We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sommer Leigh Plotnick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sommer Leigh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

I took a risk and walked away from high paying job to follow my passions, as a holistic facilitator and educator. In 2015 I relocated back to Las Vegas after divorce. I was a single mother to a 16-year-old daughter who was accustomed to a solid middle-class lifestyle. It was important to me that I showed her that women can be resilient, diversified be financially successful.
I took a job as a mortgage banker, specializing in refinance loans. It was a great paying job in a toxic masculine environment. I found myself feeling overwhelmed and out of touch with my purpose. I needed to readjust…To be brave and take a risk.
In 2017 I walked away from my job. With plenty of savings, I went to Costa Rica to rediscover myself. I kept hearing the voice inside me say “Do what you love”. Returning to Vegas, I looked for work as a massage therapy instructor, no luck. I searched for wellness jobs, no one was hiring. I turned to new places for new opportunity but found nothing that called to my soul. Finally, one day, when feeling like I was standing on a cliff, I got the inkling to jump and create my own business. I wasn’t going to let my purpose get drowned out by lack or mental logic. I was running on intuition and desire to be my best self!
I offered my fist reiki course in September of 2017 after getting it approved through NCBTMB. This was the beginning of my adventure as a continued education provider for licensed holistic practitioners. I now have several courses approved. Additionally, I began showing up in new ways, through offering classes and workshops in holistic and spiritual education, as well as continued education. Five plus years later and I’ve been privileged to have 100’s of students who I’ve issued certifications to, or who have sat in my circles and workshops.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sommer Leigh. It’s a fitting name, as my character is warm, free and bright. I am a bit unusual, and supported through this – in the way that I was given the season name of summer, while born in December. My nature is to be aligned with my soul purpose and honor it. However it looks, in the moment. In 1996 I was studying theater while living in NYC, when I was offered an energy medicine class in reiki. Taking this course immediately changed the trajectory for me around my career choices. I realized that my innate will to live as naturally, and holistically as possible, could in fact be intertwined with my profession and that the two didn’t have to be separate…That in fact, for me, I could not even define one without the other. This initiated a career change, and I took a 1200-hour certification course in massage therapy, with a focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Tui Na and Chi Nei Tsang practitioner. I began a career as a massage therapist and energy medicine practitioner in 1999.
Through the years I have worked primarily in the massage therapy profession. I’ve worn many hats in this industry. From having a private practice to management, regional trainer to curriculum developer, classroom instructor to governor appointed board member, and even as continued education provider on a national platform, I’ve really done it all.
As I’ve continued my path in the holistic realm, the desire to learn more has always been a constant. I love education. That said, I’ve taken many courses and earned various certifications, from qigong to yoga, life coach & death doula, meditation and breathwork, to shamanic practitioner and so on.
It has been such a heartfelt honor to carry these practices and provide stellar sanctuaries within my community. For others to learn, heal and grown in mind, body and soul. Through all of the course work I’ve done, it’s helped me to truly offer the ‘holistic model ‘ and have the know-how plus the expertise, to facilitate for all aspects of the human being.
What sets me apart from others is how I show up in my community for ALL members. For the last six years, I’ve offered low cost, or donation-based sessions, workshops, circles and courses. I never turn anyone away for lack of funds. I show up in this arena with my heart, not my wallet. I’ve learned that the biggest paycheck is being witness to someone learn, grow and heal. I am proud that people know me as the person who is strong and trusted in community, wise with practices, and well-rounded, to provide what is needed for others.
I have this “superpower” this ability, to know what the priority or underlying purpose is. I connect with who is in front of me and feel the needs and deliver, with loving kindness. I have this ability primarily, because I’ve had a lot of life experience, and I myself have been in many situations that required help and healing. That said, I can relate and know how to hold space for others.
Most importantly, what you should know is that through this beautiful walk I have always called on my spirit guides and helpers to show me and work through me. I know I cannot do this work on this level without them. It’s a beautiful walk, this journey of mine and I walk in grace, with gratitude and a big smile!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

When I first started this journey of being known as a holistic educator in my community, I did not have a “business plan”. I more so stayed in touch with my spirit helpers and body sensations to deliver my answers with “where to and what’s next”. What I witnessed is that my clients crossed over from one sector to the next. For example, my qigong students became my private clients for healing sessions and my private clients showed up to take my courses. Those who took my courses, would attend my classes, circles and workshops. It all began to blend together.
People would tell their friends and family to come join. My classes are donation based and I never turn anyone away for lack of funds. My most effective strategy is being present within each container I am facilitating. Embodying the energy compassionate servitude while staying authentic and coming with my heart, each and every time.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When I began this venture, I would show up for various gatherings and community events with curiosity and smiling energy. I love to connect and meet new people. I consciously stand with my intentions to be of service to my community. I ask how I can help, where would I make a difference and who would benefit from my offerings? People feel this magic, this desire and this energy of love, and passion to be of service. I believe that my reputation primarily comes from others referring me. Those who believe in me, through taking a class or having a session and those who genuinely feel I have something sensational to offer.      

Contact Info:

• Website: starliteshaman.com
• Instagram: sommerstar11
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starliteshaman
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sommer-leigh-plotnick-lmt-hhp-b7697a7b