Leah McQuade
Introducing Leah McQuade from Wimberley, Texas. She is committed to helping others heal from the inside out so they can live their best, most authentic lives. Here are three unique things about Leah:
In 2017 I sold everything I own, lived out of a backpack and traveled the world for 16 months.
I just learned to free dive for lobsters down in Key West, Florida and loved it! I'm hooked!
I have a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy with special training in women's health.
Learn more about Leah and her business below:
Tell us about your personal wellness journey. What led you to where you are now?
“My journey toward overcoming wellness started when I hit rock bottom for the first time while in college. This rock bottom moment led me to my first holistic therapist at age 24. I'll never forget Diane, she taught me how to find inner peace through meditation. The practice of meditation changed my life.
After meeting Diane, the next 10 years my life would take some interesting twists and turns. After college, I found myself doing what I was ‘supposed’ to do. I got a good job, found a husband, and bought a house. I abandoned myself and my desires for a life I was told I ‘should want,’ not the one I actually wanted.
I slowly became more depressed and anxious and developed all sorts of unexplained physical symptoms. I found myself numbing out with alcohol or pushing myself way too hard as a way to cope with the unbearable stress and overwhelm. I became a constant whirlwind of doing to avoid having to feel.
I got my second DUI, got fired from a job, had my first home literally fall into shambles, forcing a foreclosure, had a restraining order on an ex-boyfriend, and had three surgeries. There were so many signs I was headed in the wrong direction, yet I wasn’t listening.
I hit rock bottom for the second time in my life. It wasn’t until my symptoms got so bad I could barely function that I finally decided something needed to change. I went back to my daily meditation practice and started doing yoga regularly. I found support and guidance on my journey towards wellness through coaching, Buddhist meditation groups, nutritionists, chiropractors, Shamanic healers, psychics, counselors, therapists, and holistic practitioners.
From that point on, I've been obsessed with human optimization and living to my highest potential. I can honestly say I love my life! I've worked on healing past traumas, overcoming debilitating fear, and changing life-long patterns and negative beliefs to become a master coach and somatic healer, world traveler, and soul-preneur.”
How did you come up with the idea for your business?
“By following my heart. It's hard sometimes to follow our hearts as it doesn't lie and requests we take action toward our soul purpose. I resisted coaching and healing work for a very long time. You could say coaching and healing found me and the nudge and calling was so strong I couldn't ignore it any longer.”
How did you start your business?
“I started my business while living in the basement of a friends’s house after selling everything I own to travel the world. My business has offered me an opportunity to grow and evolve in ways I never thought possible.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“It's not very easy for me to talk about myself, yet being the focus of my business where I sell my services, it's important to be able to express what I do. If I could go back in time I would tell my self to get out of my comfort zone and start talking to everyone about what I have to offer!”
What is the best business advice you've ever been given?
“Don't listen to social media influencers who show you their shiny cars, big houses, and tell you they made so much money in the first year of business. It takes time, dedication, alignment, and devotion to serve before you'll ever see a big financial gain.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“Most people do more and ‘just keep going’ when things get tough. I do the opposite. I go inward, slow down, drop in and listen more.
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I want to serve humanity at the highest level possible, helping people heal from the inside out so they can become the best versions of themselves while at the same time living a life that feels balanced and authentic.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur of a wellness business?
“The journey you'll take as an entrepreneur in the wellness space will test you on all levels. if you stay open to the challenge you'll grow in ways you never thought possible and that you likely didn't see coming.”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“Frequently, I work with a coach, therapist, or healer. I always read non-fiction. I try to read fiction at times but almost always make my way back to personal development and spiritual books and memoirs. I also enjoy listening to podcasts while I'm driving or walking.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“It changes depending upon the season of life I'm in. Right now it's, ‘Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.’ This especially relates to business and not rushing into things too quickly.”
What is your favorite wellness activity or hobby?
“Breathwork, Somatic Work, Inner Child Healing and Internal Family Systems, Yoga, Hiking, Lifting weights, and Walking.”
What are a few of your favorite wellness products, and why?
“Oh so many! I love wellness products. I love anything with adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms. I also love herbs and tinctures of all kinds. Once again, this changes with what season of life I'm in. Right now it's been really hot here in Texas so I enjoy this peach leaf elixir made from a local herbalist named Ginger Webb of Texas Medicinals. I'm also enjoying her Kava Kava Elixir when I'm feeling a bit stressed.”
What are some of your favorite wellness-related businesses to support?
“Ginger Webb - Texas Medicinals.”
