We were lucky to catch up with Ana Lilia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ana, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
It definitely wasn’t a straight line. After college, I started working in PR in the music industry. It was fast-paced, exciting, and creative. From there, I moved into marketing, did some acting, and eventually found myself working in casting. I was always drawn to storytelling and expression, and I thought that was the path I was supposed to follow.
But underneath all of that, there was this deeper part of me that loved helping people. I was always the friend people came to when life felt messy or uncertain. The one who could hold space, ask the right questions, or just be there when things were heavy. I didn’t think of it as my “purpose” — it was just who I was.
I volunteered often. I loved mentoring. I found myself most lit up not by the industry I was in, but by the moments of real connection. The conversations that helped someone feel seen. The small breakthroughs that reminded someone of who they are.
Eventually, I started to realize I couldn’t keep ignoring that part of me. I had done so much to support other people, but I hadn’t fully supported myself. So I began doing the inner work — healing, nervous system regulation, mindset shifts — and everything started to click.
Helping others find clarity, confidence, and alignment wasn’t just something I was good at. It was what I was meant to do. My purpose isn’t about a job title or a niche. It’s about guiding others through what I’ve lived and learned — so they can finally show up for their own purpose, with clarity and heart.
That’s what lights me up. And that’s what I’m here for.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I work with soul-led entrepreneurs — coaches, healers, and creatives — who want to make a difference doing what they love, but often feel stuck navigating the fear, perfectionism, or pressure that comes with building a business.
My approach is holistic and grounded in lived experience. I discovered breathwork during a time when I was quietly struggling with anxiety and depression. Even after years in therapy, I still felt like something was missing — like my body was holding onto emotions I couldn’t talk my way out of. Breathwork was the first thing that gave me real release, real clarity, and a deep sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years.
That experience changed everything for me. I got certified, started facilitating sessions, and from there, I felt called to support others more fully — which led me into coaching. Over time, I began weaving together breathwork, nervous system healing, mindset work, and business strategy. It’s become a powerful combination that helps people get out of their head, into their body, and into aligned action.
I guide entrepreneurs toward creating businesses that reflect their truth — where they can do what they love, support others deeply, and get paid well without compromising who they are.
Whether I’m working one-on-one with a client, guiding a group inside the Dream Bigger Mastermind, or leading an in-person retreat, my work is about helping people come home to themselves and create from that place. Right now, I’m focused on supporting my mastermind clients, preparing for upcoming retreats, and continuing to hold spaces that blend healing, clarity, and confident self-expression.
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 things have made the biggest difference in my journey — not just in building a business, but in being able to show up for it in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.
1. Emotional resilience.
The ability to sit with fear, uncertainty, and doubt without letting it stop me has been everything. Building something from your heart will bring up all your stuff — perfectionism, comparison, imposter thoughts. I had to learn how to stay grounded and keep going, even when things felt uncomfortable or unclear. For anyone starting out, I’d say: build a relationship with your nervous system. Learn to regulate, not just push through.
2. Self-trust.
There will be so many voices telling you what you should do — strategies, templates, formulas. Some are helpful, some aren’t. What changed everything for me was learning to check in with myself first. Is this aligned with my values? Does it feel good in my body? Is this coming from fear or from clarity? Developing self-trust is an ongoing practice, but it’s essential if you want to build something that’s truly your own.
3. Clear messaging.
For a long time, I struggled to explain what I did — even though I knew it was powerful. Learning how to speak clearly and confidently about the transformation I offer helped me connect with the right people and feel more confident showing up online. If you’re just starting out, get curious about how your lived experience connects to the work you do. That’s where your message lives.
My biggest advice? Don’t rush. Stay close to your why. And build a business that supports you, not just your audience. The more you feel grounded and safe in your own process, the more magnetic your work becomes.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve been sitting with lately is how quickly the coaching and personal development space is changing, especially with the rise of AI.
More and more people are turning to technology to meet their emotional and relational needs. They’re using it as their coach, their therapist, even their friend. And while I understand the appeal, especially when someone is feeling overwhelmed or isolated. I also believe that healing and growth happen through real connection. Through being seen and supported by people who can hold you in the moment, not just give you information.
That’s why I’m leaning deeper into creating live, human-centered spaces. Intimate retreats. Breathwork circles. Community coaching sessions where people can feel each other’s presence, share in real time, and experience the safety of being witnessed without needing to perform.
People are craving that now more than ever. My work is about helping them return to themselves, not through more screens or algorithms, but through genuine connection and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.analilia.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ana_lilia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/analilia1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@breathemorepodcast
Image Credits
Wade Brands for all images
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
