We were lucky to catch up with Jeanette Lira recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jeanette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The Risk That Redefined Me: Embracing Discomfort
When people ask me about the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, my mind doesn’t go to a single moment—it flashes through a lifetime of choices where I’ve leaped into the unknown, each time learning more about who I am and what I’m capable of. But there’s one thread that ties all of these experiences together: my belief that true growth only happens in discomfort.
It started after I lost my brother. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just the loss of him—it was the loss of who I thought I was. I felt directionless, and broken. But in the midst of all that pain, I realized I had nothing to lose. So, I threw my hands up and embraced the uncertainty.
I quit my stable job, packed up my apartment, and moved back in with my parents to give myself the space to start over. I took every dime I had and invested it into building a business I knew nothing about. People thought I was reckless, but for the first time, I felt alive. I was venturing into the unknown, and that’s exactly where I needed to be.
That leap of faith wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about rediscovering myself. Over the years, I’ve made it a point to step outside my comfort zone—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve explored the world, wandering the streets of Paris, getting lost in the magic of Italy, and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Fiji. But one journey stands out among them all: walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Eight years after that first trip to Paris, I found myself at the starting point of a 100-kilometer walk from Sarria to Santiago. I joined a group of women, but as with so many things in life, I knew this was a journey I needed to experience alone. Most days, I walked in solitude, confronting my thoughts, fears, and dreams with every step.
On the last day, I woke before everyone else. It was pitch dark, the rain poured down, and the world felt heavy and quiet. I stepped into the unknown, walking completely alone in the cold, wet morning. It wasn’t easy—the darkness disoriented me, the rain soaked through my clothes—but I kept moving. When I finally reached Santiago, the emotion was overwhelming. Accomplishment, pride, and a deep sense of connection washed over me. That moment wasn’t just about finishing the Camino; it was about proving to myself that I could face the darkness and come out stronger.
Every risk I’ve taken—whether it was climbing a literal mountain, hiking through the wilderness, or wandering foreign streets—has taught me that the unknown isn’t something to fear. It’s where we grow, where we discover who we are. I’ve taken risks in relationships, trusted people I shouldn’t have, and embraced failure as a stepping stone. And through it all, I’ve learned to welcome the discomfort, because it’s in those moments of uncertainty that I’ve found clarity and purpose.
I live by the mantra: “Do the thing and then figure it out.” For me, the discomfort has always been worth it. It’s where I’ve found the strength to rise, to create, and to live a life that’s truly mine. And every time I take another step into the unknown, I’m reminded that the greatest risks often bring the greatest rewards.
Jeanette, 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’m a proud Hispanic woman, entrepreneur, and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves and step into the identities that serve them best. My journey into the mental health industry and entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in personal transformation, resilience, and a passion for helping others.
My journey began with grief and loss. The creation of my first business, Positive Soul Holistic Therapy LLC DBA Auravia, was a deeply personal endeavor. It was born out of my desire to help our community avoid the pain of losing loved ones to mental health challenges. This business, my “baby,” was the foundation of everything I’ve built since and reflects my commitment to making mental health care accessible and impactful.
The Brands and Services I Offer
1. Positive Soul Holistic Therapy LLC Known as “Auravia”
Serves the community by providing holistic mental health care. We focus on offering many different therapeutic approaches such as: EMDR, ETT, EFT, DBT, and Play Therapy, serving individuals aged 4 and up, couples, and families. Our therapeutic team consists of over 20 specialists in areas such as anxiety, family conflict, self-esteem, racial identity, women’s issues, trauma of all kinds, relationship/dating issues, and much more. This business represents my commitment to holistic mental health care and ensuring that no one in our community has to face the pain of losing a loved one to mental health struggles. We accept most major insurances including medicaid, we also have a affordable private pay rates and a sliding scale.
2. Lumvia LLC
Lumvia LLC provides services beyond therapy, including credentialing and billing for mental health professionals, credentialing and billing coaching, workflow system development, mentoring LPC associates to full licensure, and personalized coaching for new business owners with a focus in mental health. Having experienced the challenges of entrepreneurship myself, I’m committed to helping others navigate this journey successfully and avoid common pitfalls.
3. Auravia Wellness LLC
Auravia Wellness is a Nurse Practitioner run clinic offering wellness services including sick visits, physicals, blood work, diagnostic testing, weight loss, hormone restoration, IV therapy, neutraceuticals, mold testing, body cleansing, yoga, nutritional coaching, 3D body scans, and meditation services.
4. Jeanette Lira LLC
My personal brand, where I empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves and step into identities that align with their highest potential. Through my work, I challenge societal norms, encourage self-discovery, and inspire transformation. I also host a podcast and work as a public speaker, sharing my message and insights on topics like personal growth, identity development, and empowerment with broader audiences.
The Problems I Solve
Through my businesses and personal brand, I address a wide range of needs:
– Helping individuals, couples, and families heal from anxiety, family conflict, trauma, self-esteem issues, and more through therapy.
