When Shakeela Smith graduated from the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), with specialties in Healing Botanicals and Earth Ceremonies, it was more than a diploma—it was the embodiment of a journey that had been quietly unfolding for years.
Her path was not linear. It was layered, intuitive, and Divinely timed.
Seeking Something Bigger
“Life before SWIHA, I found myself seeking something that was bigger than myself,” Shakeela shares. “I wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for, yet I knew what was pulling me—a desire to know myself on a more intimate level.”
Following a difficult divorce and custody battle around 2019–2020, Shakeela found herself living back with her parents, navigating major life shifts. “A lot was happening in my life. My faith had always been strong; it had just begun to shift into a space I was unfamiliar with.”
During that season of searching, she immersed herself in learning—watching YouTube videos, taking individual classes when finances allowed, and following spiritual teachers who resonated with her. Although she initially came across SWIHA years earlier, it wasn’t until the beginning of 2024—when she received a text message from the school “out of the blue”—that everything aligned.
“I see now when I received that text in 2024, the time was definitely Divine.”
From Curiosity to Calling
Shakeela chose to specialize in Botanical Herbs because of a long-standing interest in growing her own food and medicine. “I have always been interested in growing my own herbs and foods. I just see myself growing my own and using it to heal the body from common ailments people around me suffer from.”
Ceremony, however, was not something she initially envisioned for herself. “I never saw myself doing ceremonies, yet since I’ve been in the courses, things have been unfolding.”
That word—unfolding—beautifully describes her entire experience.
“I’m passionate about this modality because it has brought me closer to myself. It has helped me understand that everything is truly alive. If we allow ourselves to slow down in this sped-up world, we can notice and experience this sacred space in our daily lives.”
Working with herbs became more than a study; it became a relationship.
“The herbs have their own unique imprint and essence, and when I’ve given them space to reveal that to me, that exchange of energy had a way of calming my mind, body, and soul.”
Her passion is rooted in lived experience. “My passion stems from walking myself out of a box. I desire to pave the way in showing the world what is possible even when you FEEL there is no way.”
An Ongoing Defining Moment
When asked about a defining moment at SWIHA, Shakeela doesn’t point to just one.
“Every 5-week course seems to reveal something different. Week to week, day to day is an unfolding.”
Even when she felt behind in coursework, life itself became the curriculum. “The very thing that I may have been going through in my personal life would end up being the fuel I used to proceed with the assignments. It still blows my mind how it never misses!”
Although she took longer than the average program timeline, she never doubted her timing.
“I know I’m right where I need to be, and I’m right on time with a great unfolding and becoming taking place.”
Breaking the Bounds of Limitation
Since beginning her studies, Shakeela describes “unexplainable things” happening in her life. There have been gains and losses, shifts and revelations.
“The one thing that remains and continues daily is the breaking bounds of limitations of my mind—and that is my significant change.”
She has come to understand the power of thought and intention.
“I know the power of my own mind and how every thought can and will create a reality that I experience. Whether you view it as good or bad, I choose to view it as a lesson for the blessing—or a downright Blessing!”
Walking in Alignment
Today, Shakeela is building her business, Walking in Alignment, currently registered as a DBA and with plans to establish it as an LLC in 2026.
“Walking in Alignment is about reconnection,” she explains. “It’s about helping caregivers come back into the right relationship with themselves so they can build trust and connection with their children.”
Her own lived experiences inspired her mission. She speaks openly about keeping what worked from her upbringing, evolving what needed growth, and releasing what was rooted in fear or survival.
She plans to offer:
- - Personal and family tarot and oracle readings
- - Energy healing, including Reiki
- - Group sessions, both online and in person
“I powerfully impact clients by meeting them where they are mentally, spiritually, and physically. We work from that space and follow the questions that have placed limitations on us as individuals and work our way to our highest version of self.”
SWIHA helped her ground what once felt intangible.
“It gave names to things I didn’t know had a name. SWIHA helped me ground the spiritual into something tangible. It helped me understand myself better and embody that which I feel and know.”
G.R.I.T. and Gratitude
The greatest lesson she learned?
“G.R.I.T. We are ever changing. Even when we don’t notice the subtle changes, we are actively growing. Keep going! As long as you don’t quit, you can and will make it!”
She adds:
“Integrity: Walk it as you talk it and stand ten toes down. Proceed with the end in mind and don’t stop until you arrive.”
Some of her favorite classes were the ones that challenged her most—Business and Entrepreneurship, Yoga Nidra, and Toe Reading. And one teacher stands out deeply.
“My most impactful teacher has been Mrs. Gisele. I absolutely love her! She listens, and her responses are always spot on. Her words literally carried me to push through my course despite the challenges I was facing.”
Advice for Future Students
Shakeela’s advice to future SWIHA students is simple and powerful:
“Stay present within your courses. Show up with exactly what you are carrying—releasing, receiving, and digesting. All those things will be the very thing you need to assist you through the assignments.”
She encourages students to:
- - Use everything as fuel.
- - Expect the unexpected.
- - Expect the unexplainable.
- - Expect to be wowed.
- - In all situations, be grateful and show gratitude.
Doing It Scared
As she steps into the next chapter, Shakeela admits that building something bigger than herself can feel terrifying.
“I truly feel like I have a bigger-than-myself vision in my head. It’s terrifying sometimes because I don’t want to drop the ball.”
Perfectionism can stall her progress, yet she continues forward anyway.
“I am my business. My life and experiences are the brand. I know I will be just fine if I just continue to move—even when self-doubt and fear of rejection scream.”
Her closing words capture her spirit perfectly:
“The unknown has become my adventure to usher me into my new life—and I’m ready. So I do it scared. I do it late. I just DO IT.”
Want to connect with Shakeela?
Website: https://walkinginalignment.wixsite.com/unapologeticallywia
Facebook: Shakeela Smith
Instagram: @mssmilezs
