Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Mcilroy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

Absolutely. My entire career has been defined by a personal and professional U-Turn. For many years, I thrived as a social justice attorney, advocating for immigrants facing immense challenges within our complex legal system. I was deeply passionate about the work, but chronic illness forced me to reevaluate my path. What started as a necessity—a shift to prioritize my health—eventually revealed itself as an entirely new calling.
When I transitioned from the courtroom to holistic wellness, it felt like a complete reversal of my professional identity. But what I’ve realized is that the core values driving my work haven’t changed: I’ve always been about empowering others, whether it’s helping someone secure their legal status or helping someone find peace, clarity, and healing.
One significant shift I’ve observed in my new field is how businesses and leaders are beginning to embrace wellness as a key to productivity and innovation, not just a “perk” or afterthought. The concept of workplace wellness has evolved from offering flu shots and step challenges to creating meaningful experiences that nurture mind, body, and spirit. At Green Heiress Retreats, we bring this modern understanding of wellness into corporate spaces. Instead of traditional wellness fairs, we offer reiki, sound baths, and meditation—transformative practices that reflect this shift in how we define well-being.
This U-Turn in my life has shown me that even when the path forward feels uncertain, it’s possible to create something that aligns with your values and serves others in deeply impactful ways.

Erica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my professional journey as a social justice attorney, advocating for immigrant communities. It was rewarding, high-stakes work, but when chronic illness interrupted my career, I was forced to look inward and rethink everything. Traditional approaches couldn’t solve the health challenges I was facing, so I started exploring holistic wellness as a means of healing myself. What I discovered was life-changing.

My personal transformation inspired me to create Green Heiress Holistic Health, a space where wellness professionals could offer healing practices to the community. Green Heiress became a sanctuary for those seeking balance and holistic health solutions. From there, I developed Green Heiress Retreats, an exciting extension of that mission. These retreats bring enriching experiences—like meditation, reiki, sound healing, and other transformative modalities—to workplaces, board meetings, and private retreats.

What sets us apart is the heart and intention behind our work. At Green Heiress Retreats, we’re not just providing services; we’re cultivating joy, connection, and growth in every experience. We meet people where they are, creating safe, accepting spaces where transformation and self-discovery can unfold.

Right now, I’m especially excited about our upcoming Palm Springs retreat in 2025. It’s the culmination of everything I’m passionate about: creating opportunities for people to explore holistic healing, find community, and step into a more balanced and intentional way of living.

The thing I want people to know most is that life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. Sometimes, it can lead you to something even better than you imagined. For me, this work isn’t just about wellness; it’s about empowering others to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in the journey.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Success in the field of holistic wellness requires more than just training or expertise—it’s about cultivating the right mindset and approach. A positive outlook, a clear vision, and a team that aligns with and supports that vision are absolutely essential.

I’ve learned that trusting myself is just as important as trusting the process. There’s a delicate balance between taking intentional action and allowing success to unfold naturally. Forcing outcomes often leads to frustration, but when I lean into my intuition and let things flow, the results are far more impactful.

Another key element is building authentic connections with others. Whether it’s with my clients, my team, or my community, creating genuine relationships fosters trust and collaboration, which are the foundation of everything we do at Green Heiress.

Ultimately, staying grounded in the “why” behind the work—helping people find healing, connection, and joy—keeps me motivated and allows me to navigate challenges with grace.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Maintaining high morale starts with creating a positive and collaborative environment. I believe in recognizing and affirming my team members when they do things right. A little encouragement can go a long way in building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging.

I focus on empowering people to use their unique gifts and ensuring they are in roles that align with their strengths and talents. When individuals feel valued and are given opportunities to shine, their motivation and satisfaction naturally increase.

Open communication is also essential. I encourage team members to share their ideas, give feedback, and collaborate openly. This helps create a sense of ownership and mutual respect.

Finally, I’ve learned that strong relationships are the foundation of any successful business. Investing time and energy into building trust, understanding, and camaraderie within the team helps us navigate challenges and celebrate wins together. When people feel supported and connected, morale stays high, and great things happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ghretreats.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenheiressretreats/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenheiressretreats
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-mcilroy/

Image Credits

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