We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shelbi Drake a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelbi, thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Before beginning my career as a sound practitioner, I worked in the insurance industry, spending my days behind a desk and on the phone with clients. Time and time again, people would share their life stories with me, and I found myself naturally drawn to listening, supporting, and connecting with them on a deeper level.
Although I was grateful for the experience, I knew that environment wasn’t where I was meant to be. I felt called to something more meaningful—a path where I could help others feel truly seen, heard, and held.
That realization led me to invest in myself by hiring a business mentor. Through that journey, I did the inner work necessary to grow personally, gain clarity on my purpose, and develop the skills to support others in their own healing and transformation. With that foundation, I was able to build a business aligned with my passion for helping people reconnect with themselves and find greater well-being.

Shelbi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Sound/ Breath work practitioner within the holistic wellness space. I’m dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves through the power of sound, breath, presence, and healing. My work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a space where they can feel seen, heard, and supported. Through sound baths, breathwork, energy healing, and transformational wellness experiences, I help clients reduce stress, regulate their nervous systems, restore balance, and cultivate a deeper connection with their mind, body, and spirit. What sets my work apart is the intentional, heart-centered environment I create—one that encourages deep relaxation, self-discovery, and lasting transformation. I am most proud of building a practice that aligns with my purpose of serving others and empowering them on their wellness journeys. I want people to know that my offerings are designed to meet them exactly where they are, providing a safe and nurturing space for healing, growth, restoration, and self-connection.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life and career came shortly after launching my wellness business in Kansas City in March 2021. I made the decision to leave the security of my insurance career and fully commit to my calling as a sound practitioner and wellness facilitator. Less than a year later, in February 2022, I moved to California, which meant starting over both personally and professionally.

While the move was exciting, it also came with challenges. I had spent time building connections and growing my business in Kansas City, and suddenly I found myself in a completely new environment without an established network. I had to learn a new city, build relationships from the ground up, and discover new ways to share my work and reach clients. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and required me to trust myself and the vision I had for my business.

That experience taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and staying connected to my purpose. Instead of viewing the move as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to expand my impact and evolve my offerings. Since then, I have continued to grow my practice through sound healing, breathwork, community events, corporate wellness experiences, and private sessions. Looking back, taking that leap into the unknown was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It reinforced my belief that growth often happens when we’re willing to trust the process, embrace change, and follow what truly lights us up.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Another key factor has been my commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for every client. Whether someone is attending a sound bath, breathwork session, private healing experience, or wellness event, I want them to feel seen, heard, and supported. Many people come to this work carrying stress, overwhelm, or emotional challenges, and I take great care in ensuring they feel comfortable enough to fully relax and be themselves. Building that level of trust is something I never take lightly.

I also believe that consistency has played an important role in my growth. I have continued to show up for my clients and community with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve. Rather than focusing solely on growing a business, I’ve focused on creating meaningful experiences that leave people feeling better than when they arrived. Much of my reputation has grown through word-of-mouth referrals from clients who have experienced real transformation through sound healing and breathwork and felt called to share that experience with others.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that my work is rooted in connection. My goal isn’t just to facilitate a session—it’s to create an environment where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and feel supported on their wellness journey. I believe that commitment to authenticity, trust, and service is what has helped me build lasting relationships and a strong reputation within my field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.directionbydrake.com
• Instagram: shelbidrake