We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isabella Stoloff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Isabella, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Taking the Leap
Taking a risk can feel daunting. Without a safety net, leaping into the unknown might even seem foolish. But that’s exactly what I did—it was not the first time, and it was certainly not the last.
When I led my first group to Peru over New Year’s 2009–2010, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d only visited once before and had just begun opening the Orange County Healing Center as a business. At the time, I was teaching acting and public speaking at Fullerton College, had a daughter in High School and was living a relatively normal life.
One of my guests called and asked, “Can we extend our trip to Lake Titicaca?” I told him we could not—I said, ” I have to return home. The Spring semester is beginning and I have to get back to work.” A few days later, I received a call from the college. They said, “We’re letting go of all our adjunct faculty.” I was shocked. I loved my teaching job. I had just bought my home and didn’t know how I’d make ends meet. Still, something inside me whispered: Jump.
So I did.
I called my guests and said, “Guess what? We’re going to Lake Titicaca!”
That trip changed everything. While hiking up a mountain, I captured a photo of a massive spirit orb in front of one of my guests (the one who wanted to go there), and that image launched both my writing career and my business. Since then, I’ve led spiritual journeys not only to Peru but to Greece, England, Egypt—and just last year, Bali.
This year marks a new chapter: my first women-only journey to Peru. I can’t wait to return to my favorite sacred land once again and share the magic with other women.
My most recent leap? Writing children’s stories. I’ve written three so far. It’s terrifying—and wildly fun. I love to create! In 2015-2016 my daughter and I created the Good Vibes Oracle Deck. Each of the 33-cards in the deck are infused with positive energy, and the booklet I channeled is a wonderful teaching tool.
I love taking risks. They stretch me, challenge me, and allow me to grow. At almost 65, I’m still evolving—still diving into the well of my soul.
Recently, I signed up for an intuitive painting class in Italy. Painting is something I have always been afraid of. I am looking forward to challenging myself with something new.
So if you’re standing at the edge, afraid to leap, remember: without risks, life loses some of its magic. Taking risks, moving forward, pushing yourself to try new things is a wonderful way to not only evolve, but the grow spiritually.
As one of my Good Vibes Oracle cards says – Take a leap of faith and do the unexpected.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Meet Isabella Stoloff: Guiding Souls to Transformation Through Energy, Story, and Sacred Journey
For those just discovering my work, I’m Isabella Stoloff—a transformational guide, spiritual teacher, and the founder of the Orange County Healing Center. Since 2006, I’ve supported people from all walks of life in releasing old patterns, awakening their inner wisdom, and reconnecting to their soul’s purpose.
But my story begins long before that.
In 1991, I hit rock bottom. I was struggling with addiction and facing a very different reality than the one I live today. It was in that moment of personal reckoning that I chose to radically shift my life. I dove headfirst into healing, rewiring my brain with positive thought, and exploring the deeper meaning behind my experiences. This journey led me through academia—earning my MFA and teaching at the college level—and eventually into the world of energy medicine and Shamanism.
When I discovered Shamanic work in 2006, everything clicked. I felt more myself than ever before: empowered, connected, and creatively alive. That same year, I opened the Orange County Healing Center—not just as a space for sessions and workshops, but as a sacred gathering place for spiritual growth.
What I Offer
Over the years, my work has evolved into offerings that include:
1:1 Online Energy Healing Sessions: soul retrieval, past life healing, chakra balancing, and ancestral clearing
Sacred Retreats around the world: Peru, Bali, Greece, Egypt, England—offering spiritual journeys and while in Peru-plant medicine integration
The Good Vibes Oracle Deck: a 33-card affirmation deck co-created with my daughter, designed to raise your vibration and guide your day
Online Courses: Awaken the Creator Within, to help people – build self-awareness, trust intuition, and step into their purpose
Golden Condor Healer Training: a shamanic certification program integrating teachings from the Andes, Amazon, and direct spirit downloads
Speaking Engagements & Workshops focused on authentic living, energy clearing, and personal empowerment
Children’s Stories: a new creative path, using storytelling to bring emotional wisdom to the next generation
The Problems I Help Solve
Many of my clients come to me when they’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by life. They’re often dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, or simply a longing to remember who they are. My role is to help them clear energetic blocks, shift perceptions, and create a new blueprint for living—one rooted in truth, joy, and self-trust.
