We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Medina Colaku. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Medina below.
Alright, Medina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I came up with the name ‘Heal with Medina’ in the most serendipitous way—curled up in the backseat of my friend’s car, on a girls’ trip to Maine. We were cruising down the highway, laughing, catching up, and soaking in the joy of simply being together. I was surrounded by my sorority sisters, the kind of friends who have been with me through every season of life. As we chatted, I shared something I had been contemplating—I wanted to launch my own therapy business.
At the time, I was still an associate therapist, working under a fully licensed professional, which meant there were strict limitations on what I could and couldn’t do. While I couldn’t see clients independently just yet, I knew I could start *something*. I could build my dream practice from the ground up, craft my vision, and more importantly, begin establishing my brand. I wanted a name that truly captured my mission—something that was clear, intentional, and meaningful, without being overcomplicated or cliché.
I remember saying out loud, ‘Heal with Medina’, my friend Jayme turned to me without hesitation and said, “it’s perfect.” And that was it. No second-guessing, no overthinking—just a name that felt right. That moment was in 2019, and little did I know that a simple conversation in a car full of my girlfriends would be the seed that grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
Since then, Heal with Medina has evolved into “Heal Your Home with Medina”, expanding beyond just my therapy practice and into the world of home, hosting, gardening, DIY’s and overall well-being. While I now have my own therapy practice—I’m an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in NJ, VT, and PA, specializing in anxiety related to relational trauma—I’ve also found another way to serve and support people: helping them connect to their homes, to others and themselves.
After the pandemic in 2021, something shifted in me. I started feeling the weight of burnout, the emotional exhaustion that so many therapists know all too well. One day, in search of a creative outlet, I picked up my phone and started sharing my love of home decor and thrifting on TikTok. It started as something small—documenting my DIY projects, my secondhand finds, and the ways I was making my space feel like a sanctuary. What I never expected was for it to resonate so deeply with others. Suddenly, people were connecting with my approach to creating intentional, beautiful, healing spaces—on a budget, with sustainability in mind, and with heart at the center.
Now, I get to do something I never planned for but absolutely love—blending my background in therapy with my passion for design, sustainability, and gathering. Whether I’m working with a therapy client, helping someone curate their space with secondhand finds, or curating a cozy event, my mission is always the same: to bring warmth, intention, and connection into every space and experience.
Looking back, I had no idea that a simple idea, spoken out loud in the back of a car, would turn into the life and business I have today. But in a way, it feels poetic—healing has never been just one thing for me. It’s about how we feel, how we connect, how we create a sense of home—within ourselves and the spaces we take up.
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’m Medina—a Capricorn sun, Aries moon, and Sagittarius rising, which means I’m equal parts ambitious, fiery, and adventurous. I’m also a Manifesting Generator, so I’ve always been drawn to many passions at once, constantly creating, learning, and evolving.
I’ve always been someone who needs to know the why—why people do what they do, why certain patterns repeat, why some things feel the way that they do. That curiosity has been a defining part of me for as long as I can remember, and it’s what led me to study Psychology and Sociology in undergrad and then pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Growing up as a first-generation Albanian American, I learned early on what it means to push forward despite obstacles. Navigating a patriarchal culture, I often felt the tension between tradition and individuality, between expectation and self-expression. But if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I don’t back down from what feels right. I carve my own path.
That drive has shaped everything I do—from becoming a licensed therapist, to building my own brand rooted in healing, home, and creativity, to growing a business that allows me to show up fully as myself (this is an ever evolving practice). I’ve never been someone to follow the conventional route. Instead, I’ve found my own way, blending mental health, home styling, DIY, sustainability, and storytelling into a career that’s both meaningful and expansive.
My work lives at the intersection of mental health, home styling, sustainability, and intentional living—all rooted in the belief that healing happens in many ways. It’s in the spaces we create, the way we gather, and the small moments of care we give ourselves and others.
Therapy & Mental Health Support
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in NJ, VT, and PA, I specialize in relational trauma and anxiety, helping clients work through deep-seated patterns, build healthier relationships, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Therapy with me is a space to feel seen, supported, and empowered—to explore the stories that have shaped you and step into the person you want to become.
Many of my clients come to me struggling with attachment wounds, people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, anxiety, perfectionism, or self-doubt. Together, we work on learning how to be gentle with themselves. Therapy isn’t just about fixing something—it’s about understanding yourself more fully and moving through life with more self-trust and compassion.
