I would like to introduce you all to Avalaura Gaither! She is an internationally acclaimed Intuitive Consultant and Transformational Life Coach. She helps others embrace their true selves as they tap into the journeys of their incredible lives. 

Avalaura is a captivating international keynote speaker and podcast creator who’s spoken at sold-out retreats and for notable organizations over the last 18 years, blending her expertise as a Licensed Social Worker, Reiki Master, Life Coach, and Wellness Expert. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in social work from Howard University.

Her transformative work has garnered recognition from Real Housewives of Potomac, Voice of America, Men’s Health, Reader’s Digest, the Root, Huffington Post, and the Afro American. Join Avalaura on your path to wholeness and authenticity. She is the author of She is the author of “Girl Live Your F*cking Life Guided Self Love Journal.” Recently, I received the opportunity to interview her! Let’s learn more! Check it out below!

Tell us the name of your business, what you do, and a little bit of the backstory as to what led you on a journey of entrepreneurship.

Avalaura’s Healing Center soon to be Soulful Self-Care Solutions is where transformation meets true wellness. As a Life Coach and Intuitive Consultant, I guide high-achieving overachieving leaders, celebrities, and CEOs from hole to wholeness in their lives, relationships, and careers. The pivot to entrepreneurship came from a profound personal crisis where I literally had an emotional breakdown.

Long story short, after achieving what seemed like the “American dream”—a successful career, marriage, and home—by society’s standards, I found myself utterly miserable. As a social worker, I realized I wasn’t making the meaningful impact I was meant to. Instead of helping people to heal, I learned the system was set up to only help people to maintain their dysfunction and that was not enough for me. A decisive impactful moment at a women’s retreat, followed by manifesting being fired from my job as a Program Director at an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, pushed me to choose not just a new path, but my true path. I took a 6-month healing sabbatical which led to my own healing and self-care journey as well as the creation of Avalaura’s Healing Center in November 2005, where I help others reclaim their lives through holistic practices and deep personal discovery. I became the guide I always needed and couldn’t find. 

What has the entrepreneurial journey been like for you thus far?

The past 20 years have been an exhilarating, challenging, and deeply fulfilling journey. It’s a path filled with continuous learning and self-discovery. Every day brings new challenges, but also incredible opportunities to impact lives. The personal growth I’ve experienced, and the transformations I’ve witnessed, affirm that I made the right decision. I’ve been featured on major TV shows like the Real Housewives of Potomac, spoken on large in-person and virtual stages like Paypal, taught thousands of black and brown people the healing art of Reiki and written a guided self-love journal “Girl Live Your F*cking Life” that is impacting women’s lives! Entrepreneurship requires resilience, dedication, and above all, a strong belief in the vision you want to bring to life. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about creating a legacy of healing and empowerment. I’m incredibly blessed to have created the life and business I’ve always wanted and show others how to do the same! 

Where can customers connect with you and your business?

With a name like Avalaura; I’m googalicious. I’m the only Avalaura, so when you search Avalaura Gaither, my name easily pops up. Clients can connect through our website at www.avalaura.com, where they can book consultations and view our services. We’re also very active on social media sites such as Youtube, Tiktok, LinkedIn, Facebook and more, providing tips, inspiration, and community support. All links are on the website. We also have an active mailing list you can join on our website to stay in the loop. There are lots of exciting experiences happening. Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, out of alignment or simply in need of a transformation, we’re here to guide you on your journey to becoming your best self. 

When you’re not busy, how are you practicing self-care?

I teach soulful self-care, so I must practice what I preach. Self-care is a non-negotiable for me. I engage in activities that nourish my soul and restore my energy every single day—whether that’s meditating, receiving reiki, enjoying a day of doing nothing, listening to audiobooks, simply laughing and spending quality time with friends and family. I also find travel immensely rejuvenating, as it allows me to disconnect, reflect, and experience new cultures and cuisines. That’s one of the reasons I’m hosting a Reiki in Morocco Retreat in November 2024 to combine all the self-care experiences I love! 

When it comes to women and our women’s community, what would you like to see more of?

I would love to see more spaces for genuine connection and support. I’m a firm believer in sisterhood and I know the value of being supported by women. We need more communities where women can come together not just to network, but to share their struggles and victories without judgment. Spaces where healing, empowerment, and growth are encouraged, allowing each woman to thrive in her authenticity. That’s one of the reasons why I created the Girl Live Your F*cking Life Brunch! The first brunch in May was all about sisterhood, self-love, and soul food. It was a transformative experience that I plan to have again very soon. We need more platforms that celebrate diversity and foster resilience and self-love among women. I know when women own and walk in their power, they heal and transform their families, their communities and the world! 

Before you go, drop a gem or some great advice for our readers out there. Feel free to say whatever compels you. I like to call this section UnpackingHer Thoughts. Let them know, Queen!

Embrace the journey of becoming. The road to self-discovery and transformation is never linear. It’s filled with highs and lows, but every step is necessary. It really is all part of your journey to becoming who you are. Don’t shy away from the challenges or the moments of discomfort—they are often the gateways to profound growth and realization. That’s where the magic happens! Remember, it’s not only okay, but necessary to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone and you’re not supposed to. So many of us have not healed because we don’t have a supportive community. Reach out, seek guidance, find safe spaces, and allow yourself the space to grow and heal. And most importantly, honor your process. Give yourself grace. Rest when you need to and dont feel guilty about it. Self-love is self-care in action! So love yourself by practicing soulful self-care, not superficial self-care.

Thank you so much, Avalaura!