Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latoya Westbrook. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

LaToya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

Today, I’m reflecting on a deeply meaningful milestone in my journey. I received my first official paid opportunity in my field of practice by simply showing up authentically on social media years ago. At the time, I was a relatively new business owner, primarily teaching yoga, while also exploring my growing passion for sound healing. Newly certified, I began sharing my love and knowledge of this sacred practice online, hosting live, full-length sound baths and explaining how sound meditation could deeply benefit those who chose to “tune in” and build a consistent practice.

What I didn’t realize then was how powerful that authenticity and passion would be in opening doors. A fellow holistic healing practitioner, planning an all-women’s retreat, discovered my page. She told me she was drawn to my energy and how genuinely I shared my expertise, even mentioning that it felt divinely orchestrated since she rarely used the platform we connected on. That moment felt like a gift from the universe, aligning perfectly with my desire to shift from teaching mindful movement to offering practices that truly resonated with me on a soul-level.

The process of working together was seamless, guided by mutual understanding and shared intention. Co-facilitating the holistic healing and meditation portion of that retreat was a profoundly fulfilling experience. It not only allowed me to expand as a spiritual mentor but also affirmed that I was on the right path. My sound healing and mentoring sessions were genuinely received with open hearts, and I left the retreat feeling deeply grateful and inspired.

That opportunity marked the beginning of a journey I’ve continued ever since—sharing the beauty, resonance, and transformative power of sound healing and spiritual mentorship with others. It was a reminder that when we lean into our gifts and share them authentically, the right opportunities will flow to us at just the right time.

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 served in the United States Army from 2009 to 2013, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. After returning home, I found myself struggling mentally, spiritually, and emotionally in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The deployment had stirred up more than I realized — I became jumpy at loud noises, was afraid of the dark due to long nights filled with unsettling sounds, and often felt like I had to watch my back. The nightmares were relentless. During my “reintegration phase,” I leaned heavily on medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, to sleep and to try and “feel better.” My alcohol consumption increased significantly, and on top of all that, the stress of combat seemed to awaken painful memories of childhood trauma. I was dealing with a lot, and it was overwhelming.

During this challenging time, I noticed my OCD tendencies were getting worse. It felt like my mind was constantly racing with a million thoughts, my relationship was falling apart, and I had lost my sense of self. The weight of it all wore me down. I was exhausted from battling PTSD and insomnia, and the medications and recommendations from the VA Hospital just seemed to make things worse. I knew there had to be other ways to find relief, but the options I was aware of at the time didn’t resonate with me. Therapy through the VA back then didn’t offer the holistic approaches that are more common today.

In 2015, I decided to explore new ways to find inner peace and healing. That’s when I discovered what I call “traditional” meditation. Meditation, along with studying yogic philosophy and learning about spirituality from various cultures, marked the beginning of my healing journey. Over the years, I began to experience the benefits of a consistent meditation and yoga practice. Then, in 2018, I was introduced to Sound Therapy—also known as Sound Baths (for groups), Sound Healing, or Sound Meditation — and it felt like my world changed overnight. Sound Healing gave me the space to clear out the “gunk” from within, allowing me to heal on a deep, cellular level.

As I continued my journey in wellness and spirituality, I found myself reconnecting with God. This renewed relationship, combined with traditional meditation and sound healing, allowed me to break free from my old, unhealthy coping mechanisms. Today, “I AM” – healthy, whole, and grounded. The changes I’ve made in my personal practices and lifestyle have had a profound impact on my life, helping me evolve, expand, and truly embody my transformation from the inside out.

At one point, I remember thinking: “If sound healing could have such a powerful effect on my life, how amazing would it be to share this sacred practice with others, especially fellow veterans?” That thought sparked my desire to step into my dharma.

What truly sets me apart, beyond my unique gifts and calling as a highly sensitive person, is my service in the United States Army. As a combat veteran, I bring a deep understanding and compassion to my work, especially when supporting those seeking relief from PTSD, anxiety, and stress tied to military experiences, trauma, or the demands of daily life. This shared perspective allows me to create a brave and supportive space for peace, healing, personal freedom, and connection.

Today, I am honored to serve as a certified sound healing practitioner, holistic healing facilitator, and spiritual mentor—what I lovingly call an “Inner Wisdom Guide.” My mission is to help people navigate and overcome stress, anxiety, and PTSD by creating brave spaces where they can experience deep serenity through sound and holistic healing. I support this journey through intuitive, personalized offerings, including online oracle and aura readings, sound healing sessions, Reiki, and energy healing.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, the most valuable qualities for succeeding in my field are authenticity, awareness, kindness, compassion, and patience. In a world filled with yoga teachers and holistic healing practitioners, the key to standing out isn’t competition—it’s showing up as your true, authentic self. People can sense when someone lacks spiritual integrity or isn’t following their unique path, and that disconnect can create barriers to trust and connection.

A developed sense of awareness and discernment is essential for maintaining healthy, professional boundaries that support our spiritual and emotional well-being. This state of awareness also helps us recognize divine wisdom when it appears, empowering us to advocate more effectively for our clients’ health and overall well-being.

Kindness and compassion are cornerstones of this work—not just toward others but also toward ourselves. These qualities help us connect with people from all walks of life, creating the brave and supportive space needed for transformation. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness or an expression of genuine compassion can be the spark for profound change.

And finally, patience is an invaluable virtue. Whether we’re navigating our own journey or supporting others, patience allows us to honor the timing of healing and growth, trusting that everything unfolds as it should.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story from my journey that truly illustrates resilience is less of a single event and more a testament to the patience and determination required to build a successful service-based business. My growth didn’t happen overnight. There were countless moments when I felt discouraged—like I was pouring my heart into my life’s work, yet people weren’t ready to receive it or embrace the spiritual transformation and profound sound healing immersions I offered.

At the time, I believed part of the challenge stemmed from my geographical location and being a Black holistic healing practitioner in predominantly white spaces. I also realized I needed to do more inner healing, shift my mindset, and raise the vibrational frequency I was operating from. These realizations were pivotal, but the journey remained slow.

It took about three years before I started to see consistent opportunities, meaningful traction, and sustainable revenue. Statistically, the odds of continuing as a new business owner with little growth are slim, and there were moments when I wanted to give up entirely. But I held on to my vision of helping others heal, even during the hardest days. I went back to the drawing board more times than I can count, each time learning, growing, and refining my approach.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of myself for persevering through the tears and frustration. The grace I gave myself and the effort I poured into my work were not in vain. Today, I can see how all those challenges shaped me into the practitioner I am, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theinkedalch3mist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_inked_alch3mist?igsh=MTJqYmR2eG03czhpbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-w-2414a074
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-inked-alch3mist-austin

Image Credits

Sarah King, Claire Valera, Sierra D., and Denee Westbrook