We were lucky to catch up with Hazel Montserrat Gutierrez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hazel Montserrat , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
A few years ago, I came across this African philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because you are.” This concept reminded me that my sense of self is shaped by the relationships I’ve built with others. It’s the reminder that I exist because my ancestors exist.
This philosophy completely changed my perspective on leadership. I realized I am not starting from nothing—I am connected to a treasure chest of abundance and wisdom rooted in my family lineage. I am who I am because of all the relationships I’ve cultivated—with my parents, sister, grandparents, ancestors, friends, community, and the Universe.
This poem shares my story and how my values serve as the foundation of who I am and my work. As the founder of BR3ATH3 JOY, a wellness sanctuary, I create space for healing, growth, and connection, centering queer souls, women of color, and all changemakers aligned with this vision. I serve as a medicine woman, offering energy healing, spiritual coaching, and wellness workshops to those ready to heal and return home to their hearts.
This story is about who I am, not just what I do.
To know my story, you must know that I come from a lineage of writers and poets. My family are great storytellers, and I am honored to keep their gift alive.
I am because you are
I am… Hazel Montserrat, from the land of lagos y volcanes, that beautiful place called Nicaragua.
Oh, the stories I heard of this land of my ancestors. The land my parents had to flee because of the revolution. A land that was no longer safe for them.
San Francisco became their new home, a place filled with fog, hope, and prayers. In this city of dreams, I was born.
I am because you are.
Mary Estrada. The mother to my mother. My other mother. The woman who never complained.
The woman who always smiled. The doctor turned maid.
The pain you carried, the loss of your child, your home, your sense of self. Yet, despite it all, you were the strongest woman I’ve ever known.
You taught me love. Love for food, love for people, love for service.
I heal with you.
I am because you are.
I am because you are.
Noel Estrada. The father of my mother. My other father. You taught me integrity and loyalty.
Though the loss of your son and wife weighed on you so heavily, you never lost your love. Your love for photography, for the beauty in nature, for justice.
I heal with you.
I am because you are.
I am because you are.
My beautiful parents.
Glenda. My mother.
You taught me to stand by my word, to connect with my inner goddess, to meditate and manifest, to stand in my power.
All your lessons were not just words. They were guidance, shaping me into the powerful woman you always wanted me to be.
I see your pain. The pain of leaving your homeland. The pain of losing your brother, your home, and your husband to a corrupt system.
Yet, you protected my sister and me with everything you had.
I heal with you.
I am because you are.
Sergio. My father.
You taught me to enjoy life, to move to the beat of the music, to create magic with my hands.
You reminded me daily to give back and be of service.
I see your pain. The pain of leaving home so young to avoid being drafted. The pain of watching your home destroyed.
Yet, you rebuilt. You started over. You fought for justice, educating others to use the system to their benefit. Even when they tried to silence you, you kept fighting
I heal with you.
I am because you are.
I am because you are.
Alyeska. My sister. My best friend. My soulmate.
My partner-in-crime, my twin in matching outfits.
You taught me intentionality. To love myself. To prioritize my needs.
I feel your pain, the pain of dad being gone, of feeling lost, of losing our home.
Together, we reparent ourselves. One day at a time, we teach each other how to love, how to communicate, how to thrive.
I heal with you.
I am because we are.
I am because you are.
My community. My source of life. My chosen family.
I see you in all your brilliance. I see the gift of your presence in my life.
I see you thriving against all odds, pouring magic into the world.
I heal with you.
I am because you are.
And finally, I saved the best for last: I am because I am.
I am a powerful Goddess who has overcome so much and still stands here.
I see joy. I see thriving.
I see that I am free, free from believing those who told me I wasn’t enough,
Because I know I am overqualified.
I bring harmony to every space I step into.
I heal myself one moment, one breath, one choice at a time.
I choose me.
This is not the end of my story. But for now, you know
I am because you are.
My family’s story of resilience, healing, and service is woven into every aspect of my career. They taught me that healing is not just personal, it’s collective. It’s about creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and supported.
