We recently connected with Leslie Vera and have shared our conversation below.
Leslie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
It all began with a transformative experience during a series of plant medicine ceremonies in the Peruvian Amazon, where I lived for 5 months last year. In the midst of those ancient rituals, a seed of inspiration was planted within me – I felt a deep calling to return to Los Angeles and serve and build my community here with the tools and healing modalities that have helped change my life.
Upon my return, fueled by this newfound purpose, I wasted no time. Within days of my arrival, I hit the ground running, scouring the city for the perfect location to bring my vision to life. It was as if the universe conspired in my favor because within two weeks of my return, I stumbled upon the perfect location and signed a lease right away. It was a moment of serendipity, where everything seemed to align seamlessly.
But the journey had just begun. With the space secured, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. With the support of friends and family, we transformed the bare walls of that space into Casa Kallpa – a sanctuary for healing and community.
As the doors swung open to the public, we were met with an overwhelming wave of support from the community. It was humbling to witness the gratitude and enthusiasm of those who walked through our doors. It was comments like, “Thank you for opening Casa Kallpa on this side of town. I’m so happy this exists so close to me,” that truly fueled our determination. These heartfelt expressions of gratitude served as a constant reminder of the impact Casa Kallpa was having on the local community.
Within our first two weeks, the response was beyond our wildest expectations. We had several sold out classes, and the energy within Casa Kallpa was electric. Each day brought new faces, eager to explore the transformative practices we offered. And as our community continued to grow, so did our sense of purpose and fulfillment.
It is clear that Casa Kallpa struck a chord—a chord that resonates deeply with those seeking healing and connection. And as I witnessed the transformative power of our sanctuary firsthand, I knew that we were onto something special.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Casa Kallpa continues to thrive, evolving into a vibrant hub of healing and community. And through it all, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving others with integrity, compassion, and love.
Today, as I reflect on the journey that brought us here, I am filled with gratitude—for the vision that inspired us, for the community that supports us, and for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others through Casa Kallpa Healing Center. As I look to the future, I do so with excitement and anticipation for the heartfelt connections and adventures that lie ahead.
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?
For those unfamiliar with Casa Kallpa and the work we do, let me introduce myself and our mission.
My journey into the wellness industry began unexpectedly, sparked by a transformative experience during a three-month stint in Thailand 2 years ago. There, I immersed myself in various modalities, obtaining certifications as a 200-hour yoga instructor, breathwork facilitator, and sound healing practitioner. Little did I know that this personal exploration would evolve into a passionate vocation.
Upon returning to Los Angeles, I felt compelled to share the profound knowledge and tools I had acquired. Initially, I started offering sound baths at different venues across LA, driven by a deep sense of purpose and supported by a wonderfully receptive community. It was clear to me that I was answering a calling to facilitate healing and growth in others. I also began working with high profile clients for private sessions, and witnessing the profound impact these personalized sessions had on their well-being further solidified my belief in the transformative power of holistic healing practices.
After another journey of deep inner work in the Peruvian Amazon, I decided to take the leap and open Casa Kallpa Healing Center in LA while also working on building Casa Kallpa Retreat Center in Peru. At Casa Kallpa, we specialize in utilizing holistic practices such as breathwork, sound healing, meditation, and yoga to regulate the nervous system. Our focus is on aiding individuals who find themselves navigating high stress, depression, or simply feeling stuck in survival mode. By helping them regulate their nervous system, we empower them to reconnect with their bodies and initiate their own healing journey.
What sets Casa Kallpa apart is the nurturing and non-judgmental environment we’ve cultivated at our Healing Center. We pride ourselves on providing a safe haven where individuals can shed their armor, express vulnerability, and find solace within a compassionate community. It’s this sense of belonging and support that truly sets us apart.
I am immensely proud of the sanctuary we’ve created at Casa Kallpa. Witnessing the transformations and the sense of empowerment experienced by our community reaffirms the importance of our work. Our greatest achievement lies in being able to facilitate profound healing and self-discovery for those who walk through our doors.
For potential clients and future community members, I want you to know that Casa Kallpa is more than just a wellness center—it’s a sanctuary for holistic healing and personal growth. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, depression, or simply a space to reconnect with yourself, Casa Kallpa welcomes you with open arms. Our commitment to fostering healing, community, and self-empowerment remains unwavering.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Before embarking on my current path, I worked in the tech industry as an account manager. While I was good at what I did and found aspects of it fulfilling, deep down, I knew there was something missing. I’ve always been someone with diverse interests, constantly exploring different avenues to find what truly resonates with me.
One day, I had a realization that I wanted more than just a career in tech. I yearned for something that aligned more closely with my passions and values. It was a pivotal moment, a crossroads where I had to make a decision: continue on the familiar path or take a leap of faith into the unknown.
After much soul-searching and deliberation, I decided to pivot. I left my job in the tech industry and embarked on a new journey. I took a leap of faith and pursued my dream of opening Casa Kallpa, a venture that combined my love for hospitality, cultural exchange, and community building.
The transition wasn’t easy. There were doubts and uncertainties along the way, but I persevered. With determination and hard work, Casa Kallpa began to take shape. It wasn’t just a business; it was a manifestation of my true self, a place where I could channel my passions and make a meaningful impact.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that pivotal moment. It was a turning point that set me on a path of fulfillment and purpose. It taught me the importance of listening to my inner voice and having the courage to pursue my dreams, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building a social media audience requires understanding your target audience and creating authentic, engaging content. I utilized a mix of social media ads and word of mouth to grow my audience for Casa Kallpa. Consistency in posting and interaction, along with collaborations and user-generated content, played crucial roles. Key advice for beginners: know your audience, be authentic, engage consistently, and don’t hesitate to experiment and learn. By following these principles, you can build a strong social media presence and grow your brand effectively. Additionally, fostering positive word-of-mouth through exceptional customer experiences and service is essential. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your brand to others, amplifying your reach and credibility on social media platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: Casakallpa.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/casakallpa.la
Image Credits
Revel Images