We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katia Pierre-louis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katia , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a first-generation Haitian American, I was raised in a household that instilled a belief in the good in people and the importance of positive intentions in building relationships. My upbringing emphasized hard work, integrity, and the trust those qualities inspire in others. My parents always reinforced the idea that “the sky’s the limit,” which shaped my confidence and determination to excel, even in spaces where I might be the only one who looks like me.
Education was a cornerstone of my upbringing, but it extended beyond academics. I was encouraged to embrace the world through travel, reading, and connecting with diverse people and cultures. This foundation taught me to approach situations with curiosity and empathy, which has been instrumental in navigating spaces where I stand out.
When I’ve been the only woman in the room, I understood the importance of dispelling stereotypes. I became relatable, approachable, and focused on building connections that transcended differences. By showing that I was both capable and personable, I earned the respect of my colleagues and created an environment of mutual understanding.
Similarly, as the only person of color in certain settings, I prioritized integrity and authenticity. I connected with people on a human level, demonstrating that while our backgrounds may differ, our goals and values often align. This approach helped break down barriers and allowed others to see me as a trusted and equal contributor.
As a director in rooms filled with vice presidents, I operated with confidence, showing that I was not only qualified to be there but also capable of contributing meaningfully. I proved my value by knowing my subject matter thoroughly and contributing at their level. By refusing to be intimidated and leaning on my preparation and expertise, I earned their respect and trust.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that success in these situations comes from a balance of confidence, humility, and connection. By staying true to my values and meeting people where they are, I’ve been able to build trust, dispel preconceived notions, and thrive as a contributor and leader.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the founder of Hidden Leaf Baja, a wellness retreat space located in the serene and vibrant town of Todos Santos, Mexico. Hidden Leaf Baja is more than just a retreat space; it’s a sanctuary where individuals come to reconnect with themselves, find balance, and explore the possibilities of living better, healthier lives.
What excites me most about this work is creating intentional spaces that foster healing, growth, and connection. Our programs and retreats are thoughtfully curated to emphasize holistic well-being, focusing on healthy eating, mindful living, and events that encourage meaningful connection. Whether it’s through yoga, personal development workshops, or simply gathering around a shared meal, Hidden Leaf is a space where transformation happens naturally and authentically.
One of the unique aspects of Hidden Leaf Baja is the sense of belonging and inclusion we cultivate. As a Black entrepreneur and first-generation Haitian American, I’m deeply aware of the importance of representation in spaces like these. Our mission is to create a retreat experience that’s not only beautiful but also accessible and welcoming to people from all walks of life, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented communities.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about some incredible developments at Hidden Leaf. We’ve launched Signature Retreats, such as “Elemental Reconnection”, “Nurture & Empower: The Rooted Retreat Leader Experience”, and “Journey to Self-Discovery: A Retreat for Women in Transition”. Each retreat is designed to address specific needs, whether it’s finding balance in life’s transitions, reconnecting with the elements, or empowering retreat leaders to cultivate their own transformative experiences.
Additionally, we’ve recently introduced programs like our “Write to Heal” retreat, which leverages the power of writing as a tool for self-discovery and emotional healing. I truly believe that everyone has the right to heal, and through Hidden Leaf, we’re creating opportunities for individuals to explore their paths toward wholeness in a safe, supportive environment.
Hidden Leaf Baja is a passion project born from my desire to live intentionally and help others do the same. Our ultimate goal is to inspire our guests to leave feeling more connected, empowered, and equipped to live their best lives.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:
1. An Open Mind Toward Healing:
One of the most transformative aspects of my journey has been maintaining an open mind about how to heal. While I initially leaned on traditional modalities like talk therapy, I recognized that healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. I opened my heart to explore modalities I wasn’t familiar with, such as breathwork, meditation, and holistic practices, and learned to trust the process even when it was unfamiliar. This openness allowed me to embrace new perspectives and tools, ultimately shaping the path I am walking today.
2. Commitment to Education and Exploration:
I didn’t just dabble in new methods; I educated myself about their benefits and histories. I sought knowledge through research, practice, and connecting with experts, which helped me understand not only what worked for me but why it worked. This curiosity also led me back to my ancestral roots and the concept of food as medicine—a powerful reminder that some of the most effective healing tools have been with us all along.
3. Courage to Embrace Ancestral Wisdom:
Reconnecting with ancestral roots, particularly the idea of food as medicine, was a pivotal moment in my journey. It reminded me that growth and evolution often requires looking inward and backward—revisiting the wisdom of those who came before us. This connection to my heritage gave me a profound sense of grounding and purpose, inspiring me to incorporate these principles into the work I do today.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
– Stay Open-Minded: Growth often requires venturing into the unknown. Don’t limit yourself to what feels familiar or comfortable. Be curious and willing to explore different ideas, even those that challenge your current understanding.
– Educate Yourself Continuously: Take the time to learn about the new things you’re exploring. Read, ask questions, and seek guidance from those who have expertise. The more you understand, the more empowered you’ll feel on your journey.
– Honor Your Roots: Whether it’s cultural, familial, or ancestral, there is often a wealth of wisdom in the traditions and practices passed down through generations. Don’t be afraid to revisit these practices—they might be the key to unlocking a deeper sense of healing and connection.
Your journey is uniquely yours, and by approaching it with openness, curiosity, and reverence for your own history, you can create a path that’s both transformative and deeply fulfilling.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always looking to partner and collaborate with experts who are passionate about helping people live better, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. At Hidden Leaf Baja, we aim to create transformative experiences for our guests, and partnerships with thought leaders and specialists are a key part of that mission.
I’m particularly interested in collaborating with professionals and practitioners who specialize in:
– Navigating Life Transitions: Experts who can guide individuals through career changes, personal growth journeys, or significant life shifts.
– Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being: Therapists, coaches, or facilitators who focus on breaking stigma, particularly in underrepresented groups like men or BIPOC communities.
– Food as Medicine: Chefs, nutritionists, and herbalists who emphasize the connection between what we eat and how we heal, aligning with ancestral wisdom and holistic practices.
– Mind-Body Practices: Facilitators specializing in yoga, breathwork, meditation, or somatic healing.
– Creativity and Healing: Writers, artists, or musicians who use creative expression as a tool for emotional release and self-discovery.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hiddenleafbaja.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddenleafbaja
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiddenleafbaja
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
