From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Jess Bashara, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
Reiki with Jess Bashara began in a season of life where I knew that I had completed my previous mission as a work from home & stay at home mom of 3 kids, ages 2-13. As a homeschool parent of two, I had reached my capacity to give for others and it was time to put my own education, goals and nurturing at the forefront.
I always knew that I was a healer because I worked with light my entire life to heal parts of myself, whether it was feelings of abandonment from a father who couldn’t meet my needs as a young person or after my former husband left my kids and me permanently to pursue a life outside of our family. I was completely crushed after this event, but I always gravitated to helpers, be they books, therapists, soul friends, or other “angels with skin”, as I lovingly refer to those that had a healing impact on my life! Since I had been picking myself up off the ground time and time again and because I knew my own power to heal from the inside out, I sought a path that would allow me to help inspire others to connect with their own inner healer. That’s where Reiki with Jess Bashara began.
I combine energy work with open-eyed meditation & active listening to reduce stress, anxiety and pain levels and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. My role is to offer gentleness and support as you navigate whatever season of Life you happen to be in, with the goal of helping you to hear your “yeses” & “nos”. In this way, you will feel inspired to walk away from situations that you’ve outgrown & walk bravely toward the path that is calling to you now!
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
Early on, I had two meditation modalities come to me; the labyrinth and mirror work. I had done mirror work before (thank you Louise Hay!), but I had to deep dive the labyrinth, studying its symbolism, the myths, the benefits, the metaphors for life and of course the practice itself of walking them in meditation.
I’m proud that I have taken the time to implement the use of these two tools in my personal life first because it has helped me to fine tune how to best use them in my client work, in ways that affect positive change.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
Hands down, it was the FIRST step of betting on myself to win. As someone who had abandonment issues even before my former husband up and left me with two kids to raise on my own for nearly a decade, it’s safe to say that I struggled with commitment issues and having a right-sized idea of my own value and worth. Betting on myself by trusting that all of the amazing self-healing work would be enough to make offerings to others on their own healing paths, was bold as heck and I’m so glad I did and continue to do so!
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
I’m excited to expand my offerings of one-off reiki sessions to short and long-term programs for individuals and couples!
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
Be super intentional and discerning about the company you keep and what your share with people who aren’t on an entrepreneurial path. Build a tribe of supportive people who truly listen to you, honor your yeses and nos and also inspire you to up your game.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
My creative powers are on FIRE!! I love how my business allows me to get into a space of pure possibility, and knowing that my ideas will improve not only my own life, but other’s, gives me great joy!
Connect with Jess Bashara
Photo credit: Courtesy of Jess Bashara
Beautifully written, thank you for sharing your vulnerability and your gifts with the world.