We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Epple recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

The defining moment in my professional career came when I was laid off from my role as a billing manager. I had worked my way up the ladder in corporate America, most recently at a nonprofit where we helped mentally ill and substance-abusing clients find their way. I convinced myself I was serving my higher purpose because of the work we did, but the truth was, I wasn’t working directly with clients. As much as I loved the challenge of billing—the thrill of turning services into cash—it often left my nervous system taxed and disconnected from the deeper magic I know I’m here to create.

Being laid off felt like a blessing in disguise. It gave me space to reflect and rediscover myself. Slowly, I realized I was going through a spiritual awakening—though my healer recognized it before I did!

This awakening led me to where I am today: offering Akashic Record readings and healing work. I get to help people align with their soul’s purpose and live their best lives, and I’ve found balance in this unexpected blessing. What felt like an ending was actually the beginning of living my true purpose.

Michelle, 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?

I’m Michelle Epple, a healer, holistic coach, and am on a mission to help people uncover their path and purpose while releasing what holds them back. My work combines Akashic Record readings, Human Design analysis, astrology, Oracle card readings, and intuitive guidance. I also weave crystal healing into my practice, which has been a passion of mine since diving into the world of lapidary arts.

My fun tagline, “From Biller to Healer, Just Like That!” plays on the Disney Hercules song Zero to Hero and perfectly captures the transformation I’ve embraced in my own life. It represents how I shifted from a corporate billing career to following my true calling as a healer—and it’s been a magical journey.

I help clients uncover their unique gifts, navigate their challenges, and align with their soul’s purpose. Whether it’s through gaining clarity, healing old wounds, or stepping more fully into who they are, my goal is to meet clients where they are and guide them with compassion and authenticity. My approach is grounded in the belief that life is messy, and growth often comes through embracing the mess—whether that’s through shadow work, the dark night of the soul, or uncovering layers of healing like peeling back an onion.

What sets me apart is my deeply personal and approachable style. I strive to make complex concepts like Human Design and astrology accessible and easy to understand—no overwhelm, no jargon—just practical guidance that helps clients live their best lives.

I’m incredibly proud of how I’ve stepped into my power and purpose, embracing both the light and the shadow in my own journey. I want people to know that no matter where they are in life, they can heal, grow, and align with their highest good. If you’re ready to gain clarity, embrace your truth, or heal old wounds, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most important keys to success in this field are leading from the heart and being deeply grounded in your values. It’s about knowing who you are and why you do what you do. If you’re not passionate about your work—if it doesn’t make your heart sing—it’s a sign that something needs to shift. You have to align with yourself and what truly makes you tick.

In Japanese culture, there’s a concept called ikigai—your reason for being. People who embrace ikigai live long, happy lives because they know their purpose and work toward it daily with passion. I believe this wholeheartedly. When we understand our core values and commit to serving the world—and ourselves—out of the goodness of our hearts, it creates ripples of positivity across all time and space.

For me, this work is about more than just readings or healings—it’s about guiding people to uncover their truth, align with their purpose, and live their best lives. It’s deeply personal because I’ve walked this journey myself. Showing my family how to live by their values and lead with love is the greatest legacy I can leave. If I can help others do the same—if I can help them find their ikigai—then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief in pain as an absolute truth—pain as something that defines us or limits us. We carry so much trauma, both personal and inherited, and unlearning those patterns is a lifelong process. It’s about reframing our stories and realizing that the victimhood we might feel often comes from misunderstandings—people not having their needs met, unhealed wounds being passed down, and generations of pain left unaddressed.

Think about unhealed people becoming parents—carrying their unresolved pain into how they raise their children. Tough times, heartbreak, and struggle often shape us into stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves. This idea is beautifully captured in the story of Chiron from Greek mythology, the wounded healer. Chiron was the best healer of his time, training the greatest athletes and tending to the deepest wounds, yet he carried an injury he could never heal himself. Ultimately, he sacrificed himself for the good of another god.

Chiron’s story resonates deeply with me because it shows that it’s through our wounding and our healing that we become strong and capable. Healing isn’t linear—it’s messy, painful, and beautiful all at once. It’s about unlearning the conditioning of hate, hurt, scarcity, and lack, and instead embracing abundance, love, and strength.

I’m still unlearning patterns I see holding myself and others back. Pain is an illusion we must release—it’s not who we are. The more we heal and grow, the more we realize how much strength we carry within us. This work—helping others heal, align with their purpose, and reclaim their power—is what drives me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mydesignintime.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epplemichelle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelleepplecoaching

Image Credits

Marie Barrett