Shakyla Petty shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shakyla , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts early. I am usually up around 6 a.m. to have a quiet moment before the kids wake up. I check in with myself first, whether that is journaling, prayer, or a quick grounding exercise. Then I shift into mom mode, which means breakfast, playtime, and all the morning energy that comes with two little ones.
Once the kids are settled with activities or naps, I move into my workday. This can include coaching clients in my programs, creating content to help people understand anxiety and nervous system healing, or developing resources for my community. I try to structure my day with breaks to recharge because I have learned that taking care of my own nervous system is just as important as supporting my clients.
In the evenings, it is family time. We have dinner together, maybe go for a walk, and I wind down by putting my phone away, reflecting on the day, and reading before bed. It is a mix of business, motherhood, and self-care and I would not have it any other way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Coach Ari and I am a mental health and somatic healing coach dedicated to helping people overcome anxiety, trauma, and overwhelm by reconnecting with their bodies and nervous systems. I created my programs to guide individuals through healing not just their minds, but their whole selves mind, body, and spirit. What makes my work unique is my focus on somatic healing techniques that empower clients to feel safe, grounded, and in control, especially those dealing with health anxiety and deep-rooted trauma. My approach blends science with compassion, offering practical tools alongside emotional support. I am also a mother of three and my own journey balancing business, motherhood, and healing fuels my passion to help others find that same balance. Right now, I am focused on expanding my program and community to reach more people who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety and fear.
Ultimately, I want my work to be a source of hope and empowerment, reminding everyone that healing is possible and they do not have to face their struggles alone.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father saw me clearly before I could see myself. From a young age, he would tell me how much of a leader I was, even when I didn’t believe it. His faith in me gave me strength and confidence through so many challenges. Losing him in December of 2018 was incredibly hard, but his belief in me continues to inspire everything I do. Whenever I doubt myself, I remember his words and keep pushing forward.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. Before I started coaching anxiety clients, I was really struggling with my own health. I was sick with vertigo, cripplingly anxiety and a severe vitamin D deficiency, and I couldn’t run my other businesses or properly care for my three kids. It was a really dark and overwhelming period. I felt helpless and exhausted, and at times, I wondered if I would ever get better. But through that experience, I learned so much about patience, resilience, and self care. It was that journey that eventually led me to somatic healing and coaching, and now I use what I learned to help others facing their own challenges.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think smart people today often get it wrong by focusing too much on the mind alone when it comes to healing and growth. We live in a world that values logic, productivity, and quick fixes, but many overlook the importance of the body and nervous system in our overall well being. Healing isn’t just about thinking positive or managing symptoms intellectually it’s about reconnecting with how we physically experience stress and trauma. Somatic healing teaches us to listen to our bodies, to feel grounded, and to regulate our nervous system. Without that, all the mental work can fall short. So the biggest mistake is separating mind and body instead of treating them as one whole system.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy by thinking it’s just about teaching techniques or managing anxiety. But for me, it’s so much deeper than that. My true legacy is about helping people reconnect with themselves on a whole new level healing trauma, calming the nervous system, and finding strength in vulnerability. It’s about inspiring hope and showing that healing is possible even when things feel darkest. I want people to remember that it’s not just about fixing symptoms, but about transformation and reclaiming your life.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YdmmrAjJ6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coach_ari0?_t=ZT-8ynq3E2BlV8&_r=1
Image Credits
Garion Hammond
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
