Meet Alexis Story | Life Coach | Health Coach | Yoga Teacher | Ordained Healer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Story and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was a natural progression in some ways. One, I have always loved helping people and many turned to me over time to talk through things in their life. My personal brand has always been about health, athleticism, figuring out the body and then eventually included gut health because of my own struggles, so being a health coach was also already part of who I was.

There’s also a historical component to my own struggles in life, career, relationships, addiction, spirituality, and self love. When one has been through the darker side of life and can be triumphant, the light within begins to brighten and I’ve learned that the best way to have light in my life is by helping someon else see through their own darkness and find their light.

On a practical level, when the pandemic hit, it seemed that more than ever emphasis was needed on health. Those I coached during the pandemic didn’t gain the whole ‘Covid 15’, they actually lost! Moreso, they developed ways of coping with stress which became so paramount as I’m sure you know! My coaching is truly holistic in knowing that the body and mind are truly tied. It can begin with mindset and changing your thought process or we can start with nutrition and the physical body.

When I started getting into more mindset work with some of my clients, I expanded with Life Coaching and got certified through a rigorous and intense program that further my developed my ability to help others. Even though I had been through so much, the life coaching techniques changed my own problem solving abilities and it has been life changing for me and for my clients.

We all have gifts and our amazing in our own individual way. I help my clients strip the layers back and see that for themselves. The process to remove obstacles in our thinking becomes easier once we become aware.

The ordained energetic healer in my title is a whole other level to what I offer. I don’t have to get into it with my clients if it’s too “woo-woo” but I do mention vibrational energy and let them know that a catalyst has already been started by our connection. Usually they begin to see subtle changes the moment they connect with me. And that’s how energy works!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As my title suggests, I can offer a lot. On some level, we all know that true health and even an aspect of happiness, lies in all areas- physical, mental and spiritual. “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” Part of what is so cool about being a personal coach, is the ability to understand what your client’s need and then fit and customize the plan to work with their needs.

Some of my clients just do yoga with me, some focus more just on health, others just on life, career change and relationship transitions, and others work with me on both health and life or even just gut health. I also do energetic healing for some clients! In some way or another, we have to hit all the areas. If someone is struggling with their yoga practice on a certain day, it could be because of inflammation in the body or a stressful situation that is bogging down the body. I can notice this. We can shift the conversation. If they want advice, help, tips, they know they can come to me with anything. I also leave room for exploration in that the client is the expert on their self.  I keep going back to the idea of being a light. I am just the flashlight my clients need when they feel they are within  In the end it comes down to trust and our relationship. They know who I am and that I am looking out for them always, it is not about me or my agenda. When someone FEELS that, they experience a freedom to hear what needs to be heard and see a situation or advice with complete transparency.

When your clients see the way you live your life and the vulnerabilities I share, they know I am not holding myself up on any pedestal. They know they will get the truth from me. Because they often know what I have been through so they see my strenght. Then my fanatical belief in them allows them to fall in love with their self. I help them see their own light.

Has it been easy? No way!! I don’t think any entreprenuer would say that. However cliche it is, I have to say it has been rewarding. To live my life doing what I love doesn’t make every day a cake walk, but the way I have had to encounter myself again, to work through my own struggles to be a better coach and mentor for others is an invigorating way to live. With the perpetual knowledge that I can do this, I can keep going, I can figure this out, or not even I, I, I… there will be people there, there will be God surrounding me and I will always be ok.

The lessons I learned along the way are literally going to be my first book. Here’s what NOT to do and here’s what TO do. I jest, but as an entrepreneur you place bets on yourself and we all know that ‘losing’ can be defeating. But we also know that there is something to being a winner,,, and that’s getting back up and going again, getting better and better with every set back.

I would say this to someone looking to start a business or working for theirself:
1. Know your core values, who you are and what you are about. Those, no matter what they are, they will be a part of your business and you must be aligned in order to succeed.
2. Have all of the coaches, mentors, therapists, yoga teachers that you need. Just have someone who can be your mentor, that inspires you and above all, aligns with you on a deep and internal level.
3. Always be learning. There is no cap on learning and go back to the books that you have learned the most from and continue going back, so that they aren’t just in your library gathering dust, they become trusted mentors as well.
4. Take care of yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically. We have to invest in ourselves to be of maximum use to others.

