Meet Shefali Patel | Holistic Wellness + Lifestyle Coach

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

Hi Shefali, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My Holistic Wellness + Lifestyle brand was born out of the need for deeper answers surrounding my own personal health and healing journey. Like many, I had never been truly educated about what wellness means from the root – This was simply not something discussed in conventional schooling, and even medical professionals often had only 1 class in nutrition in their entire 10+ years of formal education.

In traveling the world, and connecting with my Indian roots, I saw there was a drastic difference in the way people viewed health in the West vs. the East. Grandparents in the East were thriving, vibrant, mobile – Often, they had never been to the hospital in their lives, having natural births at home without complication. In the East, I saw 14-year-olds complaining of severe PMS, 20-year-olds having chronic back pain and digestive issues no matter what they ate… What was the missing link here?

PMS, Bloat, Digestive issues… were rarely even talked about in the East… So many symptoms that we nomalize in the east: lack of energy, midday crashes, hair falling out in your youth, rapid aging… came as a shock to Easterners who didn’t understand why a young person was not healthy.’

After experiencing my own full mind-body-spirit burnout, I was experiencing hair loss, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and a loss of zest for life – the spark in my eyes diminished. I searched for answers through every conventional method offered – in Endocrinologists, in doctors, lab results, supplements, etc. I was told that my symptoms were normal… but normal does not mean optimal.

I was doing all the right things: Eating clean, eating fruits + veggies… I tried vegan, keto, vegetarian, etc.

It was not until I discovered Ayurveda + Traditional Chinese Medicine, did I begin to finally understand what my body was trying to communicate with me. Further, it changed the way I saw my entire world – not just the food on my plate or my symptoms. I began to understand the fundamental missing link of how we nourish ourselves (From our mothers, to our infancy, to our adulthood), and how the current health care system was not about creating health, it was about managing disease + symptoms.

Coming from a background of Fashion, Design, Merchandising, and Product Development for Luxury Lifestyle brands – I saw this as a complete missing link in the industry, which was concerned with artificial vanities, and disregarded the Holistic wellness of an individual all together. I wanted deeper answers.

In working 1:1 with C-suite executive women, I saw that even millionaires who seemed to have it all together were suffering on the inside, because they had not done the inner work. It was like putting lipstick on a pig. A temporary fix. A band-aid solution to a much deeper issue.

I wanted to transform women from the root cause of imbalance, so they could truly experience what was possible – Like I had, through my own healing journey. I did not stop at the conventional methods. I never gave up on what was possible, and I learned SO much in my journey. In helping so many others like myself transform their wellness from the root, I created my Holistic Wellness + Lifestyle business to revolutionize the way we practice cultivating health every single day. With a 5D + 7D approach to an individual, I now support women in revamping their lifestyles from the foundation of gut health, hormonal imbalance, thyroid function through functional medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Furthermore, I am an avid believer of the power of personal development and mindset, which has been a fundamental component in healing + truly creating the lifestyles of our dreams. In my 1:1 High-touch coaching + programs, we dive deep into every single aspect of your life: from your childhood traumas, dreams, desires, money blocks, relationships, community, self-esteem, skills + intellect, physical health, joy, creativity, and spirituality. My goal is to empower women to understand their full power, their bodies, minds, and use them to fulfill their purpose here on Earth. Wellness + health in our bodies is the essential beginning of this journey, as we cannot elevate until we are physically + mentally whole.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
First and foremost, I am an artist. From birth, I have been creative – I am able to envision a world and truly dream of what is possible. This is the essence of creativity – to bring to life what does not currently exist. In my opinion, it is the highest, most refined form of intelligence.

What sets me apart from others is the way I view art + design + coaching is through a feminine lens. Like nature, I create through the fundamental duality of the world. I understand the balance of Yin + Yang, and treat wellness like a Garden, that must be tended to daily. Not a machine where each part is separate from the whole. In Nature, and in my art, all is interconnected. Perfection is not the goal, rather the goal is invoke an emotion or to capture a moment in time.

