For Letisha Givens, the path to holistic health coaching wasn’t about starting from scratch—it was about finally stepping into a calling that had always been there. Now a current student in the Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Letisha is building a purpose-driven career rooted in empowerment, sustainability, and whole-person wellness.
Before SWIHA, Letisha’s life felt like it was missing a deeper sense of fulfillment. While she had always been passionate about health and wellness, something wasn’t fully aligned. “I have always been invested in my own health and drawn to sharing what I learned,” she explains. However, after witnessing friends and family manage chronic health issues primarily through medication, she began to see a different path—one centered on lifestyle change.
“That realization led me to SWIHA,” she shares. “I feel as though it is my true calling to empower others to achieve sustainable, holistic health.”
As she immersed herself in the program, Letisha experienced a defining shift. Being introduced to multiple approaches to healing the mind and body sparked something deeper. “It brought me an indescribable joy,” she says. “I wanted to tell everyone about what I was learning.” As her confidence grew, so did her sense of purpose. Recognizing that her knowledge could genuinely support others was the moment everything clicked—she knew she was on the right path.
Since enrolling, Letisha’s life has transformed in meaningful ways. Not only has she found a sense of purpose that brings her joy, she’s also seen the ripple effect of her work in her own life and the lives of those around her. “I am able to help myself mentally and physically, which allows me to also help my friends and family,” she shares. “And beyond that, I can help many others who are seeking support.”
That passion has already taken shape professionally. Letisha is a co-owner of a natural hair and skincare product company and has recently launched her own holistic health and wellness coaching business. Her work is centered on supporting women navigating perimenopause through post-menopause—offering guidance that prioritizes long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
“What inspired me was not just the flexibility to create my own schedule and spend more time with my family,” she explains, “it was also the opportunity to truly help others.” Through her coaching, Letisha provides a grounded, supportive approach that empowers clients to create lasting change in their health and well-being.
Her time at SWIHA has helped her refine her skills and her confidence. One of the most powerful lessons she’s learned is to embrace her authentic self. “I’ve become more confident in being who I am when it comes to marketing my business and presenting my services,” she says. “I’ve learned that my gifts aren’t for everyone—they are for someone.”
Another key lesson? The importance of simply breathing. Through her studies, Letisha has learned how to stay centered and grounded—tools that benefit both her personal life and her work with clients. “Being grounded is key,” she says. “It helps me stay focused and present, and it allows me to better support others.”
Letisha credits many of her instructors for shaping her journey, including Susanne Thomas, Sharlene Nordquist, Gisele Marasca, Kelly Clough, Michael Dye, Lori Dye, and Rachel Astarte. Each brought unique insights that helped expand her understanding of nutrition, mindfulness, and the art of coaching. “It’s hard to choose a favorite class,” she says. “Each one changed the way I see health and healing.”
Beyond the classroom, Letisha is continuing to expand her knowledge, with plans to study herbalism and nutrition to further support her clients. Her dedication to growth reflects her deep commitment to the work she feels called to do.
Her advice to future SWIHA students is both simple and powerful: “Breathe and enjoy the journey. Be present. Always remember that someone will be thankful for the gifts you share.”
Letisha’s story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always come from doing something new—it often comes from honoring what’s already within you. By choosing to invest in herself, she’s now able to show up more fully for others—without sacrificing her own needs.
