SWIHA Blog

“I felt most aligned with the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner with a concentration in the Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma Program and I am SOul grateful that I followed my heart because prior to this entire experience, I have had a history of allowing my head to talk my heart out of following itself. I graduated in February 2023 and since then I feel even more confident in my decision to choose SWIHA to further my education and help me develop my gifts.”

Imagine having a career where you help people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. The Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics is not your typical Aesthetics and Laser school. Offering a blend of Natural Aesthetics Education and Advanced Laser Training, we graduate confident and ready Aestheticians who are well-versed in current market trends and technologies. Choosing the right school can make a huge difference in your success! Consider these 5 ways that SWINA stands out from the rest!

What is Holistic Health & Wellness? As a new Wellness Coach, I feel that it is important to have educational reading for those who enjoy going a little deeper. Let’s explore the fundamental principles and give some insight into how individuals should be treated as a whole and not just their symptoms. And also the importance of holistic preventative care. I am proud to be a part of an approach to health that distinguishes itself from traditional healthcare.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?

My life before SWIHA, when it came to professional work, was working 12-hour shifts at a local Level 1 Trauma Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. All my life since I was young, I had this desire to help people so I decided to go into the medical field. I worked alongside great people and carers for 13 years. Working in the hospital, I had this innate feeling that I would one day be working on my own, I would say "One day, I'll have my own business, I'm going to be my 'own boss', just you watch". That was my favorite line to say to people when someone asked me how I wanted to "grow" in the company. I didn't envision myself retiring as a healthcare worker.

“I always say SWIHA chose me. I went to lunch from one of my random jobs one afternoon, and came across a SWIHA course calendar at the table I sat. As I read through, I discovered more about the Life Coaching program and it was an instant connection to what I had been seeking yet did not know existed. Once I came to visit the campus, the rest was history. The feeling of belongingness, the community, the environment, the course content, and the immersive experiences I would get sold itself. This was a school that taught true understanding and not just memorization.”

Before becoming the life coach and King of Cueing Yogi that Will Zecco is today, he had an impressive and established career being a hairstylist for over 40 years! Having this background allowed Will to have ample amounts of experience working in the industry of “people”. Listening to people talk about their lives, their problems, their dreams, and their goals. Hairstylists don’t just do hair, they are therapists! All things aside, Will Zecco’s journey eventually led him to the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and the Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics. Having many roles at both schools, today, Will Zecco is the Director of Student Success for SWIHA’s Yoga Teacher Training programs.

How can your mind, body, and spirit transformation increase your happiness?

So what is a transformation and how do you obtain it? In this busy world, many people go through a series of misfortunes like family dysfunctions, broken relationships, failed marriages, trauma, unfair treatment in the workplace, guilt of past mistakes and the list goes on and on. When people experience these challenges it can be difficult to find peace and direction in your life, nevertheless, there is hope. One way people can obtain transformation for their lives is to recognize that change is needed in order to bring about a sense of peace, joy, and happiness and grow into a healthy balanced life.

“Prior to becoming a coach I was in corporate sales. I knew I wasn’t living my purpose and that I had a deeper calling. When I went through the Life Coaching program at SWIHA I had no idea that this would become my passion and my full-time career.”

Karen chose SWIHA for her education based on the recommendation of a friend. Initially unaware that life coaching would become her true calling, Karen discovered a huge perspective shift during her training. She learned to view every life event as happening FOR her, not TO her, turning her pain into purpose and enabling her to serve others with compassion and empathy.

The challenges of our chaotic lives that we face from all the hustling and bustling can leave many women feeling disconnected and imbalanced. Juggling an overwhelming amount of personal and professional responsibilities is now the new norm for many women, leaving very little time for self-care, proper diet, physical activity, and living in the moment.

Dedicating time each day to make your overall well-being a priority is achievable by implementing small changes that will lead to restorative balance and inner peace.

Before Sandra Steenstra Byrd ever considered becoming a life coach, she was a retail/restaurant manager. The mixture of having a management position and a welcoming presence meant that most employees were drawn to her when they needed someone to talk to. Having this innate gift of being a calming and guiding presence for others, Sandra knew there was a bigger calling for her out there.