– Guiding medical and mental health professionals through credentialing and business processes to eliminate the stress of bureaucracy.
– Coaching entrepreneurs in mental health and other industries to build successful businesses without repeating the mistakes I made.
– Providing comprehensive wellness services that support mental health improvement and overall well-being.
– Inspiring individuals to embrace change and redefine themselves through speaking engagements and podcast episodes.
What truly sets me apart is my unique combination of mental health expertise, business acumen, and deep empathy for the challenges my clients face. I’ve built a successful business with no formal background in entrepreneurship, generating over seven figures in revenue while mentoring others to achieve their own success, and raising my son. I am a trailblazer for Hispanic women in the mental health industry, leading with authenticity and a commitment to uplifting others.
I’m incredibly proud of the community and opportunities I’ve created through my businesses. Mentoring over 20 individuals to grow and sustain successful ventures, building a wellness center for comprehensive mental health care, and breaking barriers as a Hispanic female entrepreneur are achievements that fuel my passion every day. Most importantly, I am honored to have built Positive Soul Holistic Therapy LLC DBA Auravia as a response to grief and a mission to save lives in our community.
My work is a reflection of my personal journey of loss, rediscovery, and rebuilding. Whether you’re seeking therapy, business guidance, inspiration through my podcast, or motivation from my public speaking engagements, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My mission is to help others unlock their potential and thrive—not just survive. Together, we can create meaningful, lasting change.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my business journey occurred between October 2023 and April 2024 when Auravia underwent a dramatic transformation. At our peak, we had over 40 therapists, but during this period, our numbers dropped to just 15. Why? Because my philosophy of empowering others to succeed inspired many of my team members to venture out and start their own practices. Each one shared the same sentiment: “If you can do it, so can I.” While I was proud of the courage I inspired, it also forced an unexpected and challenging pivot.
By December 2024, Auravia has not only survived but thrived. We’ve rebuilt our team to over 20 therapists and created a trusted, resilient brand forged through struggle, grief, and triumph. However, this growth didn’t come without lessons. One of the most profound was realizing that no one will nurture and protect your “baby” – in this case, your business – the way you will. Auravia was born from my own pain and purpose, and I had to step into a new version of leadership to ensure its survival.
Rebuilding Auravia required rethinking systems, rewriting contracts, and rehiring in a landscape where the rise of platforms like Headway and Alma make it easier than ever for therapists to start their own practices. The experience taught me to embrace the discomfort of change and see it as an opportunity for growth, not failure.
Through this transformation, I have redefined what leadership means to me. I still empower my team, encouraging them to succeed even beyond my own achievements. But I also emphasize the importance of community and support. True success isn’t built in isolation; it requires collaboration, shared resources, and collective strength. While personal growth often demands we face discomfort alone, achieving our fullest potential—the kind billionaires dream of—requires us to recognize the power of numbers.
Today, Auravia is stronger than ever, a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the belief that failure is not an endpoint but a catalyst for reinvention. This journey has not only shaped my business but also redefined my identity as a leader committed to empowering others while safeguarding the vision and mission that started it all.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I believe in being 100% transparent as a leader. While some may view transparency as a weakness, my team sees it as one of our greatest strengths. By showing my humanity, I foster trust and authenticity. I openly communicate everything with my team, involving them in decisions, asking for their input, and working together to grow and empower one another. Effective communication is the backbone of our success, and it’s something we prioritize every day.
I lead by example, taking on every role within our organization—from credentialing and seeing clients to cleaning toilets—across all three of our locations. My team sees my commitment to being not just a therapist and a leader but also a mother. I work alongside them, not above them, ensuring they know they’re never alone in this journey. My goal isn’t to profit off of my team but to invest in them. In fact, most of them make more than I do because their success is a reflection of the value we place on their contributions.
At Auravia, our philosophy is simple: when employees feel valued, heard, and seen, loyalty and trust naturally follow. I go out of my way to recognize and highlight each team member’s contributions, ensuring they know how much they matter to our mission. Regular check-ins, personalized support, and recognition are part of how we nurture our team. Without them, Auravia’s mission and purpose wouldn’t be possible.
We operate like a family. Flexible schedules and a “family first” mentality are core to who we are. If someone’s childcare falls through, their kids are welcome in the office. If they need to leave unexpectedly, our admin team steps in to ensure everything runs smoothly. This sense of community and shared responsibility empowers everyone and reinforces that they are not just employees—they are part of something bigger.
Beyond financial and emotional support, we focus on holistic growth. We are a team that learns, grows, and thrives together. By seeing and treating my team as family, we’ve built an environment where every individual feels appreciated and empowered. Because without them, there is no Auravia. Together, we continue to uphold our mission and make a difference—one step at a time, as one united family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeanettelira.com, www.auraviatherapy.com, www.lumviaid.com
- Instagram: @jeanettenlira
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.lira.94
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-lira-a745b013/
Image Credits
https://www.hernphotography.com/
https://www.jg-brands.com/