From Beauty to Healing
Before enrolling at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Candice had built a thriving career in esthetics. “I had been in the beauty industry for sixteen years and had owned my own spa for the last seven. I was happy and content in my life,” she shares.
Yet life had other plans. After experiencing three severe car accidents—the last leaving her with a traumatic brain injury and debilitating neck issues—she began questioning whether her future was still in esthetics. “I started to experience economic hardship in my business as well as physical hardship. Mentally, I found myself overwhelmed with life. I was juggling a business, a brain injury, and physical therapy.”
It was during this challenging period that Candice’s cognitive therapist introduced her to the idea of life coaching. “With my positive attitude and life experiences, she thought it could be a great fit for me. I started to explore this field and found it interesting. I came across SWIHA. I found financial aid and decided to give it a try.”
What she found at SWIHA changed her life. “The IHAP program helped me to heal locked trauma in my body as well as deep-rooted energetic misalignments. What I found at SWIHA was something I had been looking for during my physical therapy. I thought, if only I had found someone who could offer me these tools and a listening ear, how much easier my road to recovery could have been. I decided I wanted to be that person for others!”
A Defining Moment
Candice describes a deeply personal turning point during her studies: “I started to recognize in myself repeated patterns. I was able to disassociate with my triggers and reactions and started to choose who I wanted to be. How I wanted to show up. I started to gain control of my life. It is a powerful moment when you realize you CAN be the person you have always desired to be!”
Transformation Through Healing
Her time at SWIHA has been nothing short of life-changing. “Yes, my life has significantly changed! I ended my spa business and started a holistic practice. Physically, I feel much healthier and have less pain. I am no longer chained to substances and alcohol and have gained my sobriety. I have gained confidence in myself and found my authentic voice. I have become passionate about Yoga Nidra and am excited for this new chapter in my life.”
Awoke Authenticity – A New Beginning
Candice is now the proud owner of Awoke Authenticity, a holistic practice she created from her own journey of self-discovery.
“My practice focuses on self-discovery, personal growth, and genuine engagement with oneself and others. I offer individual tools like somatic workshops, intuitive coaching, guided Yoga Nidra, and meditation sessions for deep introspection. I want to foster connection with the true self, leading to greater clarity, purpose, and emotional well-being.”
Her inspiration is deeply personal: “I myself have struggled to find my authenticity. To be honest, I am still on this journey of self-discovery. At times, I have felt hopeless, and I empathize with others who share the same feelings. I created this practice to give others hope and the confidence to chase their heart’s desires.”
She credits SWIHA for helping her along the way. “SWIHA has helped me on this path of self-discovery, giving me the tools needed to dig deep and to assist me in helping others to do the same.”
Lessons, Teachers, and Growth
When asked about her greatest lessons at SWIHA, Candice reflects: “The one that sticks out the most for me is having a growth mindset. This simple statement helped me through difficult times of self-doubt and overwhelm. I may not understand it now… I may not be the greatest yet. Adopting this mindset allows me to utilize the power of yet!”
Some of her most impactful moments came from courses like G.R.I.T. for Success, The Hero’s Journey, and her herbal classes. “Jodi was one of my absolute favorites,” she recalls. “I grew a passion for my Yoga Nidra classes; these have been my favorite to study and have had the most profound impact on my life.”
Advice for Future Students
Candice’s advice to those considering SWIHA is simple yet powerful:
“My advice would be not to give up! Stay organized with your classes and keep the information from each course for yourself. Start practicing with classmates as soon as possible.”
Moving Forward with Purpose
As she prepares to graduate, Candice is excited for the future. “I am currently finishing up school and making the final touches to my holistic practice. I am finding my network and the groups that I desire to be a part of, as well as getting to know this new version of myself. I am enjoying my family and eagerly awaiting the festive months ahead.”
Her journey has been one of resilience, transformation, and awakening to authenticity. Through her practice, Awoke Authenticity, Candice is creating space for others to heal, grow, and step into their true selves—just as she has.
