believe that you are worthy of your vision and goals.
Ava, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I actually got into the healing world by first starting out on my own healing journey and realizing how much I needed these tools to properly function and thrive in the world. I went from feeling anxious, insecure, confused to feeling powerful, confident, thriving with the tools I was studying and applying to my life. So when I got the intuitive message to start my own practice I knew I had to- it was my purpose to share what had helped me so much with others. At first I started teaching yoga- Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin yoga and then I started to also offer sound healing and energy healing services. So I created the Etherica brand which creates these incredible events combining different healing modalities- sound and energy healing as well as breathwork and kundalini activation. These are truly transformational experiences where there is a different theme and healing every time and people have the opportunity to receive deep healing work that helps them release anything no longer serving them- mentally, emotionally, spiritually and even physically and align with higher vibrations. I have my team of healers assisting with the events as well as we host Women’s Retreats which have been truly transformational. I also offer trainings for Sound Healing and Energy Healing that I teach others how to facilitate healing experiences for themselves and others. Also, I do one on one work with a select group of people which I work on specific issues with them that they are looking to heal, things they are working on in their career or personal life and I use my gifts to help them clear anything in the way and align with their highest destiny in this lifetime. I have a signature coaching 3 month program too called Worthy and Receiving Club for women (or men) looking to live a life of abundance, love, healthy mind, body and spirit and harmonious relationships where I teach you the most powerful tools I have learned to upgrade these areas of your life. I feel what sets Etherica apart is the unique combination of various healing modalities and our commitment to excellence in delivering experiences that truly blow your mind. In the trainings also I teach things that will help change your life at lightning speed should you choose to apply them. So the results that people have are incredible.
I feel super grateful to be doing this work and sharing the gifts I was born with to help people as well as connect with other incredibly gifted healers that I have had the honor to work with and train and bring more awakening and consciousness to the world right now.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Having your own business is all about resilience because no matter how much you think you have things planned or under control there are always curveballs that life throws at you. For example when everything closed down during the pandemic it happened so fast and unexpected and I had to figure out how I can continue teaching and sharing during that time. Most of the studios and spaces I was using ended up closing, so I had to figure out quickly how to continue sharing my offerings. First, I started to explore the online space and teaching online and even though I prefer in person experiences there is some benefit to being online that people can join from anywhere in the world. The other amazing thing that came from that is starting to do weekly outdoor events. For some reason prior to the pandemic I never thought of it even though LA has great weather almost all year round, but once I started creating outdoor experiences I fell in love with it and now they are continuing every Sunday because there is something really special about being outside.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
As a team leader you set the tone for your team- if you are positive and focused then you inspire your team to be the same way. It is important to know the skills/ personalities of everyone so you can successfully give them the right tasks and responsibilities. Knowing what their strengths are and seeing how these qualities can be best utilized is key. Also, it is important to share any feedback with them right away as their performance reflects on your business. Choosing to have people that are aligned with your vision is very important as their energy becomes part of your business. If there is someone that doesn’t truly want to be there or has some internal resistance going on can be very damaging to your business so it is best to resolve it by open communication so you can get clear on whether it is in your and their highest good to continue working together. Energy is contagious- so one negative person can affect the whole team so choose your people wisely. And the opposite is true too. People who are inspired, motivated, grateful and passionate are amazing asset to your business and can truly amplify everything you are creating. As a leader it is important to clearly give directions and set expectations with your team and also understand that every situation may require something new so have patience as you and your team go through new situations and experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.avamilva.com www.etherica.la
- Instagram: @avamilva @etherica.la
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamilvaofficial www.facebook.com/ethericasoundjourney
- Youtube: @AvaMilva