SWIHA Blog

From Hairstylist to Healer: How SWIHA Helped Melinda York Align with Her True Purpose

Posted by Jade Marvin on 10/20/25 7:59 AM

Before finding her path at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Melinda York was living what many would consider a successful life—constantly giving, constantly showing up for others—yet something was missing. “Before SWIHA, my life felt like I was constantly pouring into others yet still feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from my deeper purpose,” she recalls.

Melinda’s journey to SWIHA began through her own process of healing and self-discovery. Searching for tools to better understand herself and the world around her, she was drawn to the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) Diploma program, where she discovered the transformative power of holistic education and self-awareness.

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Topics: Great Graduate, Hypnotherapy, integrative healing arts practitioner, Holistic Entrepreneurship, Hairdresser

The Making of a Yogi — The Incarnations of Will Zecco

Posted by KC Miller on 5/26/22 4:00 PM

As youngsters, we are often asked, “What do you want to BE when you grow up?” The question being asked is really what do you want to DO for a living?

For Will Zecco, he knew in middle school he wanted to BE a hairstylist. And yet his dad wouldn’t hear of it! He wanted Will to do “college”. So Will attended a community college and became a Fashion Designer, doing costume design for a local theatre group. He was good at what he was doing, including singing and dancing in the local productions, yet he still had a dream of being something else.

A hometown newspaper did an article featuring Will with the headline “Local Boy Becomes Designer.” A state Senator sent Will a letter congratulating him and offering that if there was ever anything he could do for him, to let him know. As Will often says, “We only get what you’re brave enough to ask for!” Will boldly asked the Senator about a grant and got a full ride to go to Cosmetology school.

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Topics: SWINA, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Aesthetician, SWIHA, yoga, 200 Hour Yoga Training, Yoga Teacher Training, Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics, YTT, spirit of yoga, Yogi, Safe Space, Holding Space, Trauma-Aware, Hairdresser, Makeup Artist, Esthetician School, SOY

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