Meet Celinda De La Fuente

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Celinda De La Fuente a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Celinda, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by releasing the layers of projections placed upon me by the patriarchy, colonial influences, organized religion, antiquated societal norms, scarcity mindset, and the judgments of others that I had unknowingly accepted as my own. I let go of the limiting definitions that kept me boxed in, shedding the weight of how society pits women against one another. I no longer compare myself to anyone else; instead, I honor my unique journey.

A major turning point in my self-esteem came when I realized that I am not alone on this journey—I carry my ancestors with me. Their strength, wisdom, and love are woven into the fabric of who I am. This connection to my lineage has been a powerful reminder that I am part of something greater, and their stories fuel my own confidence and resilience.

Every day, I ask myself, “Who do you want to be today?” This simple question guides me in my journey to be the best version of myself. For me, this means approaching life with compassion and grace—not only toward myself but also toward everyone I encounter.

I made the conscious decision to reject any words or beliefs spoken into my life that were not for my highest and greatest good. I developed confidence and self-esteem by loving every version of myself—past, present, and future. I look in the mirror every morning—I see the darkest parts of myself, and love them back to life. And I love myself for who I am right now. I know I am worthy of love as I am right now, as is everyone else.

This journey taught me that true confidence is rooted in radical self-acceptance. It’s about embracing every facet of who I am and standing firm in my worth, knowing I am enough just as I am. Today, I walk through life not as a product of others’ expectations, but as the author of my own story—unafraid to shine.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am the founder of Ashes To Phoenix LLC, where I offer energy healing services and practitioner certification courses to help others awaken the healer within so they can transform their lives and align with their highest potential. My work incorporates a range of healing modalities, including but not limited to Reiki, Violet Flame, Metatron Healing, Akashic Records Healing, Past Life Healing, Qigong Healing, EFT, and house/space cleanses. I also bring in my knowledge of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotional freedom techniques (EFT) to guide clients in releasing limiting beliefs and embracing empowering perspectives.

My journey into these healing practices began as a personal quest to heal myself. I wanted to find a path that would help me overcome the challenges in my life, and through this deep inner work, I found my calling in guiding others to do the same. The healing practices I now teach and share were born from my own transformative journey, and I am so grateful to be able to pass them on.

I offer accredited online and virtual Energy Healing Certification Courses, all of which are accredited through the Complementary Therapists Accredited Association. These courses are designed to empower others to step into their own healing abilities and support them in their growth as practitioners.

I am also excited to share that you can now find my products for spiritual cleansing at Abundant Universe, located at 10203 Culebra Rd #10, San Antonio, TX 78251. These products are designed to support the energetic clearing and renewal of your space, helping you align with a higher vibration.

I am deeply grateful for the support of Alex Mesquit and the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AITSCM) and their Economic Justice Program, which has inspired and supported my growth in ways that continue to enrich my life and practice.

What excites me most about this work is witnessing the transformative power of healing and alignment in people’s lives. There is something deeply special about helping others awaken the healer within and reconnect to their authentic selves. Every session feels like a sacred partnership with the Universe, where unconditional love and intention create real change.

Currently, I’m thrilled to facilitate Violet Flame Group Healings and Akashic Records Workshops hosted by Angela Alonzo of Abundant Universe in San Antonio, TX, where we offer participants a space for powerful energetic renewal. I’m also excited about all the forthcoming collaborations with inspiring individuals in the field, including Claudia Solitaire of Moon Soul Yoga, David Williams of Bexar Collective, Vic Janitzi of Late Bloomer, Alyssa Lopez of Knee Knee N’ Nalgas, Xylia Garcia of Sanadora, Tia Sanderson of Transcendental Creative, Juan De La Fuente, Kiara Adame, Lana Hernandez and Gabriella Tijerina of Street2Feet, Rebecca Steele and Kristi Martinelli of Two Hoes Gardening and The Well at Tecolote. These collaborations are a testament to the power of community and the collective energy we create when we come together.

Ashes To Phoenix is more than a business—it is a movement grounded in transformation, love, and empowerment. Whether through one-on-one virtual sessions, in-person healing events, or practitioner certification courses, my goal is to inspire others to live with intention and gratitude.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-awareness and inner guidance, resilience, and an openness to receiving assistance.

Self-awareness and inner guidance have been crucial because they allowed me to identify limiting beliefs and patterns that no longer served me while also helping me tune into my inner wisdom. By observing my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with compassion and without judgment, I was able to make intentional choices that aligned with my highest good. Trusting my inner guidance helped me surrender to the process of growth and stay aligned with love and gratitude in everything I do.

Resilience has given me the strength to keep moving forward, even when the road felt uncertain or difficult. I have learned that growth often comes through challenges. By embracing adversity with an open heart, I have transformed obstacles into opportunities for healing and empowerment.

Finally, being open to receiving assistance has been a game-changer. I have learned that none of us can do this journey alone. Whether through guidance from others, support from the community, or spiritual assistance, allowing myself to receive help has deepened my growth and expanded my capacity for healing. We are all interconnected, and leaning on others can be a beautiful reminder that we do not have to walk this path in isolation. I am blessed to have like-minded people in my life who are willing to offer their wisdom, share their experiences, and support me with love and compassion, helping me grow while also inspiring me to be a source of support for others on their own journeys—people who see me for who I truly am and accept me exactly where I am on my journey.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to start with curiosity and compassion for yourself. Develop self-awareness by practicing mindfulness and reflecting on your thoughts and feelings regularly. To build resilience, embrace challenges as lessons and opportunities for growth. Focus on gratitude, even for small things—it shifts your energy in powerful ways. And to strengthen your openness to assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trust that guidance and support will show up when you need it.

Remember, this is a journey, not a race. Be patient, and honor every step along the way.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was help me change my definition of forgiveness, come to a place of acceptance, and break free from generational trauma. My mother passed away when I was 17, and I never knew my biological father. My stepfather, while present during my upbringing, was not the kind of person I would have chosen as a role model. I haven’t had a relationship with him since I was 21, and for valid reasons, I do not need to elaborate on at this moment.

My mother suffered from mental illness, was volatile at times, and often exploded because she never dealt with her own trauma. It was not all bad, though—there were moments of love and connection, and I know she did the best she could with the tools she had. Still, much of what I and my siblings witnessed growing up was shaped by pain, unhealed wounds, and the weight of generational trauma.

I now see my mother not as a “bad mom,” but as someone filled with unresolved trauma, doing the best she could at the level of awareness she had. I accept her for who she was, and in doing so, I have come to a place of forgiveness. I do not condone her actions, but I accept where she was in life and honor the human being she was. Through this acceptance, I have found peace and healing for myself.

Had I stayed silent and complacent, lost my voice, or remained trapped in the cycles my parents never broke free from, I would have remained stuck in those same patterns. I have broken free from limiting beliefs, mental health stigmas, and the conditioning of outdated religious systems. I have healed from sexual trauma and the lasting impacts of colonial influences. I now see these experiences not as chains, but as the catalysts that propelled me to change, grow, and heal.

I have learned to honor those who came before me and to be the voice of my Ancestors. I have learned to use anger as a force for change rather than allowing it to lead me into addiction. Through this, I found my freedom. I transmuted anger into love, and now I have a business where I can assist others on their own healing journeys, breaking out of societal norms and healing their lineages.

None of this would have been possible without the parents I had. They have given me the gift of awareness and the drive to create a life of healing, love, and freedom—not just for myself, but for future generations. I will forever love my mom for that.

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Image Credits

Gabrielle Tijerina

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