We were lucky to catch up with Yajaira LaLuz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yajaira, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I took a significant leap by departing from a stable full-time job with union perks to pursue my dream of establishing a wellness business. This venture is dedicated to guiding individuals toward discovering their inner peace. In my upbringing within the South Bronx projects of NYC, the concept of inner well-being or wellness was foreign to me. Growing up in a traditional Latino household, expressing dissatisfaction or the need for something more was discouraged. It felt unattainable to strive for peace.
My journey began in the workforce at 17, and for years, I dedicated myself to that path. However, on December 22nd, 2023, I bid farewell to the familiar and what I was proficient at. For 14 years, I catered to and connected with the elite 1% of New York and the formidable Wall Street hedge fund personalities. It was a realm I could only have imagined, and I greeted and took care of them and their families daily. During almost three years of relentless work, I acquired various certifications and commenced my spiritual exploration in 2018.
My most momentous risk in life is departing from everything I’ve known and embracing faith in the unknown. I am eager to see what the future holds and am in the process of learning to trust myself in ways I’ve never experienced before.
Yajaira, 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 proudly hail from the Bronx, New York, as the youngest of five siblings. My upbringing unfolded in a vibrant community steeped in culture, language, and an unyielding spirit of resilience. Raised in the projects, I firsthand absorbed the importance of hard work and perseverance, witnessing the incredible strength born from community ties. With my father dedicating 37 years to NYC Housing, a strong work ethic became ingrained in me, revealing that aspirations could indeed be achieved.
My family’s lineage encompasses diverse spiritual traditions, shaped by my grandmother’s role as an oracle reader and spiritual practitioner. My mother, absorbing these rich traditions, passed down their beauty and wisdom to my sister and me. Our conversations comparing the teachings our mother imparted are some of our best moments. I’m immensely grateful for my bi-cultural and bi-lingual background, a gift that ignited my passion for embracing diversity and advocating for social justice.
Today, as a spiritual mentor and guide, I see myself as a hearer—a vessel creating a safe and sacred space for individuals to grow, learn, and cultivate their own gifts. Drawing deep inspiration from my Bronx roots, my work embodies authenticity, warmth, and an unwavering spirit of inclusivity.
In January of 2020, I pursued a lifelong aspiration to become a yoga instructor, recognizing yoga as my sanctuary, a form of therapy found solely on my mat. I was driven to complete my 200-hour TT and later obtained certifications in yin and restorative yoga. I firmly believe that each of us harbors the essence of light and love within, a birthright to access an inner wellspring of happiness, freedom, and balance.
Discovering reiki in 2020 marked a pivotal moment, allowing me to intertwine intuition and energy into my yoga practice, heralding the beginning of something profound. With certifications in sound baths/healing and as a past life practitioner, I connect with people on multifaceted levels and lifetimes.
My wife, Catherine Obando, an LPN, MSN, NP-C has become an integral part of our team, exuding an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. Her belief in the paramount importance of each individual’s experience, coupled with her clinical expertise, adds immeasurable value to The Loving Peace Wellness. Catherine offers sacred womb massages, providing profound benefits for women across various realms, from hormonal balance to stress reduction.
Our core values and mission revolve around facilitating profound self-awareness and nurturing a profound sense of self-love. Together, we strive to create a sanctuary where individuals can embark on their transformative journeys towards holistic well-being.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
To be honest, the most potent channel for acquiring new clients has undeniably been through word of mouth. While I maintain a website and utilize social media platforms, there’s an ineffable magic in the way a friend or family member narrates their experience of a healing session with me. It’s in these moments that trust naturally radiates, shining forth in its most authentic form.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One valuable lesson I’ve had to reframe in my mind is the understanding that speaking up isn’t just an option; it’s a powerful act, regardless of the support it garners. Advocating for what’s right, addressing inequalities, and highlighting crucial issues, whether in the workplace or any situation, holds immense power.
Recently, in my previous workplace, I took a stand on issues like women’s rights, inequality in treatment, and the dismissal of individuals based on their identities as a Latinx, LGBTQ+, and Bipoc woman. It’s crucial to acknowledge that these issues persist and that women’s rights must be respected and amplified. We need not just a voice but also unwavering support and acknowledgment. It’s about ensuring that these voices are not just heard but truly listened to and acted upon.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheLovingPeace.com
- Instagram: Thelovingpeacewellness
- Linkedin: Yajaira LaLuz