Through BR3ATH3 JOY, I carry their lessons into every energy ceremony, spiritual coaching session, and wellness event. My work is not separate from my family’s journey; it is an extension of it. Their sacrifices, their pain, and their love have given me the tools to build a career rooted in compassion, joy, and liberation.
Hazel Montserrat , 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?
Hello Beautiful Souls,
My name is Hazel Montserrat Gutierrez Estrada, the founder of BR3ATH3 JOY, a wellness sanctuary and sacred space for releasing, resting, and healing. My journey into holistic wellness began during one of the most challenging periods of my life.
I was navigating depression, anxiety, and domestic violence. I felt completely overwhelmed, lost, and confused. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to live in constant stress and disconnection, and I believed there had to be another way to flow through this world. Taking the first step toward healing was my turning point. This decision set me on my self-love journey, rediscovering who I am and reconnecting with my purpose: “to return home to myself and show others how to do the same.”
Reiki, a Japanese healing modality, illuminated my life. It revealed that I’ve always been connected to this gift, the ability to channel energy for healing. As I continued loving myself and traveling to the depths of my soul, I unearthed ancestral gifts passed down through generations. These include the ability to channel the wisdom of the Divine, Mother Earth, animals, plants, and my ancestors. I discovered my capacity to deeply feel what others are moving through and hold space for their sacred healing journeys. My gifts emerged as mediumship, claircognizance, clairvoyance, clairsentience, and clairaudience.
This self-love journey brought me to ancestral medicine, teaching me ancient ways to heal the body and mind so we can live in harmony with our spirit. Yoga followed and became a life-changing part of my healing. Through yoga, I began to see myself in beautiful ways, releasing energy stuck in my body and stepping into a new version of myself. Along the way, I connected with healers and coaches who reminded me that my healing wasn’t just for me; it was breaking generational trauma that had enslaved my family for generations. I learned to embody my inner wisdom and move from my Goddess energy, shifting from feeling stuck and broken to embracing my truth: I am whole, unbroken, and powerful.
What Do I Offer?
At BR3ATH3 JOY, I offer energy healing, spiritual coaching, and community-centered events to empower, educate, and inspire individuals and groups to reconnect with their inner wisdom, release emotional blocks, and reclaim their joy and power. My offerings are creations that interconnect Reiki, Shamanism, breathwork, meditation, connection with ancestors, Higher Self, and our Inner Child. My focus is to support individuals to reconnect with their power, speak their truth, and take up space.
Energy Ceremony:
These 90-minute ceremonies help clients release stored trauma, align their chakras, and access deep-rooted healing. Each session includes integration guidance and tools to support your continued growth. We focus on shifting your energic body to support your holistic health. Most of our trauma is ancestral, so we must look at the root to allow this energy to release giving us space to expand.
Spiritual Coaching:
My 3-month packages, such as the Empowerment Package (energy healing + coaching) or the Evolution Package (8 coaching sessions), guide clients to uncover their blocks, step into their power, and realign with their purpose.
Wellness Workshops for Organizations:
I partner with organizations to host wellness workshops focused on community building, team building, and improving productivity and workplace culture. These workshops help teams deepen their connections, foster meaningful relationships, and create thriving environments.
Community Events:
I curate healing circles, yoga classes, cannabis meditations, and workshops centered on joy, connection, and self-expression. Events like High Vibrations (intentional cannabis consumption) and Step Into Your Power (a healing circle for women of color) offer safe spaces to rest, release, and reconnect with your higher self.
What Problems Do I Solve?
For individuals, my work addresses stress, overwhelm, and disconnection from self. Many clients come to me feeling stuck, out of alignment or weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, and trauma. Together, we uncover what’s holding them back, process emotions, and reconnect them to their innate ability to heal and thrive. I empower my clients to become their own healers.
For organizations, my workshops create opportunities to enhance team cohesion, improve communication, and promote well-being, ultimately supporting productivity. These sessions are especially valuable for teams facing burnout, communication challenges, or a need to strengthen their culture.
