We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeid Lewis-Jolley Hunter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeid below.

Jeid, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Certainly! Here’s a revised version of your interview answer:

“As a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), I bring a holistic approach to my practice, combining the science of the body with a spiritual dimension. Through the art of therapeutic touch and soft tissue manipulation, I’ve witnessed how it can effectively reduce stress, enhance concentration, and promote relaxation.

But I take it a step further by integrating various healing modalities such as crystals, water therapy, hypnotherapy, rattles, and drums to enhance the healing process. My focus is on addressing spiritual trauma as a foundational step, then connecting it to the physical aspects of pain. Pain doesn’t appear out of thin air; it’s a manifestation rooted in our five senses – what we smell, touch, hear, feel, and taste. These sensory experiences trigger responses in our brains, shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.

In my practice, I strive to bridge the gap between spiritual disconnection and physical discomfort, aiming for true healing by addressing the root causes. True healing, in my view, involves delving into the core of the matter, bringing about lasting relief and well-being.”

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?

I was fortunate to grow up in the rural counties of New Castle, Kentucky, where I was immersed in the rich traditions of hard work, placing faith first, and a deep appreciation for sports. These three core values laid the foundation for the challenges that awaited me in life.

Coming from a small-town upbringing, I developed a natural inclination for learning, and I proudly describe myself as a ‘Jill of all trades’—proficient in many areas rather than a master of one. It was through my own personal pains and struggles that I found my calling in psychology. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, using my studies to psychoanalyze myself and gain insights into the motivations behind human behavior.

After graduating, I joined the state workforce, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed more life experiences before offering advice to others. As time passed, my inner calling as a servant leader became undeniable. My purpose was to be of significant assistance to others, especially those facing specific challenges that I had the expertise to address.

While I had a successful career in the corporate world, I felt a deep misalignment with my soul’s mission. It was evident that my path involved helping people in a more profound way. The turning point came when I experienced my first massage, and I was immediately captivated. I embarked on extensive research and discovered the world of Neurosomatic Massage Therapy. Although personal reasons prevented me from completing the program, my curiosity and passion for this art remained unwavering.

After some time, I found Cortivia School of Massage, where I was introduced to the spiritual dimension of massage therapy. At that point, I didn’t fully understand who I was or where this journey would take me, but I was open to the possibilities. My journey included experiences with chair massages, collaborations with chiropractors, reiki masters, pranic healing instructors, hypnotherapists, and plant medicine specialists. These encounters profoundly influenced my current practice.

Today, my mission is clear: I aim to assist individuals who have experienced emotional trauma, guiding them through the challenges of anxiety and depression. I provide them with valuable tools and techniques for their daily lives, offering a permanent solution as long as these practices are consistently applied. Remember, practice leads to progress!

I have no competition. I don’t believe it. Every person brings a unique flavor and twist the their creations. A person that feels like they need to compete doesn’t know themselves and the gifts that they possess.

To my those to whom are drawn to my energy. I am the co-creator of Sound Mind and Body Wellness. Located in Pinellas Park Florida. If you are wanting to make real change and are serious about breaking free from the confines of your mind look me up.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My life story is a testament to resilience. At the age of 16 I attempted to take my own life, I faced a profound crisis when I grappled with my own identity and attraction to the same sex, which my mother, family, and the world around me couldn’t accept. It was a pivotal moment when everything seemed to collapse around me, plunging me into feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. These negative emotions became my constant companions for years to come.

The trauma I experienced during that period seemed to confirm my deepest insecurities, leading to a rollercoaster of highs and lows, tumultuous relationships, and patterns of codependency and manipulation. However, as life continued to unfold, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be more to existence than what I was enduring. So, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking a deeper connection with God and spirituality, only to discover that the divine I had been searching for externally resided within me all along.

My life took a significant turn for the better when I enrolled in the school of massage therapy. While I’ll delve into further details when answering other questions, this context outlines the trajectory of my life. Fueled by resilience and a determination to thrive, I continue my journey of self-healing. The tools I’ve applied have not only worked but are still actively contributing to my well-being. It’s this resilience and my unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest that motivates me to share my gift of transforming emotional trauma with the world through therapeutic massage.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Sound Mind And Body Wellness has a unique story that is intricately woven with the journeys of its creators. We embarked on this path in an industry that may appear successful from the outside, but for us, it presented its fair share of challenges. Our journey began just three days before the announcement of quarantine, and despite the hurdles, we persevered, carving our niche as a recognized spiritual practice within the industry.

Our dedicated therapists have had the privilege of touching the lives of over 1500 individuals, facilitating healing in ways they never thought possible. Our numerous five-star reviews across multiple platforms attest to the profound impact we’ve made. However, Sound Mind And Body Wellness has chosen to pivot and venture into the realm of education within the massage field.

We are passionate about teaching our signature flow method of touch to fellow therapists who aspire to practice therapeutic massage for spiritual healing. At Sound Mind And Body Wellness, we offer more than just massage; we are agents of healing. We view massage as a powerful tool among many others, all designed to bring your mind, body, and spirit into alignment and homeostasis.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soundmindandbodywellness.com
• Instagram: Sound Mind and Body Wellness
• Facebook: Sound Mind and Body Wellness
• Linkedin: Sound Mind and Body Wellness
• Youtube: Bits of tea

Image Credits
First photo is by letta media @jliketheletta Instagram. All other photos are provided by yours truly Jeid N Lewis-Jolley Hunter