Meet Rikki Van Brackle

We recently connected with Rikki Van Brackle and have shared our conversation below.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey has been all about transformation, freedom, and healing, both for myself and for every soul I’m blessed to work with. After 17+ years with the NYPD, where my last assignment was domestic violence officer, a line-of-duty injury shifted my path toward a calling that had been waiting for me.

Now, I am embracing my role as a world-traveling energy healer with The Butterfly Hippie. I bring my personal journey of growth and healing into every session, retreat, and healing circle. The Butterfly Hippie is about embodying freedom, joy, empowerment, and transformation.

Through my work, I guide others in finding peace, self-empowerment, and purpose, encouraging them to shed what no longer serves them, embrace their true selves, and celebrate each stage of their healing ‘Sparkle Journey’. I’ve traveled as far as Greece to see clients and am willing to go wherever I’m needed, drawing inspiration from different cultures, natural landscapes, and ancient wisdom. Everywhere I go, I bring that energy into my offerings, crafting spaces that honor each person’s unique path to healing and transformation. My services include Reiki, AcuDetox (ear acupuncture), Access Bars, Human Design, Spiritual Guidance, Tarot & Oracle readings, customized Tapping Affirmations and much more. I hold monthly Zoom Extravaganzas that focus on healing, releasing, and building a powerful community. Additionally, I’m excited to launch The Sparkle Journey, a personalized retreat experience available as a 7-day virtual, 6-week (virtual or in-person), or one-week in-person Costa Rican retreat option. This offering provides clients with daily tarot readings, affirmations, rituals, and intuitive guidance to help them reconnect with what truly matters. I create a safe, vibrant space where participants can release old patterns, step into their power, and feel fully supported on their journey.

The Margarita Room Podcast, my bi-monthly YouTube-based show, is where we explore transformative topics that dive into healing, cosmic cycles, spiritual growth, and personal empowerment. It’s a space where I can be fully open, playful, and transparent about the ups and downs of this journey. I also curate themed playlists that align with each episode, setting the perfect vibe and enhancing the experience for my audience as they connect with these themes on a deeper, energetic level.

I’m also the founder of The Free Woman Project, a nonprofit dedicated to the self-empowerment of survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, incest, grief, and PTSD, with a special focus on BIPOC women and girls. Our mission also extends to supporting the self-empowerment of BIPOC women police officers, social workers, and other first responders who care for survivors. These women play critical roles in the lives of those healing and The Free Woman Project is here to uplift and support them on their journey as well. Myself and other trusted healers and holistic practitioners offer our services as a safe haven and resource for everyone on their path to healing and renewal. We’re building a network that provides tools, support, and guidance to help all involved find their peace and inner strength.

I’m excited to announce that I’ll soon be offering new services as a certified Zumba instructor for both adults and kids, as well as a certified breathwork facilitator. These additions will allow me to guide clients in powerful, movement-based and breath-centered practices to release, reconnect, and realign with their inner selves on even deeper levels.

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?

Balance has allowed me to manage the demands of my practice, self-care, and personal growth. Balance is dynamic; it changes as my needs shift. My advice for those starting is to create small routines that support your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Practicing balance regularly will help you feel grounded and aligned, even during life’s ebbs and flows.

Courage has been essential in stepping into the unknown, especially when I left NYC and embraced my healing work full-time. Courage has helped me trust my purpose, even when the path wasn’t clear. For those starting out, build courage by challenging yourself to step beyond your comfort zone regularly. Even small acts of courage add up, strengthening your confidence and trust in yourself.

Self-Awareness has guided me to understand my strengths, limits, and purpose more deeply. Being aware of who I am helps me serve others authentically. For beginners, build self-awareness through regular reflection, journaling, meditation or plant medicine. As you learn more about yourself, your choices and actions will align more naturally with your purpose.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Beach photos: Ocean Morisset
Yoga photos: Elizabeth Couse

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