We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Melanie & Oshea Luja and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Melanie & Oshea, how does your business help the community?
Our work is all about cultivating wellness from the inside out, not just for individuals but for entire communities. Through The Balance Portal, Oshea and I are building something far bigger than a clinic—it’s a movement, a space where people can reconnect with their bodies, tune into their inner wisdom, and find balance. We believe that when someone heals on the inside, they show up stronger and more resilient in the world. And that ripple effect? It touches families, communities, and beyond.

For us, this work is deeply rooted in empowering others to step into their full power and potential. We’re shifting mindsets and building frameworks that honor our roots and values, using wellness, art, and storytelling to remind people of their strength and wholeness. It’s about rewriting what’s possible, especially for those who haven’t had access to holistic care. We’re here to create a legacy of collective evolution, reminding everyone that they have the power to change not just their own lives but the lives around them. In everything we do, it’s about creating space for people to heal, rise, and transform.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are co-authors of the book Internal Balance: Would You Marry You? and gardeners of The Balance Portal, driven by the belief that true balance begins within. When we achieve inner harmony, we naturally attract that same energy into our lives, transforming the way we experience the world. This understanding shapes everything we do.

Oshea: The Balance Portal is a space where art and wellness intersect to foster healing and self-discovery. It is not just a business but a movement, grounded in the belief that internal balance is the foundation for all external success. We merge the creativity of poetry with holistic health practices to guide people toward their highest potential. We have locations in both Los Angeles and Georgia, allowing us to serve a diverse community across two vibrant states.

Dr. Melanie: What sets us apart is our unique approach. We don’t simply offer services; we offer a journey. From workshops on cellular health and circadian rhythms to poetry-infused wellness practices, every part of The Balance Portal is designed to empower individuals to heal themselves. Our goal is to help people leave feeling not just better but truly transformed.

Oshea: The journey to where we are today has been one of purpose and alignment. It hasn’t been hard because we’ve learned that when you are living in your true purpose, the challenges you encounter become easier to navigate. Rather than feeling weighed down, obstacles transform into opportunities for growth and learning. When you’re walking your path with intention, everything seems to unfold just as it should, and the flow of life becomes much more effortless.

Dr. Melanie: One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the power of community. We are grateful to work with people who believe in our vision, and their energy motivates us daily. We’ve also learned the importance of staying true to our values. While it’s easy to follow trends, staying authentic is what truly resonates with those we serve.

Oshea: What we want the world to know about The Balance Portal is that it is an extension of who we are. It reflects our belief in the interconnectedness of art, wellness, and education. Through this work, we aim to inspire others to find their balance, embrace creativity, and step boldly into a life of abundance and fulfillment.

Dr. Melanie: At its heart, The Balance Portal is about transformation. It’s about helping people reconnect with their true selves and providing them with the tools to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them. This is our story, and we are honored to share it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Considering we’re fairly new to Georgia, we’d probably phone a friend or two for some insider tips, but we’d definitely start by showing our best friend the Trilith experience. Trilith is where we go to unwind and find inspiration—it’s a creative hub where art and nature blend seamlessly. We might kick things off with drinks at The Guest House, a laid-back spot with a great vibe. For a more family-friendly atmosphere, we’d head over to Fairway Social, which has a welcoming vibe for everyone. If the kids are with us, we’d make sure to visit The Fun Spot, one of our daughters’ favorite places, or even make a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia for some amusement park fun.

For a more laid-back day, one of my personal favorites is Mammicks Vegan Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious plant-based dishes. If our friends are looking for a night out without the kids, we’d reach out to a friend to find out where his live music showcase is taking place that night. It’s always at an amazing venue, and we love experiencing the local music scene in Georgia.

And for art lovers, no trip would be complete without a visit to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. It’s an iconic space where we can immerse ourselves in both classic and contemporary works. Another cool spot we’d recommend is Ponce City Market, a vibrant space with great food, shopping, and rooftop views—perfect for those wanting a mix of culture, relaxation, and entertainment.

Whether it’s soaking in the creative energy at Trilith, enjoying great food, or exploring art at the High Museum, Fayetteville and Atlanta offer a perfect mix of adventure, family fun, and a creative, artistic vibe that we love sharing with friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oshea: So, we are poets, creatively known as MrFood4Thought and Queen Socks. There is a term called autopoiesis, which essentially means creativity on autopilot. That word speaks directly to how we move through the world, blending art and wellness in a way that feels natural yet profoundly transformative. We truly believe that what we offer in the field of Holistic Health is one of the most creative and empowering ways for people to heal themselves.

Dr. Melanie: In Indian culture, the doctor is considered the king of poets, and that idea resonates so deeply with us. There is a beauty in the way poetry and healing intertwine, as if they are two sides of the same coin. We are blessed to be part of a thriving poetry community in Los Angeles, where legends like Father Amde of the Watts Prophets have laid the foundation. He once said, “Life is about energy, and wisdom is how you spend it.” Those words are a lighthouse for us, guiding how we channel our energy into healing and helping others find their own internal balance.

Oshea: And Kamau Daáood, cofounder of the historic World Stage in Leimert Park, has called poets an “Army of Healers.” That statement gives us chills because it perfectly captures the work we do, not just with words but with actions. We carry that energy forward every day, combining art and wellness to unlock the potential within ourselves and others.

Dr. Melanie: Then there is the legendary S. Pearl Sharp, whose words remind us that healing begins with self-awareness. She says, “We are born with the tools to navigate our lives. The challenge is in remembering how to use them.” This wisdom drives home the importance of tapping into our inner resources for growth and transformation, something we strive to instill in others through our work.

Oshea: I have to add that our children are an endless source of inspiration. They live in their own light, not our shadows, and that reminds us of the greatness within all of us. It is that same greatness we aim to help others discover in themselves through our work.

Dr. Melanie: So this shoutout is for everyone who has helped us grow, our jegnas like Father Amde, Kamau Daáood, and S. Pearl Sharp, our children, our poetry community, and all the individuals who show up ready to heal. You all are the real poets, turning life into art and art into transformation.

Website: https://TheBalancePortal.com

Facebook: Internal Balance The Experience

Youtube: @TheBalancePortal

Image Credits
Ashley Yang

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