Introducing Kourtney O’Reilly from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is the owner of The Kollective. Here are a few unique things about Kourtney:

“I am the only Spinal Energetics practitioner in Michigan!”
“I performed cardiac ultrasound for 14 years before shifting my focus to prevention and wellness.”
“One of my favorite moments was traveling to Leh Ladakh, India on a Medical Mission Trip.”
“I am a forever student and seek to learn new things, collaborate, support others, and keep evolving into this ever changing woman that I am becoming!”

Learn more about Kourtney and her spinal energetics business below:

Tell us about your personal wellness journey. What led you to where you are now?

“I have worked in Health Care & Wellness for the past 17 years. I'd say my ‘Wellness Journey’ really started to take flight 10 years ago. I settled into a steady yoga practice, opened a cold pressed juice business downtown Kalamazoo, went through yoga teacher training, was attuned as a reiki master, created a platform for healing & self growth, studied sound therapy & Thai bodywork, and became a board certified health coach. I really started to tap into my own energy as a healer and teacher in this time. I absolutely love connecting and supporting other humans on their journey, this is my passion and purpose in this lifetime.

After the loss of my mom in July of 2019, my world really began to shift. I knew I was meant for more and after I dug myself out of a deep dark hole called grief and depression, I was ready to help others again. I created The Kollective, first as an online platform throughout Covid and since then, have welcomed over 60 hand-picked speakers to talk about everything ranging from stress and anxiety to relationships, to breath work and plant based medicine. All things health and healing. Spinal Energetics found me as I was searching for ways to release trauma from my body and find balance for my own nervous system. This work is EXACTLY what I am supposed to be doing! Everything in my life has prepared me for this chapter of healing work and my passion for it is palpable. I cannot wait to share this powerful energy medicine with YOU!”

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

“I started working with a business coach in the beginning of 2019 because I knew I wanted to work for myself and also help others. As a lover of community, self growth, and collaboration, The Kollective was born!”

How did you start your business?

“It started with an in-person retreat in 2019 at the most beautiful B & B in Marshall, Michigan with a group of Ahhh-Mazing women. When Covid hit, I turned towards an online platform. This started the momentum for everything that is today! I still hold Kollective events, but not as often as I once did. Most of my energy at this point is geared towards sharing the healing work of Spinal Energetics, yoga, and my family.”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“Nope! I think we are meant to learn from all the lessons, make all the mistakes, and grow because of them.”

What is the best business advice you've ever been given?

“It's actually good to try something new and have it not work out. This gives you an opportunity to recognize what went right, what went wrong, learn from it, pivot, and continue moving forward. Basically, it's good to fail!”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“I go to my mat. Yoga has always helped me no matter what I am going through. There have definitely been a lot of classes where I just lay on my mat and cry....and that's ok :) I also lean on my best friends, go to therapy, put my feet in the dirt, get out into nature, hug my people, and take rest.”

What impact do you want your business to have?

“I want to impact people's lives in the most beautiful and meaningful way. Assisting them on their own personal healing journey, in their own time. I pride myself on showing up wholeheartedly for every single client and meeting them exactly where they're at. Helping each client to identify and release the things that are holding them back, so they can show up as their most healthy and authentic self.”

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur of a wellness business?

“Do it for the right reasons and follow your heart.”

What do you do for personal and professional development?

“I look for guidance from those who came before me and learn a lot from the speakers that come through The Kollective. I've used Krista Ripma and David Paré as coaches and guides. I go to therapy (talk and EMDR). I am always in some kind of online training (300 RYT, HeartMath, Trauma Informed Certifications). I lean into and believe in plant medicine. I love listening to podcasts -The Huberman Lab, We Can Do Hard Things, OnPurpose with Jay Shetty, Goop, Mindset Mentor, Mel Robbins, Expanded by TBM, Authentic Audience, Magic Lessons, The Adult Chair, GaryVee, SelfCare Simplified, anything with Terry Real.”

What mantra or quote do you live by?

“The purpose of life is to discover your gift; the work of life is to develop it; and the meaning of life is to give your gift away.” — David Viscott

What is your favorite wellness activity or hobby?

“YOGA, cooking authentic Indian food, weight training, getting my feet in the dirt, and growing my moms favorite flower, dahlias!!”

What are a few of your favorite wellness products, and why?

“Aud & El because it's made with love, Clean Matcha because its delish with almond milk and local honey, LUA Skincare oil, Apothekary tinctures help with balance.”