We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Besser recently and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Growing up in southern Illinois in a small town, I was the only black girl in many if not all of the activities that I was interested in like playing the piano, dance classes, and theatre. It was challenging at times, but definitely gave me the confidence, resilience, and motivation to want to live in larger diverse cities where I could meet and be around more folks that looked like me and had the same interests. I moved to Chicago after college and presently now live in Denver. With my career in wellness, there are more folks that look like me practicing massage, Reiki, teaching yoga, and facilitating sound baths. We are still in the minority, and at times I am still the only one in the room that looks like me. I’ve learned to always lean in on just being myself no matter what!
If you have passion and heart behind what you do in your career and purpose, I believe that it can be part of your calling to be the example for others to see you doing what you do.
To be the example of a black woman owned wellness business, to inspire other black women with the same interests to succeed that they can do it too.
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?
My business is Intune Wellness located here in Denver, CO. I offer 1:1 sessions of integrative massage therapy, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive readings. I also host group classes/events incorporating teaching all levels of Reiki, vinyasa and slow flow yoga, and sound healing/ sound baths, My mission is to help my students and clients connect to their intuition through these various modalities to increase their own personal vitality and growth. Starting in March 2023, my business is expanding and moving to a new larger location in the RINO neighborhood in downtown Denver where I will host all of my offerings under one roof, which is so exciting!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) Taking a leap of faith! I wish I would have taken the leap to entrepreneurship years before I did. Sometimes we wait and hesitate on our goals because we feel that we aren’t ready due to fear and imposter syndrome. My advice would be to just take the leap!
2) I love learning and I think what has helped me in my career is having the experience and many years of taking trainings and certifications to back up my skills and expertise. I have my BFA in dance, but have certifications in massage (hot stone, prenatal) , esthetics (lash extensions, microderm, chem peels) , yoga (500hrs YTT) , and sound bath facilitation (Levels 1 and 2) and am a Reiki Master and teach all levels of Reiki.
I know that I’m knowledgeable and confidence in my business and career because I have done the work and taken the time to become an expert. I’ve been in the wellness industry for almost 17 yrs and there is always something new to learn and I have definitely gained new interests along the way.
3) Resilience
To be an entrepreneur, you have to be resilient along the way! Through the learning curves of running a business, marketing, social media, customer service, etc. You will make mistakes, but it’s how you learn from them, ask for help, and move forward that matters.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I love the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I love this books, because it’s one that you can reread and pick up new nuggets of wisdom. One of the most valuable is the agreement on not taking things personally. This has been is a great reminder in life for me and in my business. We don’t always know what others are going through and can take what others say to us so personally and react. It’s a great reminder to give others some grace through mindfulness and awareness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.intunewellnesscb.com
- Instagram: @courtneyisintune
- Facebook: Intune
- Yelp: Intune Wellness https://yelp.to/HV3MufElexb
Image Credits:
headshot-Jes Kimak Photography
