We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LeAnne Feliciano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LeAnne below.
Hi LeAnne, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In my late twenties, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with the complexities of life as a mother of three, battling mental health issues, and facing the challenges of addiction. Seeking stability for both myself and my children, I made a pivotal decision to embark on a career path as a hairstylist. Little did I know that this decision would not only provide a creative outlet but also serve as a catalyst for profound personal growth and transformation.
Hairstyling became more than just a profession; it became a source of direction, pride, and purpose. Over the course of fourteen years, I honed my skills, finding joy in the art of hairstyling and the connections forged with my clients. Each day presented an opportunity to not only create beauty but also to serve as a confidant, a sounding board, and a source of comfort for those who sat in my chair. It was a role I took great pride in, and one that allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
However, in 2006, my world was turned upside down when I received a devastating diagnosis of three herniated discs in my neck. Doctors warned that the physical demands of hairstyling would be impossible to sustain following surgery, leaving me with the daunting prospect of having to find a new career path. It was a crushing blow, one that left me grappling with uncertainty and fear for the future.
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Simultaneously, while grappling with pivotal decisions, I found myself in the middle of a spiritual metamorphosis. Though everything seemed to be unraveling before me, there was an inexplicable sense of reassembly taking place. I felt an unmistakable pull toward the Healing Arts, where the chaos and ambiguity of my journey began to merge into clarity. It was as though the universe was guiding me toward my destined path, where I discovered a profound sense of purpose and belonging.
Despite the odds stacked against me, I underwent surgery and enrolled in a school for the healing arts. This decision was transformative, aligning with the spiritual journey I was undergoing. I found myself immersed in a world of ancient wisdom and transformative practices, a path that would ultimately change the trajectory of my life forever.
The journey was not without its challenges. Balancing full-time work, full-time school, and the demands of raising three children proved to be a daunting task. Yet, with each obstacle, I discovered new reservoirs of strength and resilience within myself. Supported by a nurturing community of fellow healers and practitioners, I navigated the complexities of life with a newfound sense of determination.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the challenges that I have faced and the lessons that I have learned along the way. While the road has been fraught with obstacles, each trial has served as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Today, as a Certified Holistic Practitioner in the Healing Arts, I am honored to walk alongside others on their own journey to Wellness and Wholeness. For it is through our struggles that we find our strength, and it is through our wounds that we find our healing.
LeAnne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Sacred Wild Woman, owned by LeAnne Feliciano, is a Re-wilding Holistic Practice that integrates Shamanism and Hypnosis to facilitate healing and self-discovery. LeAnne, a Shamanic Practitioner and Certified Master Hypnotherapist, offers a range of modalities including Shamanic Healing Arts, Clinical Transpersonal Hypnosis, and Recovery/Spiritual Coaching.
Through this unique blend of ancient healing practices and modern hypnosis methods, clients are empowered to release limiting beliefs and behaviors, uncover their inner truth, and align with their true purpose. LeAnne creates a safe and sacred space for clients to embark on their journey of self-exploration, connecting with their Sacred Wild Self and unlocking their unique gifts to share with the world. It’s about discovering, releasing, and allowing the wild within to blossom, empowering individuals to live authentically and make a positive impact on the world.
LeAnne is an International Medical and Dental Association Certified Hypnotherapist, a National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists Certified Master Hypnotherapist, a Certified Shamanic Practitioner from Otter Dance School of Earth Medicine, has studied with Robbie Warren, Pam Montgomery, author of “Plant Spirit Healing” and Corinna Wood, Founder of Southeast Wise Woman and Red Moon Herbs; an Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner with a degree in Occupational Psychology from The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and is a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist through Therapeutic Advances, PLLC, and a Rites Of Passage Council Ceremonial Guide. She uses these skills, along with knowledge gained from her continued and relentless personal development work, to help her clients regain their personal power and rekindle their inner light.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I had to unlearn was the conventional definition of success ingrained in me since childhood. For years, I equated success solely with material wealth and possessions, as society often does. However, as I matured and gained life experience, I came to realize that true success transcends monetary gain. My journey to redefine success stemmed from a deep reflection on what truly brings fulfillment and contentment. I discovered that success, to me, is about leaving a positive impact on the lives of others and helping them navigate toward a better future. It’s about fostering meaningful connections and contributing to the well-being of those around me.
Moreover, I learned that success also encompasses freedom – the freedom to choose how and where I invest my time and energy. This autonomy allows me to align my actions with my values and passions, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Once I embraced this new perspective on success, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment and inner peace. It was liberating to define success on my own terms, rather than conforming to societal norms. This journey taught me that true success lies in living authentically and making a positive difference in the world.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
In my field as a Holistic Practitioner, I’ve come to believe that authenticity is paramount to success. While knowledge and training are essential, authenticity goes beyond that, shaping the way we interact with clients and approach our work. Authenticity means being genuine and transparent, both with our clients and ourselves. It’s about acknowledging that, despite our expertise, we’re constantly evolving and learning. This humility allows us to remain open-minded and receptive to new insights and perspectives.
Moreover, authenticity extends to the ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. Each client interaction provides an opportunity for personal growth, as we delve deeper into our own experiences and emotions. By continuously working on ourselves, we become better equipped to support and guide others on their healing journeys.
However, authenticity also entails acknowledging our own limitations and vulnerabilities. We must recognize that, like everyone else, we have moments of struggle and imperfection. Holding space for ourselves and practicing self-compassion allows us to show up fully for our clients, even when we’re not at our best.
Ultimately, authenticity is the foundation upon which genuine connections and healing relationships are built. By embracing our authenticity, we create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can thrive, knowing that they are seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sacredwildwoman.com
- Instagram: @thesacredwildwoman
- Facebook: facebook.com/@sacredwildwoman
- Youtube: [email protected]
Image Credits
A.M. Stewart Photography