Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Reinhart

Hi Leah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

We all have a story, don’t we? Each one is as unique as the person living it. My story begins in Hayward, California, where I was born and lived until I was six years old. I start here because a pivotal event changed the course of my life: my mother was physically attacked by our next-door neighbor. That traumatic incident drove us to move to Oakland, California—a place that would profoundly shape the woman, business owner, mother, spouse, and author I’ve become.

Oakland had a reputation for being a violent city, but our new home was perched on a hill surrounded by nature, offering a refuge that felt worlds away. I’ll always be grateful for the lessons that “crazy, dangerous” place taught me. At first, I was captivated by the trails, open space, and the outdoor adventures the hill provided. It was also home to a tight-knit church community where everyone looked like they’d stepped out of Little House on the Prairie. They had horses, dogs, chickens, and all kinds of animals—a lifestyle that felt both foreign and fascinating to me.

In contrast, my elementary school was the polar opposite of the hill. I was a minority, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it made fitting in a challenge. Growing up, I always felt like an outsider, even in my own family. My parents, like many back then, weren’t very involved, so I learned to adapt and mold myself to my surroundings depending on where I was.

This need to fit in led to moments of both triumph and trouble. I often succumbed to peer pressure, driven by my desire to be liked. While it wasn’t always the best path, it taught me adaptability—a skill I’d later lean on in life and business.

I was timid and afraid of just about everything as a child. But when you’re surrounded by horses, packs of dogs, and children navigating their own struggles, you either face your fears or get left behind. I joined the church and discovered the power of prayer, which taught me how faith and intention could manifest protection and positivity in my life.

Taking horseback riding lessons was another transformative experience. Horses taught me about energy—how the way you present yourself impacts everything around you. Fear invites chaos, while confidence fosters harmony. That lesson stuck with me. It applies to people, animals, and life itself: the energy you project often dictates the outcome. It’s one of the most cherished lessons I’ve carried forward from my childhood.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Smooth road? That’s a hard no. I’d say I’m a graduate of the school of hard knocks. The church I grew up in was very strict—an Apostolic Pentecostal church, often referred to as “Holy Rollers.” When I decided it wasn’t for me anymore, the elders warned me that life would get incredibly difficult. They told me I’d be punished because I had knowledge others in the “world” didn’t have.

And for a while, it felt like they were right. At 17, I overdosed on drugs. Just five weeks later, I was sexually assaulted at a party. Still, I graduated high school and enrolled in beauty school. Hairdressing felt like a perfect fit—I loved being creative, working with my hands, and connecting with people.

My first job was as an assistant at an upscale salon, but I hadn’t left the partying behind. After what happened to me, I internalized a harmful message: once you were “ruined,” nothing you did afterward really mattered. At 20 years old, I found myself pregnant. I was just starting my career, but I knew I had to make more money. I also knew I was going to have this child on my own.

Growing up, I had learned to be resourceful. My parents weren’t the type to spoil us. We got new clothes on birthdays or Christmas, and that was about it. At 14, I saved up and bought my own horse. I worked hard, paid for my own prom dress, and bought my first car. Those experiences taught me that if I wanted something, I could make it happen. That same determination told me I could take care of a baby.

Of course, everyone around me said I’d ruined my life. I was the first in my family to get pregnant out of wedlock, and people judged me harshly. At work, my assistant role was supposed to transition into a commission-based position, but my boss pulled me aside one day and said I wasn’t working hard enough. So, I decided to show him what not working really looked like—I walked out. I found another job shortly after that.

I’ve never been someone who tolerates disrespect or unfairness. I can thank my upbringing in Oakland for teaching me that lesson.

At 21, I gave birth to my child and spent six years as a single mother. I lived in a tough neighborhood because landlords in the ’90s wouldn’t rent to single mothers. I worked at several salons while building my clientele and quickly realized that I didn’t like working under authority. Becoming my own boss became my ultimate goal.

Life wasn’t easy, but I was determined to prove everyone wrong. I refused to believe I was destined to be poor or that my life was ruined forever. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that change is inevitable. With hard work and determination, you can create a life you’re proud of.