Home Styling & Interior Decor
I believe our homes should feel like an extension of who we are—lived-in, layered, and deeply personal. I help clients design spaces that feel both intentional and effortless, whether that’s through thrifted finds, curated styling, or a full-room refresh. For those looking to reimagine their space, I offer home styling and interior decor services, incorporating a mix of vintage, sustainable, and heirloom pieces to create a home that feels warm and soulful—not like a showroom, but like you. I also offer personalized sourcing for those who love the idea of secondhand treasures but don’t have the time or energy to search. After a consultation, I’ll handpick homeware pieces that fit the clients aesthetic and budget, making it easier to curate a home with meaningful pieces. And for those who love surprises, my Curated Home Bundles offer a thoughtfully assembled mix of thrifted finds, tailored to your style.
Gathering Curation & Event Styling
Hosting has always been one of my love languages, and I help others create immersive, cozy gatherings that feel both effortless and beautifully designed. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a seasonal celebration, or a larger event, I bring together tablescapes, ambiance, and thoughtful details to create a setting that invites people to slow down, connect, and truly enjoy the moment. My event planning and styling services are perfect for gatherings of all sizes, from small dinner parties to events of up to 75 people.
Creative Work & Content Creation
Beyond my services, I love creating and storytelling—whether through digital content, writing, or design. I partner with brands in home, sustainability, and lifestyle, creating content that feels natural, aesthetic, and aligned with the way people actually use products in their daily lives. My work as a content creator and UGC producer blends my love of design, storytelling, and authenticity, making each collaboration feel personal and thoughtful.
At the heart of everything I do is this belief: healing isn’t just something that happens in therapy. It’s something we cultivate in our spaces, in the way we connect with others, and in the experiences we create. Whether it’s through a beautifully styled home, a thoughtfully planned event, or a meaningful conversation, I want to help people feel more at home in their lives.
What I’m Most Proud Of & What I Want to Be Known For
I’m already so proud of what I’ve built. Growing up the way I did, I didn’t really imagine much of the joy or fun that I now get to experience in my life. My world was deeply rooted in succeeding, being productive, and always pushing forward. There wasn’t much room to pause, to rest, or to explore what felt good—it was about achieving.
When I finally reached what I had worked so hard for—my full licensure as a therapist—I was already so burnt out that I wanted nothing to do with it. And honestly, that was a really painful realization. But it was also the thing that set me free. Pivoting, leaning into creativity, and allowing myself to explore home, gathering, design, and storytelling turned out to be the best thing for me.
I also want to be known as someone who shares wisdom, information, and guidance—someone who helps others feel more connected to themselves, their spaces, and their communities. Whether through therapy, home styling, storytelling, or gathering curation, I want my work to empower, educate, and inspire. Above all else, I want to be known as someone who stands up for what she believes in and does the right thing—across all aspects of my life. A huge part of who I am is my deep commitment to social justice and advocating for marginalized communities.
At the end of the day, I want my work to be a reflection of the values I live by. Whether I’m helping someone reclaim their voice in therapy, sourcing a thrifted piece that makes their home feel like home, or designing a space that fosters connection and warmth, my mission remains the same:
To create spaces—inside and out—that feel safe, healing, and truly yours.
Have you ever had to pivot?
It feels like my entire life has been one big pivot.
Growing up first-generation Albanian American, I was raised by hardworking parents who were also business owners, constantly chasing the next big dream. My dad always had a grand business plan—the one that would finally make us rich, the one that would set us up for life. Because of that, we were constantly moving, following his next big idea. We went from New Jersey to Texas and back to New Jersey, and then, over the next seven years, we moved about ten different times. Every time I started to feel settled, we’d pack up and leave again. I learned, early on, that stability was something I had to create within myself, not something I could rely on externally.
Many of the pivots in my life have been unexpected, sudden, and completely disruptive. And no matter how much I tried to practice trusting in the process, there were moments that felt downright unfair—moments that knocked the wind out of me and left me scrambling for a Plan B.
As I thought about this question, many pivots popped up for me, although this one happened right before my first big internship—a placement I had worked toward for six months. I had gone through background checks, paperwork, security clearances—everything required to start my clinical internship at a state prison. I was fully prepared, excited even, and then—about a week before I was supposed to start—I got a call saying I had been dropped from the program.
The reason? Something that wasn’t even on my record.
Because I had been a minor at the time, I never thought to disclose that I had once had a minor setback in court that was ultimately dismissed. No charges, no record, nothing. But apparently, I was still supposed to have listed it in my application, even though it legally did not exist. And just like that, six months of preparation vanished in an instant. That moment was devastating. And it wasn’t the only time something like that happened. Many of the biggest pivots in my life came from opportunities that didn’t work out, relationships—both personal and business—that didn’t unfold the way I had anticipated.
And of course, there have been so many other pivots. Failed relationships and friendships, walls of security I thought I could lean on, foundations I built my life around—only to watch them crumble. Some endings were slow and inevitable, others sudden and heartbreaking. Each time, it felt like I was standing in the wreckage, trying to figure out where to go next.
