We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Serah Zhanell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Serah below.
Serah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The largest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving Corporate America, after living comfortably in it, for over a decade. I took the risk because I had a life altering automobile accident, which affected my ability to do my job. I left and didn’t really have anything to fall back on; no other steady job. I had help here and there, but for the most part, I had to rely on myself. Between performances and Uber Eats, along with working for another ride share company, I was able to get by, by the skin of my teeth. It wasn’t an easy road to travel, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I began my journey as a musician at a young age and it’s almost like breathing to me; it’s done with ease. I started singing first and then, after seeing Sheila E play the drums, I took a deep dive into percussion and let it sweep me away. Everytime I’m on stage or just performing at a private event, I feel it’s a chance for me to express myself beyond words. It provides me with a feeling of freedom and serenity, I didn’t know I needed.
After falling in love with percussion, I decided to step into the world of wellness; first beginning with massage therapy. I started on this journey, specifically to heal myself, physically and spiritually, without any form of western medicine. I wanted to deep dive into my ailments and not my symptoms. So, I did just that and although massage was the foundation, it was also a stepping stone to Reiki and also me becoming a Doula.
Being both a musician and Holistic Care Provider go hand in hand. In the wellness world, the music allows me to create an atmosphere that will not only make my clients comfortable, but also allow them to breakthrough any energetic blockages that may be causing them stress or discomfort. In the Music world, the wellness knowledge I’ve gathered allows me to be aware of the energy I’m giving to people in the audience. Both worlds make me be extra intentional every time I have to step in them.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During my time between leaving corporate America and diving back into massage full-time, I was going through so much. I was still undergoing physical therapy from the accident. I was in the middle of a lawsuit, my car had been repossessed and keeping a roof over my head was a task. Needless to say, I felt extremely hopeless. It seemed as if everywhere I turned, there was another obstacle waiting for me to overcome it. There was always something staring me in the face, dimming what little light I had left. It was during that time, I had to learn the power of remaining positive, no matter what was being thrown my way. I had to speak life into myself and remember all of the things that once helped get me into a positive mindset, such as music, wellness, nature, etc.
One day, while hanging on by a thread, I applied for a massage position. My confidence in getting the position was low. However, something was pushing me to do it. Within seconds, I received a response to come in and interview, and by the end of the week, I got the job. It was then, I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Every single day hasn’t been easy, but ever since taking up massage and music full time, life has been gifting me different beautiful fruits in exchange for the labor and heartaches I’ve experienced and I absolutely love it.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I’ve had to unlearn is “All competition isn’t unhealthy competition”. Growing up, I hardly ever witnessed healthy competition, however, I wasn’t really one to get all worked up if I lost a competition or if I saw someone else had a strength I could learn from. I learned this early on, in the music world. If someone succeeded in something, we always applauded and congratulated them. Although the spotlight is a beautiful light to have, it can be a bit much to have it all the time. I’ve always made sure to be inspired by people in the the same fields as myself and in the rare moments where I feel myself coming from an unhealthy space, I check myself and remind myself that I have a special lane in life that was created for me and that other people have lanes specifically for them. I can either learn, grow, and be inspired by them or crash and burn, by chasing what’s for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/serahzhanell
- Instagram: @serah_zhanell
- Facebook: Serah Zhanell
- Twitter: @serah_zhanell
- Youtube: Serah Zhanell
- Other: @moodymangomwco (on IG, for massage)
Image Credits
Photo 1: photographer: Casey Williams (@photosbyclw) Photo 2: photographer: David Sanford (@reciprocitytv23) Feature photo/ Photo 3: photographer: David Sanford (@reciprocitytv23) , art director/MUA: Brittany Muse (@muse_theartist), Hair: Liz (@salonrevelhair_), wardrobe: Jamel White (@jamelwhite) Photo 4: photographer: Drae Brown (@draebrown615), MUA: Michel’le Walden (@itsnotmichelle), Hair: Kristi Alderson (@kinkyrootzsalon) Photo 5 (Action Shot): photographer/videographer: David Sanford (@reciprocitytv23) Photo 6: photographer: N/A (taken with iPhone) Photo 7: photographer: Drae Brown (@draebrown615), MUA: Michel’le Walden (@itsnotmichelle) Photo 8: photographer: N/A (taken with iPhone after a client gave birth) Photo 9: (Action Shot): photographer/videographer: David Sanford (@reciprocitytv23)