Life as an artist is never easy, for it is not yet respected in modern day society. Yet, the root of all conceptualization, innovation, and design is creative thought. As mentioned, the Fashion industry is not an easy place to climb the corporate ladder. Which is why I decided to create my own brand, bringing my vision to life in a way that was most beneficial, balanced, and enjoyable for me. This has been my biggest accomplishment. To truly believe in the dreams planted within my heart and have the courage (despite the opinions of others) to bring it to life. It is not a linear path. It is not a path where you can follow a blueprint. It is truly a blank canvas.

I use art + creativity daily, as my Holistic Wellness + Lifestyle clients are all unique. By understanding them in their bio-individuality, I am able to fully support their needs + connect the dots between all aspects of lifestyle.

The biggest lessons I have learned along the way with art is to never neglect the process of conceptualization: From mood boarding to brain storming. Allowing ourselves the space to truly put everything out there (without judgement or fear of perfection), is where we can truly see ourselves and what is possible.

Furthermore, childlike playfulness is the absolute secret to channeling our best ideas. We must always remember to have the openness, lightheartedness of a child – Who sees life with fresh eyes. This is how we can truly innovate, find pleasure, and most importantly – have fun! Without fun, what’s the point of it all?

I want the world to know that we get to create our reality. Truly. With our thoughts, actions, and dreams. The world is not fixed. Your reality is not fixed. The moment you decide you want differently, everything shifts. The moment we all decide we need a drastic change, the entire scope of our planet can shift. Do not underestimate the power you have within you to make a ripple that affects the entire world. Also, as you are a reflection of nature, your path is always ebbing and flowing. It is a process that is in constant evolution. It’s okay to change your mind. Reassess. Shift. Grow. Start over. The only way to fail is to stay the same. The only way to fail is to accept your situation as it is, not as what it could be. The willingness to be slightly uncomfortable as we experience something new is the ultimate indicator of those who are stuck in mediocrity and those who will experience true success and magic.

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?
I am an absolute foodie – So when I travel, this is how I plan my day!

In addition to spending a warm sunny day in the park, I love taking my friends to ethnic food restaurants and having them try amazing food they wouldn’t normally have the chance to!

My favorites include:
– Del Bar Middle Eastern
– Azizas Israeli
– Ruchi’s Bangladeshi
– Gu’s Dumplings
– Atlanta Fish Market for amazing seafood!
– I also love Bab’s midtown for the best low-key brunch experience

Activities for me include walking the Belt-line, but also I love hiking – Stone Mountain, The Cohuttas Wilderness – There is so much to see here! I also love Jazz bars + the High Museum! Art + Music is the best combination!

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?
I would absolutely love to shout out the coaching + personal development world – I would not be here without the Integrative Nutrition School (IIN) or my business + personal development coaches: Gaye Farina, Cara Barone, Torne – Rebel Femme. It is through being in community with likeminded individuals (and those who are where I want to be) that allowed me to transform my mindset, lifestyle habits, etc. to become my highest self.

I also am beyond grateful for the wholehearted, unconditional love and support of my partner. Who is my rock and ultimate supporter for all my big visions. His ability to turn my vision into a tangible reality, has been an integral part of my journey.

I would also like to thank Deepak Chopra, Shaman Durek, Sahara Rose Ketabi for teaching me spirituality is truly about embodiment + flow. Through this feminine space, I am able to create from a place of abundance, not depletion or burnout. Furthermore, I recognize that my purpose is far bigger than me.

Website: iamshefalimanoj.com

Instagram: iamshefalimanoj

Linkedin: shefalipatel1

Facebook: iamshefalimanoj

Other: shefalimanojworld.com I am in the early stages of creating my Global Heritage-Inspired Fine Jewelry Line of Modern Heirlooms.

Image Credits
Shots by Shweta – Shweta Mistry Photography