When a pivot happens, it’s often shifting things for me in ways I can’t always understand in the moment. It doesn’t mean it’s easy—it never is—but I’ve learned that every detour, every unexpected ending, every door that closed was pushing me toward something different, something that ultimately aligned with me in a way I couldn’t have planned for myself.
Often, these moments of forced change made me confront something even deeper—that I had been exiling parts of myself in order to make certain things happen. I had sometimes ignored my own voice to fit into a version of success, stability, or acceptance that I thought I needed. These pivots, as painful as they were, became opportunities to listen to myself again—to really hear and honor what I wanted, who I was, and where I needed to go. So while I may not have chosen these moments of change, I can look back now and see what they gave me: a stronger sense of self, a deeper trust in my own path, and the ability to move forward in a way that feels truly mine.
I didn’t end up working in a prison, but I built a thriving private practice. I didn’t take the straight path in my career, but I found a way to blend therapy, home styling, content creation, and event curation into something that truly aligns with who I am. Every pivot, every moment of uncertainty, every door that closed pushed me closer to the life I was meant to have.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Looking back, my journey on social media has been a series of evolutions—just like everything else in my life. I didn’t start out with a plan or strategy; I simply followed what interested me at the time.
It all began waaaay back in 2014-2015. with a food Instagram. It was nothing serious—just a fun way to document all the delicious things my friends and I were eating. It didn’t really go anywhere, but it was a creative outlet I enjoyed. Then, grad school took over, and social media took a backseat for a while.
In 2019, I launched Heal with Medina, my therapy-focused Instagram, website, and brand. I started sharing educational, psychoeducational content, along with glimpses into my own life and experiences. It became a way to connect with people—not just as a therapist, but as a real person navigating life just like they were. My audience grew to around 10,000 followers overall, and I used targeted ads to help my content land in front of the right people. It worked—I built my therapy practice, launched my own podcast (‘Heal with Medina’), and even co-hosted another podcast (‘Sit & Heal’) with my best friend and fellow LPC, Meghan Yahrling.
To keep up with the growth, I hired a virtual assistant to help with content creation, posting, and editing. But eventually, I hit a wall. Trying to serve my clients and constantly create therapy-related content became too much. I realized I couldn’t—and didn’t want to—keep pouring from an empty cup.
That’s when I completely pivoted away from therapy content.
Like so many people, I picked up TikTok in 2020 during the pandemic, when we were all watching Tiger King and trying to figure out what to do with our lives. I started posting and that’s when things really took off.
Now, I’ve built a career that allows me to be both a therapist and a content creator. I’ve worked with brands creating UGC, landed brand deals and partnerships, and built a thriving online presence across multiple platforms. These days, I post what I want, when I want, without the pressure to make everything strategic. I rarely post therapy content anymore instead, Heal Your Home with Medina is where I share everything about my house, garden, DIY projects, and hosting plans plus more. I also create and curate for others, helping them bring their own vision to life.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned about social media? It should work for you—not the other way around. If you’re just getting started, don’t focus on chasing trends or trying to go viral. Instead, think about what you actually enjoy creating and sharing. When you start with something that excites you, it shows—people can feel that authenticity, and that’s what draws them in. I never set out to be a content creator. It all started as a fun way to document things I loved, and from there, it evolved naturally.
And that’s the other big piece—be open to evolving. What you start with may not be what you stick with, and that’s okay. I’ve gone from food blogging to therapy content to home and lifestyle, and each shift brought me closer to what truly felt aligned. Don’t be afraid to pivot if something no longer fits.
That being said, work smarter, not harder. Social media is already demanding, so take advantage of tools that help lighten the load. Apps like Repurpose.io allow you to automatically share your content across multiple platforms, saving you time and effort. If you’re running a business, investing in a virtual assistant or using scheduling tools can also help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
Burnout is real, and it’s something I had to learn the hard way. If creating content starts feeling like a chore instead of something you enjoy, pause and reassess. You don’t have to post every day to be successful. Sustainable growth comes from consistency, but consistency doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself in the process. It’s okay to take breaks, shift gears, or even step back completely if that’s what you need – be gentle with yourself.
And finally, don’t get caught up in the numbers. A highly engaged, loyal community will always be more valuable than a massive follower count. People stay for you, not just the content you post. Show up in a way that feels natural, engage with your audience, and build a space that fosters real connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healingyourhomewithmedina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healyourhomewmedina/
- Youtube: Medina Colaku YouTube · Medina Colaku 100+ followers
- Other: Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@medinacolaku?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/healingyourhomewmedina/
Therapy Website – https://healwithmedina.com/
Therapy Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/healwithmedina/
Therapy IG – https://www.instagram.com/healwithmedina?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