My work is about transmutation—transforming the heavy into light, fear into love, and wounds into wisdom.
What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work different is that I don’t just teach or guide—I live what I offer. My journey has been one of deep personal healing, spiritual awakening, and creative expression. I bring my whole self to this work: the healer, the teacher, the artist, the woman who once felt broken and now feels whole.
I also bridge worlds. With one foot in academic and theatrical training and the other in ancient shamanic traditions, I can hold space for both the logical mind and the mystical soul. Whether you’re brand new to energy work or already deeply immersed in the path, I meet you where you are—with compassion, clarity, and tools that actually work.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of my resilience and how far I’ve come, but more than anything, I’m proud of the people I’ve helped over the years. I’ve witnessed transformations that bring me to tears—people breaking free from lifelong patterns, reclaiming their joy, and stepping into leadership roles of their own.
I’m also incredibly proud of the Good Vibes Oracle Deck, now in the hands of readers around the world, in English & Spanish, and of my children’s book projects, which bring love and healing to little hearts everywhere.
What I Want You to Know
If you’re reading this and feel like something is shifting inside you—if you’re ready to release, reset, and rise—I want you to know: you’re not alone, and the answers are within you.
Whether you join me for a retreat, a session, or simply draw a card from my deck, my intention is always the same—to help you remember your power and how to live a high-vibrational, beautiful life.
To learn more, visit www.shamanisabella.com or follow me @shaman.isabella on Instagram, and shamanisabella on TikTok, or Facebook.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A Story of Resilience: From Rock Bottom to Soul Purpose
In early 1991, at the age of 31, I found myself in one of the darkest places imaginable—prison. After years of surviving as a runaway, battered wife, teen mother, and addict, I had completely lost my way. My husband died of cancer in 1987, and I spiraled into homelessness and despair. Having lost custody of my two children, I truly didn’t care whether I lived or died.
Then, something unexpected happened.
While in that cold, terrifying prison cell, I found out I was pregnant, again. I thought I might be before I turned myself in, but I wasn’t sure.
My first thought was, the rabbit done died!! How can I have another child…I can’t even take care of the two I have! I felt so lost and alone. But then something inside of me shifted… I thought, What if this baby could save my life? And in many ways, she did.
That pregnancy gave me a reason to live. A purpose. A tiny flicker of hope I hadn’t felt in years. She was a reason to live. After giving birth, I fought to regain custody of my other two children. I went back to school and, over time, earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. My identity began to transform—not just as a mother and survivor, but as a woman reclaiming her power. I could see that transformation was possible. Even for me.
Then, in 2006, when I discovered Shamanism—everything changed even more. It was like remembering something I’d always known but forgotten. Through energy work, ancestral healing, and spiritual practices, I began clearing the layers of trauma that had lived in me for decades. I came to understand past lives, karma, and the energetic imprints we carry. And most importantly, I learned how to heal—not only myself, but others.
My life now has deep meaning, and my mission is clear: to help others remember that transformation is possible, no matter how far gone you may think you are.
If you’re struggling, please know this – you are not alone – if I can do it – so can you.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I did everything from a grassroots perspective. I learned how to make a website. I taught myself Facebook and YouTube. I went to networking events and put myself on YELP. I started a Meet-up. One thing will lead you to the next. Don’t let money stop you!
I feel all you need is passion and you will find your way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shamanisabella.com
- Instagram: shaman.isabella
- Facebook: Shaman Isabella
- Youtube: isabellastoloff
- Yelp: Orange County Healing Center
