Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Elliott.
Hi Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has been a diverse and transformative one. In 2016, I took a significant step by opening a spa in Lakeland, Florida. While I had ventured into the wellness industry, I felt a deeper calling to incorporate an integrative approach into my business. To pursue this passion, I returned to school and pursued an undergraduate degree in integrative health sciences, specializing in herbal medicine.
During those years of studying, I didn’t limit myself to just one facet of wellness. I earned certifications in various disciplines, including fitness, yoga, reiki, and homeopathy. However, life had more changes in store for me. In 2019, my husband received a job opportunity that led us to relocate to Alpharetta, Georgia. This transition was accompanied by the joy of welcoming our third child.
The world faced unprecedented challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, my husband had an ingenious idea—an online game that educates players about real-life survival strategies while promoting health and wellness. We named it ‘Hawah Life.’ As we settled into our new surroundings, we purchased 5 acres of land near Chattanooga, Tennessee, to bring our vision to life.
Our land is the foundation for ‘Hawah Life’ and a place for workshops and gatherings where others can learn and grow. Alongside this endeavor, I aspire to reinvent my spa concept, this time in Chattanooga, as a tea room with an integrated wellness spa. My journey from a spa owner in Florida to an integrative health enthusiast in Georgia and now a wellness advocate in Tennessee has been marked by a commitment to learning, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of my passion for holistic well-being. I am excited to see where this path continues to lead me.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been marked by several significant challenges that have shaped my path to where I am today. One of the most demanding aspects was the balancing act of pursuing my undergraduate degree in integrative health sciences while simultaneously being a parent and managing my spa business in Lakeland, Florida. It required a tremendous amount of time management dedication and often meant making personal sacrifices to keep everything afloat. In 2019, my husband’s job opportunity led us to relocate to Alpharetta, Georgia. While this was an exciting change, it also posed challenges in adapting to a new environment, recalibrating my business strategy, and ensuring a smooth transition for my family. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen disruptions to my reinstatement plans and added stress to a demanding schedule as a student and parent. Navigating the uncertainties of those times was undeniably challenging. The creation of ‘Hawah Life,’ our online wellness game, was another adventure filled with obstacles. Developing and marketing the game required significant effort and expertise, though we were committed to innovatively promoting health and wellness. The game was later put on hold as we again transitioned to another place of living. Buying 5 acres of land near Chattanooga, Tennessee, for ‘Hawah Life’ and other ventures presented its challenges, from zoning regulations to financing. Adapting to a more rural lifestyle was also a learning curve.
Additionally, the prospect of reinventing my spa concept in Chattanooga, this time as a tea room with integrated wellness services under the name “Brews of Wellness,” introduced complexities regarding rebranding and attracting a new clientele. Perhaps one of the most enduring challenges has been managing multiple ventures simultaneously. Juggling ‘Hawah Life,’ land development, and the spa reinvention has required careful planning, delegation, and a passion for the vision I’m striving to bring to life. These challenges have tested my resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to holistic well-being and entrepreneurship. They’ve also enriched my journey with valuable lessons that continue to drive me forward.
We’ve been impressed with Hawah Life, LLC, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
I wear many hats in holistic wellness, and each role has uniquely shaped my journey. As a holistic health practitioner, I specialize in taking a comprehensive approach to health, focusing on physical well-being and the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellness. This holistic perspective allows me to offer personalized wellness solutions that address the whole person.
My expertise extends to yoga and social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction. Through yoga, I help individuals harness the power of mindfulness and movement to improve their physical and mental health. As a SEL instructor, I empower people with the tools to navigate their emotions, build resilience, and foster meaningful connections with others. I’m also a dedicated wellness consultant, working closely with clients to create wellness strategies tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether it’s optimizing nutrition, stress management, or lifestyle changes, my goal is to guide individuals on a transformative wellness journey. One of the most distinctive facets of my work is my role as a Warrior Goddess facilitator. This program empowers women to rediscover their inner strength, overcome challenges, and embrace their true selves. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the positive transformations within this empowering community.
Additionally, I’m the host of the podcast ‘Brews of Wellness,’ where I delve into more about my journey in the wellness field, history, and how integrative health can help bridge the gap in conventional healthcare. I am the author of two books: Brews of Wellness: Simple Brews and The Postured Christian. You can find these on Blurb.com and Amazon. I aim to educate and inspire listeners on various facets of holistic health.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to integrate these diverse roles into a comprehensive approach to wellness. True well-being encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health; my work reflects this belief. I take pride in being able to touch people’s lives in multiple ways, helping them lead healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives. This multi-dimensional approach and my commitment to ongoing education and personal growth sets me apart from others in the field. I continually seek new ways to enhance my knowledge and skills, ensuring I can support those on their wellness journeys. My passion for holistic well-being and my dedication to empowering individuals to take charge of their health set me apart in the wellness world.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I anticipate several exciting shifts and trends over the next 5-10 years in the holistic wellness industry. One significant change is the increasing recognition of physical, mental, and emotional health interconnectedness. People are seeking more comprehensive approaches to well-being beyond just addressing physical symptoms. This trend aligns perfectly with the holistic wellness philosophy, which has always emphasized treating the whole person.
Another noteworthy shift is the integration of technology and wellness. We’re witnessing the emergence of innovative wellness apps, wearables, and digital platforms that provide individuals with tools to track and improve their health. This fusion of technology and holistic wellness can make wellness practices more accessible and personalized. One reason Hawah Life was born. We are also working on a Wellness App!
Mindfulness and mental health are also gaining prominence. With growing awareness of stress-related health issues, there’s a greater emphasis on practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness in daily life. Employers recognize the importance of mental well-being and offer wellness programs to support their employees’ mental health. Sustainability and eco-consciousness are becoming integral to the holistic wellness landscape. People are increasingly interested in products and practices that have minimal environmental impact. This extends to everything from organic and sustainable food choices to eco-friendly wellness products, which I hope to bring to the front once I can.
Additionally, there’s a rising interest in alternative and complementary therapies. Modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and energy healing are gaining credibility and acceptance in mainstream healthcare, increasing availability and integration with conventional medicine. I foresee a greater emphasis on community and social wellness in the coming years. The importance of building supportive communities for mental and emotional health is being recognized, and wellness initiatives that foster social connections will likely gain traction.
The holistic wellness industry is poised for growth and evolution as people increasingly prioritize their health and well-being. These shifts reflect a broader societal awareness of the importance of holistic approaches to health and the recognition that well-being extends beyond physical fitness, setting the stage for an exciting and transformative future in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: Hawahlife.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/brews_of_wellness?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
- Other: https://anchor.fm/brewsofwellness
Image Credits
Outshine Adventures
