We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Yates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission for my business has really arisen from my own personal journey as a lifelong seeker, someone who constantly quested for a sense of meaning and belonging in this vast ecosystem of life. I traveled the world for many years, immersing in different cultures and studying the common threads among their wisdom traditions – seeking to understand more about a way of living that was in harmony with our true nature, and that of the Earth.

I came to the yoga path during a time of personal crisis, finding refuge and healing in the space on my mat, with my body, with my breath. Stillness, for the first time since I could remember. As this path unfolded, I discovered the vast gifts to be found in our shadow parts and experiences, and the importance of truly integrating all the parts of ourselves on the path to holistic well-being and self-actualization. My roots in yoga and mindfulness training opened the path to explore creative ways of supporting people through their own spiritual awakening and evolution processes, guiding them to access a soul-centered path of purpose and Earth-based way of living.

Wild Soul Medicine was formed through a desire to connect people back to their true roots, remember their medicine within, and walk a soul-aligned path in this lifetime. I believe that now, more than ever, we need people who have come alive – people who have remembered what it is to listen and live in tune with the rhythms within and all around. Through embodiment, ritual, connective work and creative expression, we support and inspire a new, transformative way of living that embraces community, culture, and promotes flourishing in the ecosystems within which we reside.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Kristen is a certified yoga teacher and somatic practitioner, breathwork facilitator, transformational coach and plant medicine integration guide. A nomad for 13 years, she is passionate about the intersection of travel, self-development and creativity, and curates workshops, retreats, and journeys to support people in awakening their gifts, purpose, and true path in life.

In her work with individuals and groups, she weaves her formal background in psychology with embodiment and energy work, somatic-based coaching and mentorship, plant spirit medicine, shamanic healing tools, and authentic relating. Aside from coaching and facilitation, Kristen hosts The Wild Within podcast and is involved with various creative and community-based projects. She is currently based in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and hosts retreats and workshops worldwide.

Through her business Wild Soul Medicine, Kristen supports people in their process of self-discovery and holistic healing through transformational travel journeys, 1-1 mentorship, and group experiences.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have pivoted many times, both in life and business. A nomad for many years, I have been quite accustomed to moving around the world and tuning into when it has been time for a change – whether for reasons of personal or professional growth. As a multipotentialite (someone with a wide variety of interests, skills, and passions) – I made many pivots when settling in on my business idea. In fact, I was freelancing and working side hustles for many years alongside completing my trainings in coaching, yoga, and holistic healing modalities. I would say that my biggest pivot was moving from a “freelancer” identity (working in marketing, book editing and virtual assistance) fully into my own business as a coach and facilitator. Moving to Peru in 2021 catalyzed a deep personal transformation which essentially required me to align with my true path, and to gather the courage to trust my innate skills and the passions that drove me forward in a mission-driven way. It was clear at this point that healing and transformation work was my dharma, and that it was time to leave behind the more predictable, but less fulfilling work that had been dragging me down like a ball and chain for years.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

For me, the most powerful way to build relationships and community has been a personal, one-to-one connection with my clients and followers. I have never outsourced this personal connection, and I feel it has been paramount to building out the community I have. What I find is that people are curious about the person behind the brand, and they resonate with your struggles, your authenticity, and your true story. Not only have I gained clients through connections built online, but true friendships as well – and this to me is perhaps the most important. We are all looking for real connection, for someone to see us and show us what is possible in our own lives. It has been such an honor and joy to spark inspiration in others through sharing my journey, and I reciprocally find inspiration in the clients I work with.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristenyates.com
• Instagram: @wild.soul.medicine
• Facebook: facebook.com/kyates8
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-yates-74172915/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0Z4tYYUe-Cgps7qPkcQkA