We recently connected with Marsha Ashby and have shared our conversation below.
Marsha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
The defining moment in my professional career was “Lockdown.” For 17 years of my life I worked a corporate job supporting other people to make their work lives easier in any way I could. I loved my job and felt I was part of the team. During lockdown, I came to realize that I wasn’t as much a part of the team as I thought. I felt forced to take a hard look at the truth of my situation.
At first, I was angry and wanted to blame other people for not feeling the same way about me that I felt about them. I really needed to understand why there was such a disconnect between how I felt for so many years and how it seemed I was being treated now.
I had to figure this out. Reiki sessions became part of that process, along with journal writing and meditation. I went deep down into the rabbit hole and asked some hard questions.
> Why do they treat me the way they do? (me blaming others);
> Why do I allow them to treat me this way? (me starting to look inward);
> Why don’t I think I am worthy of being treated the way I deserve to be treated? (me starting to understand my feelings);
> How long have I been feeling this way? (me starting to get to the root of the issue);
> What was going on in my life when I started feeling this way? (me looking within because I started to see that everything starts with me).
I couldn’t stop because the more answers I discovered, the more questions I had. Sometimes the answers brought pain. Sometimes the answers turned out to be not at all what I thought. Sometimes the answers caused me to reflect on my relationships with others. Always the answers helped me take responsibility and ultimately set me free.
I was surprised by some of the truth that was revealed on my journey. It turned out to be the blessing I didn’t even realize I needed. It opened the door to understanding the situation I suddenly felt myself in and, most importantly, it was when I came to appreciate my true value. That defining moment was when I knew I would have to take my power back.
Reiki was a large part of my healing journey and I wanted to share this practice with others, hoping to provide a tool for those who seek to make changes in their lives. That was how Star Room Reiki was born.
Starting over is no joke nor is it for the faint of heart. I am so proud of myself. Now that I am on the other side of this life changing experience, I am authentic, confident of my ideas, and I proudly lead by example. I hope I can inspire others. Each time you inspire someone, you create a link in a chain that can continue to inspire another, and another, and another. And this is how together we change the world.
Marsha, 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?
The Bay Area was my home for over 25 years where I studied at the McKinnon School of Professional Massage and practiced an Esalen style of bodywork in Berkeley, California. My life took a years-long detour before settling here in San Diego.
I have always carved out time in my daily life for a regular spiritual practice that included heart-centered meditation, journaling, and quiet time. Because of my combined experience with Reiki and as a massage therapist, I wanted to create a healing space to support others on their journey. After studying with Sara Mitteer at Reiki of San Diego, I opened Star Room Reiki.
For anyone who may not be familiar with this practice, the word Reiki combines two Japanese words, “rei” meaning universal, and “ki,” the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. During our sessions, we work with the seven main energy centers, or Chakras, in your body.
Our bodies are made up of energy and often affected by stress, trauma or illness causing energy to sometimes become stuck. Reiki works by shifting energy in the body in a natural and effective way, creating balance and a space of being better positioned to naturally heal the body, mind and spirit.
Clients receive one-hour sessions in my studio space by appointment. A single session will produce a state of relaxation but may not address a client’s concerns fully. Most clients choose to continue with additional treatments to receive the full amount of healing they desire.
Each person has a unique story and I meet each of my clients where they are.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My business partner is my daughter, Traci Doddy. Our working relationship is somewhat unusual because our businesses are separate but related, and we work together in support of each other.
She was inspired by my work with Reiki and started an online business creating Reiki-infused chakra and smudge sprays. She did her research, learning which essential oils were best for each chakra, and created her own special blends. I infuse both the crystals and the sprays with healing energy and intentions. The result is a line of sprays selling at her online shop, The Red-Headed Hummingbird (www.redheadedhummingbird.com).
We work together creating opportunities to share Reiki and her sprays with others by participating in local health or wellness fairs, vendor markets, festivals, and pop-up events. She sells her sprays and I offer chair Reiki. We also collaborate when a client books a corporate wellness day. Our mutual goal is to create products that bring harmony to the mind, body, and spirit while supporting each other.
One of the best decisions I have made in my entire life is to work side-by-side with her. Even though our businesses are separate, a certain magic is created when we work together. We each have our own personalities and unique approach but we work towards the same goals and communicate regularly for success.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
More and more people are looking for ways to improve their lives, whether it is basic self-care practices, relaxation, sound healing, meditation or personal growth. Within the wellness community, there are so many different options available that, rather than compete with each other, I believe we can find ways to work together. Often the combination of practices creates an enhanced experience for the client. For example, as a Reiki healer I have worked to create experiences with sound healers. These two practices separately provide similar relief but combined improve the experience for the client.
The biggest lesson I have learned—and it applies to any field—is to believe in yourself and in your vision. Keep going no matter what. Even when your friends or family members don’t support you or understand what you are doing, just keep going. The people who need what you offer will find you.
Do You, until You is what they want!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.starroomreiki.com and www.redheadedhummingbird.com
- Instagram: @ashbymarsha and @redheadedhummingbird
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marsha-ashby-822b9050
Image Credits
Marsha Ashby, Amy LaRoche