Through BR3ATH3 JOY, I create inclusive spaces for healing that center the experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and immigrant communities often excluded from wellness spaces. My mission is to provide a safe, affirming space where these individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
What Sets Me Apart?
What makes BR3ATH3 JOY unique is how I infuse ancestral medicine, spiritual connection, and personal empowerment into every offering. My work is deeply rooted in my lived experience as a queer, first-generation Latina, giving me a nuanced understanding of how cultural, generational, and systemic factors influence healing.
I also draw from my 15+ years in hospitality and tourism management, a background that shaped my ability to create welcoming, supportive, and deeply connected spaces. Whether I’m hosting a healing circle, leading a workshop, or working one-on-one, I prioritize care and belonging in everything I do.
My ancestral gifts and connection to divine wisdom also set my work apart. By channeling the energies of the Earth, ancestors, plants, animals, and spirit, I hold sacred space for others in a way that is intuitive, intentional, and profoundly healing.
What Am I Most Proud Of?
I’m most proud of how BR3ATH3 JOY has transformed the lives of those I’ve worked with. Whether it’s a client finally releasing an emotional burden, a group sharing laughter and tears in a healing circle, or a team feeling more connected and inspired after a workshop, these moments are my why.
I’m also proud of the consistency within myself to continue doing the deep-rooted work to heal myself and support my family. I have seen firsthand how the changes I’ve made have shifted how my family moves, allowing them to also be freer and more connected to themselves. This is my testimonial that this work works.
Finally, I’m proud of staying authentic to my mission of creating wellness spaces that honor the rich, beautiful intersections of culture, identity, and spirituality.
What Do I Want Potential Clients and Followers to Know?
BR3ATH3 JOY is more than a wellness sanctuary—it’s a movement to reclaim joy, heal through connection, and uplift one another. My work is deeply rooted in love, integrity, and community, and it is my honor to be a guide on this journey of self-love and elevation.
I was initiated into the Medicine Woman lineage of my family, a sacred role I hold with deep respect and responsibility. I am committed to sharing my gifts for the highest good of all, using my ancestral wisdom and spiritual connection to help others find their way back to inner peace and joy.
Whether you’re seeking energy healing, looking to overcome a block, wanting to strengthen your team, or simply in need of a safe and affirming space to rest and reconnect, you are welcome here. Healing is your birthright, and it’s my honor to walk alongside you on your unique journey.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn being a fixer. Growing up, I could feel the emotions of those around me. I was always seeking harmony and peace in my household, believing that by fixing my family, I could create a more peaceful environment. Unfortunately, that didn’t work. I constantly felt drained and exhausted by the emotional turmoil in my family. No one would listen to me, which led me to try even harder to fix others. Over time, I normalized unhealthy relationships, leaving me feeling empty and overwhelmed. My sense of self was lost in the process of trying to help everyone around me. My confidence disappeared, and I began questioning myself as a leader.
The turning point came when I started working with my professional development coach, Dr. Jax Black. During one session, I was sharing my frustration with my mom. I felt unseen, unheard, and unsupported. Jax asked me, “How can you support yourself in this moment? It’s time to shift from seeing what your mom needs to asking, ‘What do you need? How can you support yourself?’”
That question changed everything for me. She showed me that what I thought was a problem was actually a gift. My “fixer role” was really my strength, it just needed to be redirected. In StrengthsFinder, I discovered that I am a developer: someone who sees the potential in others and wants to invest in their growth and transformation. The problem wasn’t my desire to help; it was that I was supporting people who didn’t necessarily want to be helped. Jax helped me shift my focus inward, teaching me how to develop myself by recognizing my strengths and reconnecting with my joy.
It took many sessions with Jax, along with meditation, journaling, healing practices, therapy, healing sessions, and moments of stillness, to unlearn the fixer role I had normalized in my life. Culturally, I was taught to always be there for the familia, so naturally, it was incredibly hard to shift my focus to myself. There were many nights of tears but also many beautiful revelations. The more I prioritized and invested in my healing, the more I built my confidence, understood my purpose, and began to formulate the idea for BR3ATH3 JOY. With the support of my healers and coaches, I realized that this was the path I wanted to take and was meant for me—to guide and support others on their healing journeys.