I say all of the above because those were all lessons I had to learn and continually have to come back to… Does this align with my values? Have I taken care of myself physically, spiritually and mentally to be of maximum benefit to others? What am I learning and how am I teaching it to others? Am I exemplifying what I am teaching?

I want to the world to know that I am a great coach because I know you can do it (It being whatever IT IS that you feel needs changing). If I can change and pull myself up and recreate myself like a phoenix rising again and again, then I will help you do the same if you need to. I am also human and vulnerable with my struggles and my experience. I don’t live in ego and being authentic and nonjudgemental are my super powers. If you are ready to invest in yourself then I am here to pave that way with you. It’s an un-antimidating process because I don’t work from pressure or being your task master. I also don’t force my beliefs on you. Even though it is always necessary to challenge limiting beliefs, you always have the freedom to take what works and leave the rest.

There is a process to being physically fit and losing weight.There is a process to having better gut health. There is a process to coping with anxiety and self doubt. You tell me where you struggle the most and we will follow that process. You will do the work and you will also succeed if you stick with it.

You will work with me and know your own mind in a deeper way. You will see yourself as a bright, glowing and changing soul that has everything you need within and I am just your flashlight.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has so much to offer!

If we started with touristy things I would say we have to do the Coke Museum and then that night a show at the Fox. Maybe catch a new band in East Atlanta Village (EAV) after having dinner at Barcelona in North Highlands.

One eveing would be a stroll through the botanical gardens. Another day, yoga on Stone Mountain. Definitely a walk and maybe a picnic on Piedmont Park, starting with appetizers or brunch at the Park Tavern.

There are so many food choices in Atlanta- Ponce City Market, Atlanta Fish Market, King and Duke’s, South City Kitchen, Iberian Pig, Fellini’s, La Fonda Latina, Miller Union, Rthomas, Baccanalia, Barcelonas, West Side Provision, Storico Fresco.  There’s just too many restaurants to name, but I would have reservations, and drinks planned at any of the above and be happy!

A night of comedy at the Landmark Diner or the Vortex’s Laughing Skull for a night out with dessert planned sometime at Intermezzo cafe. Shopping at Avalon or any of the outlet malls is always a fun way to stock up.

If it was a long trip, exploring all of Atlanta’s parks and nearby Lakes would be a great way to see the beauty of Atlanta’s landscape.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! There are so many! First off, I have a family that supports me 100% even if what I do seems a little out of the box. My mom is a client of mine and has effectively lost weight and stuck with something more than she ever has. She is a huge supporter and testimony for me. I also teach my parents yoga because they weren’t able to take during the pandemic. For my dad to take yoga or muchless a group activity is huge and quite a compliment. As you can see we have such a meaningful relationship. I have loved being able to shift roles and help my parents, giving back to the two who gave so much to me.

So many! Trey Humphries was a coach and entrepreneur I connected with during this time and he was there for me sharing his own learnings, struggles and always making me laugh. I am grateful for that connection and his mentorship.

My friend Emily Freeman Barrow has owned her own Real Estate company for over ten years and been highly successful. I have been her client and she trusted me enough to become mine. She shares her learnings of being a business owner and helped me think through a lot of things. Plus, being able to help a dear friend get healthy and change her perspective on her ability change her body after 40 is amazingly gratifying!

My newest mentor is a Wellness Coach, Entrepreur, and Fitness Trainer named Brandon Shodin. He is not in Atlanta but has become an integral leader. We are aligned in business, faith/spirituality and personal development. I can’t speak highly enough of this man!!

In terms of faith and spirituality, the Karin Kabalah Center, was a huge part of my life and very transformative. I have undertaken almost 4 years combined of study with them on estoric Christian mysticism and am embarking on another 2.5 year course. Spirituality and faith are grounding forces in my life. I always have to keep those close in order to be my best self.

Patty Farinola is my now therapist, previous life coach. She is part of the Kabalah Center and has seen me through a lot. Now that we share a faith and common spiritual ground, our relationship has deepened. She is an integral mentor and support.

The Life Coaching School and class I went to was taught by Anil Dagia, PCC. His class and what he does is truly in depth, personal and life changing. I am so honored to have him still part of my circle and someone I trust as well as look up to.

Last but not least, all of my clients have helped me become better at what I do and offered me glimpses of their human experience which is truly invaluable.

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Image Credits
Paul Thatcher- Instagram PaulThatcherPhoto