My clients and colleagues were my greatest teachers. They taught me about energy, how to use it to manifest change, the importance of owning property, and even investing. They also encouraged me to share my story through writing.

By the time I was 25, I had built an incredible clientele as a single mother, which allowed me to buy my first home. Using the Law of Attraction paired with the Law of Action, I manifested not just my career success but also my relationship with my husband, who has been by my side for 27 years.

In less than a decade, I went from living in an apartment where prostitutes smoked crack in the laundry room to owning three properties, being married, raising another child, and saving for retirement. I guess I didn’t ruin my life after all.

Now, with over 35 years of experience in the hairstyling industry, I’ve owned my own salon since 2016. The *Wellness Garden Tool Shed* isn’t just a salon—it’s a space that nurtures the mind, body, and soul, and published two books; my memoir, “Manifesting Me: A Story of Rebellion and Redemption “and my first novel “I Am Not a Ghost”.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I opened my in-home salon, Wellness Garden Tool Shed, in 2016 with a vision to create a space for the mind, body, and soul. For years, I imagined a larger space on a piece of land, but when that didn’t pan out, I refused to let it stop me. Instead, I brought the dream to life in my backyard. My husband, a general contractor, built a beautiful salon for me, where I now offer not only traditional hair services but also crystal jewelry, books, and energy readings.

Everything is energy, and I believe in harnessing it intentionally. Crystals, for example, provide specific energy when worn, helping to balance and support the wearer. Books have also been a profound source of inspiration in my life. As an author, I’ve had the privilege of meeting other writers who share their journeys through memoirs. These hero’s journeys offer hope and show that it’s possible to overcome life’s challenges and traumas. Offering books in my salon is unique and aligns with my mission to provide tools for growth and transformation.

To expand my reach, I created a website for Wellness Garden Tool Shed, where I offer products and services designed for those seeking more out of life. For example, we sell manifesting bundles, which are curated to engage all your senses and help you focus on your goals. Each bundle includes a candle, essential oil, a crystal bracelet, and a mantra—tools that work together to keep your energy aligned with your vision.

I’m very pleased with our manifesting bundles, but I’d have to say the SHINE Method, a free downloadable worksheet that I’ve created that helps people get unstuck in life is something I am very proud of. Additionally, I offer tarot and oracle card energy readings to help clients identify roadblocks or uncover hidden talents they might not realize they have.

While I’ll always have my loyal hair clients—something I truly enjoy—I feel called to explore new avenues. Energy work was the logical next step. I’ve gained so much knowledge over the years that has helped me accomplish incredible things, including publishing books. and I feel compelled to share it. I deeply believe in the formula: Law of Attraction + Law of Action = Results. And I have the results to prove it works.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

Cities offer something unique that you can’t find in super rural areas. I love the diversity they bring because it introduces new perspectives on style, traditions, learning methods, belief systems, cuisines, and, most importantly, acceptance of people who are different from one another. In a big city, you never get bored—there’s truly something for everyone.

However, one thing I dislike is the changes in crime and safety over the years. Feeling safe and protected is a basic human need, but unfortunately, we’ve lost many programs that supported people dealing with drug addiction and mental illness. When those resources became less available, the impact was profound. That’s a complex issue, though, and I hope that one day we can implement strategies to improve the situation.

Having traveled across the country, I can confidently say there’s nothing quite like California and its cities. We’re home to the tech industry, which drives innovation for the entire world. And, of course, our cities have given birth to incredible music, film, and creative work that people everywhere enjoy. I have no reason to leave this place I call home.

Pricing:

• Manifesting Bundles $39.00
• Energy Reading 45 Min $150.00
• Various Products $8.50-$19.00
• Manifesting Journal $13.42
• Free Download SHINE Method

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wellnessgardentoolshed.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessgardentoolshed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessGardenToolShed/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellnessGardenToolShed
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@wellnessgardentoolshed Leah WGTS @wgts888.bsky,social

Image Credits

Cheryl Phillips – Elegant Reflections Photography www.elegantreflectionsphotography.com