By releasing the idea of being a fixer and stepping into my role as a teacher, coach, and mentor, I now support others who are ready to step into their fullest potential. I first noticed this shift when I began working with my mentee. She reminded me of myself when I started my healing journey—eager and ready to do the work. I saw how I was now working with someone who was open to the wisdom I had to share and consistently applied the work in her daily life. I witnessed her transformation as she moved from being a fixer to standing firm in her values and living in her Highest Joy.
I’ve always been a natural-born cheerleader—I just needed to find the right pathway that supported me, too. This journey led to my own self-love transformation and the creation of my wellness sanctuary, BR3ATH3 JOY.
At BR3ATH3 JOY, I’ve created a system to connect with those souls who are ready to do the internal work. I offer a 30-minute coaching call to assess where souls are on their journey and to see if they are prepared to dive deep. My work is rootwork, and I co-create with souls who are ready to explore the uncomfortable depths of their being and birth themselves into the life they’ve always desired. Often, we repeat patterns because we haven’t addressed the root of the issue, which often stems from childhood traumas. This is no easy road, and my assessments help me determine readiness. I also listen carefully to where people are and adjust my language to support them at their current stage of life.
When I was a fixer, I didn’t have the language or knowledge to express what I was trying to communicate. Through my studies and self-learning, I’ve adjusted how I communicate and set boundaries when things don’t align with me.
Boundaries have become a way of life. I teach others how to love and treat me because I’ve learned what I need and want matters. This has allowed me to support my clients in learning how to do the same, so they can thrive in all they do.
Recently, I worked with a client who was struggling with her self-confidence and constantly felt like people at work were crossing her boundaries. Through several coaching sessions, we unlocked the root of her boundary issues, which stemmed from her parents consistently dismissing her and making her feel like her voice didn’t matter. Together, we worked on creating rituals to support her grounding and protection. Learning to create space for her growth was essential for her to step into her Goddess energy and speak her truth whenever someone crossed her boundaries.
By shifting out of the fixer role and into my power as a teacher and coach, I’ve reclaimed my joy, confidence, and sense of purpose. Now, I guide souls to do the same by breaking cycles, setting boundaries, and stepping fully into the lives they’ve always dreamed of. Through BR3ATH3 JOY, I’ve come full circle, transforming my own journey into a pathway for others to heal, grow, and thrive.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Five years ago, I left my home in the Bay Area to visit my sister in Long Beach. At the time, the world was shut down due to COVID, and everyone was in a heightened emotional state. I was in a relationship that wasn’t healthy for me, there was a lot of abuse, and I constantly prayed for a way out. I was dating a narcissist, and it left me feeling like I was going crazy. I couldn’t tell what was real anymore, and I found myself crying all the time. I was overweight, drinking heavily, and isolated from my community. But when I arrived at my sister’s, I finally felt like I could breathe. For the first time in a long while, I disconnected from the chaos of home and found peace. My sister saw me for who I truly was and created a safe space for me to feel supported.
A week into my visit, I made the decision to end my relationship and relocate to Long Beach. I reached out to my cousin, who is a therapist, as well as my own therapist and coach. For the first time, I shared the details of what had been happening in my life. I had kept this secret from everyone who loved me, but it was time to ask for help. There was so much resistance to sharing my story, but my sister kept reminding me that I didn’t have to do this alone.
I created a plan. I even spoke to my boss about my situation, and she supported me in securing funding so I could travel back and forth from Long Beach to Oakland as we returned to in-person events.
The hardest part was communicating what was going on in my life. I had been in denial for so long that the abuse was happening, and the more I shared my story, the stronger I became in my resolve to never go back.
