We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Blair. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I decided to start my business earlier this year, the name came to me surprisingly quickly. During my six years at a collaborative holistic clinic, I had a client who regularly booked sessions with me and was deeply receptive to energy therapy, hypnotherapy, and coaching. In our work together, we occasionally explored spirituality in a way that honored her comfort level.

In one session, I suggested she consider asking for guidance from her spirit guides—benevolent energies, beings, and her ancestors. Her response left a lasting impression on me. She paused thoughtfully before saying, “Well, I only have one guide,” and then added, “and that’s you.”

Her words floored me with love and humility. I gently explained the concept of spirit guides, and we continued with the session, but her sentiment stayed with me long after. When it came time to name my business, her words resonated so powerfully that I knew I had to honor that moment.

After starting The Guides Holistic Therapies, I brought up that conversation during a session with her and shared that her words had inspired the name. We both became emotional—it was such a meaningful full-circle moment.

In my work, I see myself as a guide for my clients. I support them through difficult conversations, big decisions, and intense emotions. I also introduce them to transformative modalities they may have never tried before or felt hesitant to explore. I often think of a Sherpa guide—highly skilled and experienced in helping climbers navigate the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas. Similarly, I guide my clients through their own emotional mountains, helping them reach the summit of their goals while gathering new insights, beliefs, and perspectives along the way.

This story is a constant reminder of the trust and connection at the heart of my practice, and it’s why The Guides felt like the perfect name

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?

The obstacles I help clients overcome span a wide range. When asked what I do, my elevator pitch often boils down to helping two groups of people:

Those navigating sadness or grief and,
High-performing individuals, like wellness enthusiasts, wellness hackers, business owners, and C-suite executives

Interestingly, these two groups frequently overlap!

Here’s a detailed list of some of the challenges I guide clients through:

Grief: Processing loss and finding healing
Anxiety: Calming the mind and reducing overwhelm
Stress: Managing pressure and building resilience
Emotional wounds: Releasing past traumas and pain
Motivation: Reigniting drive and purpose
Forgiveness: For self and others
Confidence: Building self-assurance in personal and professional life
Weight loss: Shifting mindset for sustainable results
Public speaking: Overcoming fear and enhancing communication skills
Hypnobirthing and fertility mindset: Supporting positive outcomes
Quit smoking: Breaking free from harmful habits
Athletic performance: Enhancing focus and physical potential
Self-image: Developing a healthier relationship with oneself
Insomnia: Improving sleep quality and relaxation
Anger: Managing and transforming emotional reactions
Mind-body connection: Deepening awareness for holistic healing
Shadow work: Addressing hidden aspects of the self
Inner child work: Healing childhood wounds
Lost love and moving on: Finding closure and new beginnings
Divorce: Navigating the emotional challenges of separation
Writer’s block: Unlocking creativity and flow
This comprehensive approach allows me to guide clients through a transformative journey, tailored to their unique needs

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Side hustles are my jam, and I highly encourage anyone to explore them. They’re an incredible way to gain experience, build skills, and save capital—all while staying at your current job, even if that job doesn’t align with your long-term goals.

That said, I’d like to pivot slightly to talk about what I call bridge jobs—those roles that act as a stepping stone between where you are now (point A) and where you want to go (point B).

When I took the leap from working at a holistic wellness clinic to starting my own business, I felt a lot like a hermit crab without a shell—exposed, vulnerable, and battling the fear of failure. I had agreed not to “poach” clients from the clinic unless they chose to follow me independently, which meant I was essentially starting my business from scratch.

Starting over is no fairy tale—things rarely fall magically into place overnight. Building a new career takes time, persistence, and faith in yourself. It also means getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

That’s where my bridge job came in. While I’m actively building my client base at The Guides Holistic Therapies, I also work part-time at JaxKelly, a jewelry brand. This bridge job has provided me with financial stability while allowing me the freedom to pursue both roles simultaneously.

At JaxKelly, I wear many hats—from sales and writing their affirmation deck about grief to packing orders in the warehouse and trimming wicks on hand-poured candles. Not only has this role helped me stay afloat financially, but it’s also given me new skills, a sense of camaraderie with a small, dynamic team, and the feeling of being part of a thriving, women-led company—all things I don’t experience as a solopreneur.

My advice for those considering a leap:

Find your bridge job: Choose one that provides financial stability and skill sets you can use in your future endeavors.
Build your FU Fund: Yes, your “F*ck You Fund.” Aim for at least six months of living expenses saved up before you leave your current job. It’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to take risks and stay focused when you feel like that hermit crab without a shell.
Be patient and persistent: Growth takes time. Be willing to sow the seeds, trust in yourself, and stay committed to your vision.

Bridge jobs aren’t just safety nets—they’re launching pads. For me, working at JaxKelly has been instrumental in supporting my transition to business ownership, and I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities it’s afforded me as I build my new chapter

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation in the oversaturated wellness industry of Southern California is a tricky dance. For me, it’s been about striking the right balance between differentiation, expertise, and professionalism. I focused on aligning The Guides Holistic Therapies with organizations that bring credibility and authority, actively engaging with local communities, and consistently showing up—even when it felt uncomfortable. Here are some key strategies:

Accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB):

The BBB is a nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits businesses based on their commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and customer trust. Being BBB-accredited signifies that The Guides adheres to high standards of professionalism and integrity, which helps set it apart in an industry that can sometimes feel unregulated or misunderstood.
During my BBB membership interview, a panel member remarked, “The wellness industry could really benefit from the credibility of accreditation—it needs it.” That comment struck a chord because it validated my commitment to raising the bar in holistic healthcare. I want The Guides to represent excellence, and BBB accreditation supports that reputation.
Joining the Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA):

The PHA is a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating postpartum mental health challenges. They provide resources, education, and a network of professionals who specialize in postpartum care.
Becoming a member has been transformative for The Guides. Through PHA, I’ve attended local networking events, built meaningful connections, and received client referrals. I’ve also participated in group events that have introduced The Guides to a wider audience, establishing it as a trusted resource for those seeking holistic postpartum support.
Attending Networking Events:

Whether hosted by Meetup groups or organizations like BBB and PHA, networking events have been invaluable. Even if the topic doesn’t seem directly related to my work, I attend, participate, and connect with others.
This has helped me grow my “trust muscle”—taking aligned actions that stretch my comfort zone while subscribing to the law of attraction. When you show up consistently, you not only meet like-minded people but also create opportunities that align with your goals.

Ultimately, building a reputation is about persistence, intentional action, and aligning with organizations that reflect your values. By prioritizing credibility, community involvement, and authentic connections, I’ve been able to carve out a unique space for The Guides Holistic Therapies in a crowded market

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theholisticguides.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguidesholistictherapies/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-guide-holistic-therapies/?viewAsMember=true
• Other: Google Business: http://bit.ly/418YcLw

Image Credits

Holly Holloway Photography