Whitney is an intuitive healer, spiritual mentor and founder of Sojourn Healing Collective - a sacred healing space created for people to come as they are, align with their purpose and feel supported as they grow to their greatest potential. In her 20’s, her curiosity around healing and thirst to know more led her to gather an abundance of different healers, teachers, facilitators and leaders on a mission to spread holistic healing to the world. In discovering these connections and a collective mission, Whitney uncovered her purpose as a teacher, facilitator, mentor and the creator of Sojourn Healing Collective--a welcoming space where no one would ever feel unsupported again.  

Can you tell our readers about your background?

My background is in the hospitality industry. Before I created Sojourn in 2017, I worked in the hotel, resort and restaurant industry for 15 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in International Resort & Hotel Management from Johnson & Wales University. My post-college career began at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City--which was a dream of mine from an early age. I started there as Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing, then completed their management training program and became a Suite Sales Manager, selling the premiere suites and apartments at the Waldorf Towers. After feeling complete with my NYC experience, I moved to San Diego, craving sunshine and a more desirable work-life balance.  

What inspired you to start your business?

During my time in NYC, some personal health issues and experiences prompted me to begin exploring the world of health, wellness and holistic healing. I became determined to get off of all prescription medications and seek out deeper healing practices that would help me understand the root causes of my issues. I sought out an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Energy Healers, Yoga classes, Meditation and healing experiences. Over the course of 2 years, I had gathered a support system that proved to be more effective than anything I had previously experienced.

Throughout this lifestyle shift and healing process, I became recognized by those around me for my knowledge of different healing modalities. Others came to me seeking information, advice or connection to another healer. I even had a vision of bringing together all of the healers that helped me along my journey, into one space to form a community. I had a vision for a healing and wellness community that would be approachable and accessible, rather than lonely and confusing. Once in San Diego, I found an amazing group of friends, teachers and healers and began to understand further the need for collaboration, accessibility, and community. In 2017, Sojourn Healing Collective was born.

Where is your business based?

Sojourn is based in the Golden Hill neighborhood in San Diego, California. Our digital offerings however allow participants to tune in from all over the world!

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The business began as a pop up yoga studio and spiritual workshop space. I rented space from a local gym to hold our classes and events every Saturday, for about 5 months. During that time, I was also searching for a permanent physical location for Sojourn, so we were able to begin building the community before committing to a large space.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Referrals! Whether it has been from our students, healers, or teachers, or other connections, we have built a space that feels truly like a community. We are fortunate that people love sharing our space with their friends. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenges are figuring out new ways to grow the business, expand and serve more people beyond just our physical location. It’s so easy for most of us to get comfortable and complacent with where we’re at, change can be scary and unsettling. At least once per year, I commit to investing a significant amount of money into mentorship, training or coaching programs that will help me, and Sojourn to grow. Sometimes it’s to learn a very targeted skill and other times it’s for overall business coaching that will help us elevate to new levels.  

How do you stay focused?

I delegate and stay in my zone of genius. About a year into my business, I started to realize that I was wasting time and energy trying to figure out aspects of my business that did not come naturally, like marketing, graphic design, bookkeeping, etc. This was taking time away from the areas that fundamentally grow the business such as membership development, sales, operations, etc. I believe as a business owner, I should know something about all aspects of my business, but I needed to be outsourcing some things to the experts. It is, of course, an investment to outsource especially early on, however in doing so I have been able to focus my energy on other revenue-producing activities that ultimately grow our community and our business.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We pride ourselves on the welcoming environment that we have created and the sense of community that complements and supports our offerings. One of my core beliefs is that collaboration is more effective than competition. Instead of looking over my shoulder and viewing others as competition, trying to surpass them, I see them as peers and assets to our industry as a whole. Whether it’s for events, parties, a new offering, or partnerships. There are several “competitors” who we partner with on a regular basis which provides value for both of our communities.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Our most effective marketing has been through our collaborations, partnerships with other businesses, micro-influencers and rewarding current community members for their patronage and referrals.  

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

“You do not have to have it all figured out, just start where you are!” Before opening Sojourn, I spent a lot of time perfecting my business plan, tweaking my budget, and ensuring that I had everything “figured out.” I have learned that sometimes taking some (at times messy) action is the best way to learn and grow. Just like ideas, businesses will transform over time as you learn your customers' needs, your team's strengths, the areas of success and perhaps areas that require more attention and improvement as well.  

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

“My Personal MBA” by Josh Kaufman. This incredible book gave me so much insight on how to prepare for a business, a launch, the customer journey, budgeting, and so much more. I still refer to it often.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Asana is my go to app and website for productivity. My management, support team and I all use it to manage projects, assignments, personal tasks, and asking for or assigning activities to one another. It has greatly helped us to manage our individual and collective work flow.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Lori and Chris Harder are my business role models and mentors. I have followed their entrepreneurial journey for a long time, and more recently, have done a few different programs with them. They are genuine, creative, generous and overall incredibly inspiring. They both believe that it is our duty to do great things that we’re passionate about, make great money, and then give back to others in big ways, either financially or through our time and energy.

How do you balance work and life?

It is so easy as an entrepreneur to become consumed with your business. I structure my work days very intentionally--days for creation and creativity and days where I am in the operations of the business and managing our team. I’ve also created windows of time within my days to ensure that I have downtime and space to live the life I truly desire.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

My favorite way to decompress is to change up my environment. Sometimes that means a staycation, a short road trip, or a full on adventure to a new place. A change in scenery always brings me back to center and helps me remember my mission.  

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Sojourn is in the process of launching a comprehensive on-demand membership. Over the next six months, we plan to add to this membership by offering healing courses, trainings and workshops so that people can access a variety of healing modalities and be a part of our community from anywhere in the world. 

How can our readers connect with you?

Our website: www.sojournsd.com, Or on Instagram @whitneyyarn @sojournsandiego