During one of my sessions with my coach, Dr. Jax Black, she encouraged me to try Reiki. I connected with a Reiki Master, and that session gave me so much peace, understanding, and compassion for myself. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and for the first time in a long time, I was able to take fuller breaths. I could see how much I had been carrying for years and how I could finally let go. I felt excited to learn something new that could support my healing. The session gave me clarity and helped me realize the next steps I needed to take. I felt a deep connection to myself and became more aware of my reality. I had been moving through so much self-doubt that I didn’t trust myself, but now I knew the direction I needed to go.
Diving into Reiki gave me purpose and hope. Soon after, I enrolled in a Reiki training program and began practicing self-healing. I realized how uncomfortable I was sitting with myself, each time I did, I cried and felt so many emotions. But I knew I had to keep going because I understood that one day I wouldn’t miss my ex. She would just be a part of my story, and no longer have a hold on me.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during this time was accepting that the abuse was real. There was so much gaslighting and manipulation in the relationship that many times I didn’t even believe it had happened. Accepting that I allowed the abuse to continue was hard. I had to navigate many dark nights of the soul, releasing the emotions that were still living in my body. I had to forgive myself and my ex for what happened, and continuously remind myself of the lessons learned. This relationship taught me compassion, not just for myself, but also for my mom and others who’ve been through similar situations. I never understood why someone would stay until I was in it. I loved my ex and knew her heart, but unfortunately, she was projecting her own hurt onto me. It wasn’t easy to accept my role in the experience, but forgiving myself was difficult and rewarding because it set me free.
Choosing myself was the best decision I’ve ever made. It gave me the space to see myself more clearly and allowed me to be loved and supported by those around me. I never thought such love was possible, and it opened doors to deeper healing, helping me break the chains of ancestral trauma tied to toxic relationships. It took time to let others into my inner world, but I started small, reminding myself to connect with my joy through dancing, music, and nature. Having a strong support system made the journey so much easier. I always knew I had someone who had my back, which made it easier to love myself during difficult times. This is why I am such an advocate for connecting with community.
I am forever grateful that I left. It freed me to release old patterns and flourish into the strong, empowered woman I am today. I now see the purpose of that relationship—it was meant to teach me how to break away from relationships that didn’t value me, didn’t respect me, and didn’t care about what I needed. This experience became the catalyst for my self-love journey and showed me what true love looks like and feels like, which is why I am so intentional with the work I do today.
One of my favorite authors, Bell Hooks defines love in her book All About Love: New Visions as
“The will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.”
She emphasizes that love is an active choice and requires care, respect, responsibility, knowledge, and commitment. For her, love is not just about feelings or emotions but about intentional actions that promote growth and well-being. This book and definition are the foundation of my work. Love is truly the answer to all of our problems. I experience daily that nurturing my own spiritual growth is life-changing, and so I am here to guide others through the pathway of love.
Today, I walk confidently through the world. I meditate and reflect on each person in my life, noticing how they show up. I am intentional with how I move and who I keep in my inner circle. I am even more vigilant when it comes to my dating life. I now listen to where people are on their journey, which helps me protect myself from those who don’t align with my purpose in life. I am finally in a state of awareness, not judgment, giving me the freedom to choose who enters my sacred space. I pour into myself daily, unapologetically, and give myself permission to speak my truth, take up space, and stand in my power. I no longer shrink to make others feel comfortable. My light is here to shine brightly and inspire others to do the same.
I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom, to have nothing, and start over. I’m here to tell you that it is possible to overcome and dream of a life filled with love, joy, and inner peace. My story has shown me that we are not defined by what has happened to us, but rather, we must use it as our power and fuel to rise like the phoenix and soar higher than we ever imagined. By doing so, we show others that they can do the same. I honor my story and am deeply grateful for all parts of it—including this relationship, because it made me who I am today: a Power Goddess spreading love and joy in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.br3ath3joy.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazel-montserrat-gutierrez-36088483/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzZmTPlAzUNyN-63V9KZIvw
- Other: Tiktok – tiktok.com/@br3ath3_joy
Substack – hazelmontserrat.substack.com
Wholistic Events – linktr.ee/br3ath3joy
