For Savannah Lay, the journey into holistic health wasn’t about starting over—it was about finally stepping into alignment.
“Life before SWIHA was good,” she shares, “yet I knew I wasn’t living my true purpose.”
That quiet knowing is something many people experience yet don’t always act on. For Savannah, it became the catalyst for transformation. Drawn by her “love for nature and its accessible healing,” she enrolled in the Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching Online program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA)—a decision that would begin to reshape her career path, and her entire life.
When Everything Clicks
Sometimes clarity arrives gradually. Other times, it’s immediate.
“Within my first week at SWIHA, I knew I was on the right path,” Savannah recalls. “It felt like all the knowledge I had been gathering on my own over the past decade was finally coming together in one structured course.”
That moment of alignment—when passion meets direction—is powerful. For Savannah, it affirmed that her calling in the holistic wellness space wasn’t just an interest—it was a purpose ready to be fully realized.
Redefining What Balance Looks Like
Savannah’s life today is a testament to dedication, resilience, and deep commitment. As a stay-at-home mom to ten children, she balances family life, education, and entrepreneurship with intention and heart.
“My life has changed significantly since SWIHA,” she says. “I’m balancing school, the home life of being a stay-at-home mom to 10 children, and building my business. SWIHA has given me the tools I need to succeed in all the different areas of my life.”
With just weeks left before graduation, she is already laying the foundation for what comes next—completing her coaching hours, preparing for her board exam, and continuing to grow her wellness business. After graduation, she plans to fully shift her focus toward expanding that vision.
Building Something Meaningful
Savannah didn’t just want a new career—she wanted to create something of her own.
“I started my own LLC because I have a vision for my wellness business and want to bring it to life,” she explains. “I’m not interested in working for someone else or being stuck in a typical 9–5 job.”
Her intention is clear: to build a business that supports her family, and can also give back.
“This business will be something beautiful that gives back and inspires people to move forward toward wellness in a sustainable way.”
It’s a mission rooted in empowerment—meeting people where they are and helping them reconnect with natural, accessible paths to healing.
The Power of Grit and Self-Belief
When asked about the greatest lesson she’s learned, Savannah doesn’t hesitate.
“The greatest lesson I learned at SWIHA was GRIT,” she says. “SWIHA encouraged me to look within and believe in myself.”
Her journey hasn’t been without challenge—yet it’s within those moments of uncertainty that her strength deepened.
“It felt like the course was perfectly designed so that even when I was literally lost in the abyss, there was a sign reminding me that giving my all was enough.”
That perspective—one of perseverance and self-trust—is at the core of both her personal growth and her future work as a coach.
The Impact of Supportive Mentorship
Savannah credits much of her growth to the instructors who helped her feel seen, supported, and capable.
“Sharlene has this natural way of making you feel truly seen and understood,” she shares. “It wasn’t until my first coaching class with her that I finally relaxed and felt comfortable practicing coaching.”
She also highlights Dee’s consistent encouragement and depth of insight: “Dee was always amazing with how much she shared… constantly providing extra insights in her feedback.”
These relationships didn’t just teach her skills—they helped her step into confidence.
A Message for Future Students
For those considering a path in holistic wellness, Savannah offers simple yet powerful advice:
“Go for it. SWIHA has designed these courses to support you in every way possible on this journey.”
It’s a reminder that transformation begins with a single decision—to trust yourself enough to begin.
A Life Aligned with Purpose
As Savannah approaches graduation, she stands at the intersection of everything she’s worked toward: family, education, and a growing business rooted in passion and purpose.
“I appreciate that there are schools out there like SWIHA,” she says. “Teaching people holistically and helping to raise the consciousness of this beautiful Earth.”
Her story is one of alignment, resilience, and vision—and a powerful example of what’s possible when you choose to follow the path that feels true.
And for Savannah Lay, that path is only just beginning.
