We recently connected with Kim Villegas and have shared our conversation below.
Kim, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
I believe the education system could better prepare students by eliminating the repetitiveness of unnecessary classes that aren’t relevant to their chosen majors. When I went to college for my bachelor’s in science, I had to repeat subjects like English, Math, and History, even though I had already completed them in high school—college preparatory, no less. It felt redundant and unproductive.
If I could change the system, I’d focus on competency-based learning, where students can test out of subjects they’ve already mastered. Colleges should emphasize career-relevant courses aligned with a student’s major and offer classes that teach practical life skills like financial literacy, communication, and critical thinking. This would streamline the path to a degree and allow students to focus on their passions.
I remember sitting in a freshman elective class, realizing I’d already studied in high school. While I appreciated the material, I couldn’t help but think my time would’ve been better spent learning something directly applicable to my field, like scientific ethics or research methods, even know how to do taxes or what is HOA. Repeating these courses delayed my ability to dive deeper into the subjects that truly mattered for my career.
Making education more relevant and personalized would not only reduce unnecessary costs but also keep students engaged and motivated. It’s about creating a system that empowers us to achieve our goals more efficiently and prepares us for fulfilling careers.
By aligning education more closely with individual goals, we can:
Boost student motivation and engagement.
Reduce financial strain from unnecessary credits.
Equip students with practical, career-ready skills.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Kim Villegas, also known as The Modern Geisha, and my work revolves around empowering individuals on their journey of healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation. My journey into this discipline stems from a deep passion for connecting with others, understanding their stories, and guiding them toward uncovering their inner strength and purpose.
I provide a range of services designed to foster growth and clarity, including spiritual readings, energy work, and personalized empowerment sessions. Whether through phone calls or chat-based services, I create a safe, sacred space for clients to explore their challenges and aspirations. One of my goals is to help people untangle emotional and spiritual knots, align with their higher purpose, and rediscover the light within themselves.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend intuition, cultural wisdom, and modern techniques into a unique approach. My background, values, and life experiences allow me to meet clients exactly where they are, helping them feel seen and understood. I also offer customized spiritual guidance infused with themes of healing and renewal. Recently, I’ve started designing my own oracle deck inspired by the symbolism of Asian/Chinese red envelopes—a project that brings my heritage and creativity together in a meaningful way.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. It’s an honor to be part of their transformative journeys and to witness the breakthroughs they achieve. For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that my mission is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space for you to heal, grow, and step into your power. My work is rooted in respect, empathy, and a deep commitment to your personal and spiritual evolution.
Whether you’re seeking guidance, clarity, or a moment of connection, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn the idea that “no” is a bad word. It might sound simple, but for me, it was a real struggle. Growing up, I was taught to please and serve others, and any refusal was seen as “disobedience.” Saying no felt like breaking the rules, and it often led to guilt or reprimands. This mindset shaped a lot of my early interactions, leaving me drained and disconnected from my own needs.
Looking back, I wish I’d had someone like the person I am now to guide me and help me understand that it’s okay to set boundaries. Learning to assert myself has been one of the most empowering lessons of my life. I’ve realized that it’s okay to say no, to protect your energy, and to step away from situations that don’t feel right. Your intuition is a powerful guide, and it deserves to be honored.
Unlearning this belief wasn’t easy, but it’s been transformative. Now, I embrace the truth that being assertive and protecting my peace doesn’t make me selfish or unkind—it makes me strong and self-aware. Breaking this generational pattern has allowed me to shine a light on my truth, and I hope it inspires others to do the same.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I felt like I was almost respected because of my following. Although I enjoy all of my supporters and the network I have gained over the years, I value my privacy and the peace I have made outside of my platform.
It really is wild how social media serves as both a platform for self-expression and a breeding ground for judgment and insecurity. On one hand, it’s amazing to see people showcasing their individuality, sharing their talents, and building communities around shared interests. But on the flip side, it can quickly become toxic—a place where unrealistic standards, comparison, and negativity thrive.
My brand is me and my services. So if people aren’t interested in what I have to offer, then hopefully they can adjust their algorithm, keep scrolling.
The constant exposure to curated highlights of others’ lives can make it easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re not enough. It’s a double-edged sword: while social media connects us, it also amplifies insecurities and opens the door for unsolicited opinions or judgment from people we don’t even know.
It’s a reminder that while social media can be a powerful tool, it’s important to protect your mental space and consume it mindfully. Curating your feed, setting boundaries, and remembering that it’s okay to log off are small but effective ways to maintain balance and focus on your own journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themoderngeisha.com
- Instagram: iamthemoderngeisha
- Other: tiktok: themoderngeisha