The exciting alternative programs that Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) has for holistic health is what brought Shannon Coleman to the school. She enrolled and graduated within one year with a Mind-Body Wellness Practitioner diploma. “This program has opened my eyes to many things such as staying more positive, having confidence, facing my fears, and to just do it. Many of these tips have helped me already, and continue to help me be a better mother, wife, and business woman.” The most valuable thing she learned at SWIHA was to stay positive and face her fears. A quote she loves sharing is, “Release the negative, and truck on with the positive.”
Shannon’s passion for holistic health started when she spent many hours and thousands of dollars on doctors to treat an unknown illness that was leaving her incapacitated. “I met a holistic doctor that saved my life and changed it forever. I am passionate about what I do because I have lost family members, including my mother, to cancer. I know from experience that taking care of the mind, body, and soul as a whole, works! And, I want to educate others who are interested.”
Images by Shannon: Wellness Photography is the business she created after graduating, and it is located in Holly Springs, North Carolina. She promotes healthy living through her photography. “I work with other companies to take pictures of their businesses. I assist clients in starting urban gardens at their residents, as well as businesses. I also offer coaching sessions to help clients stay on their path.” She has been a photographer for over twenty years and after getting very ill with Hashimoto’s disease, she decided she wanted to help others by promoting and educating through her photos. With the help of holistic nutrition, she continues to support others by helping them implement positive change in their lives.
Companies that provide healthy lifestyle services come to Shannon for pictures, and she also has clients looking to be healthy for themselves as well as for their family. Whether it is photography or coaching, her clients will experience a friendly, easy going, and fun session. “One of my most memorable moments with a client was when I used imagery to fight her fears. When she closed her eyes and visualized the environment and herself in it, she figured out what was stopping her. She said she felt ten pounds lighter just from releasing her fears and breaking the wall. That was an amazing feeling for me as a coach.”
While word of mouth is always the best way she has found to get clients, Shannon also uses social media and business cards. “One crucial tip I learned during my program is to listen to strangers and make connections through small talk. This works wonders; you make great friends and most times, they will think of me when the time comes.”
When reflecting on applying her SWIHA knowledge in a session or client interaction, Shannon stated, “It feels great to know I can help others. I am learning new things every day, and it’s an exciting feeling.”
Shannon’s message to other new SWIHA grads who hope to follow in her footsteps: “I am so happy I took the classes at SWIHA. It will change your life and the life of others. SWIHA taught me so many valuable things that helped me understand different way of thinking.”
Keep in touch with Shannon!
