Meet Sonja Lilljeberg | Intuitive Healer & Guide (licensed massage therapist, reiki master/teacher & mentor)

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

Hi Sonja, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I had to return back to massage school after moving states to gain a new license there, I knew that when I returned to being able to massage again that I didn’t want to continue working for someone else. The idea of giving away my time & effort to someone else didn’t make any sense. I knew that I would rather have my own hours, my own schedule and my own pay. I knew if I was able to charge what I was truly worth in both skill and knowledge that I couldn’t go back to working for someone else. I was also tired of giving all my money away. That may sound silly or pretentious but I knew that what I was doing was close to manual labor, standing all day, working and using my physical skills to help heal others. It felt like a kick in the gut to give my hard earned money to someone else. I’m much happier creating a life around my own needs. Having my own business was always in the plans.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I have developed my business over the years, I’ve changed things around several times to always fit the needs of both myself & my clients. It’s been imperative to make sure I’m doing what’s best to stay current with needs of my career. Sometimes it’s been because I took a continuing education class that gave me some new skills. Those new skills allowed me to create better offerings. I personally believe staying up to date with what the massage & energy world is finding sound, proven and benefiting of the body. Along the way the things that have given me the greatest challenge is making sure that my clients continue to see me. You must always be helping those that need you, while helping others to graduate from your care but then also cultivating new clients. In my world, the door is always revolving. You must always be building your business. You must stay relevant in the market to thrive. I am constantly sending monthly emails, posting on social media, networking with other like minded providers and asking for referrals. There’s no better way to keep you business happy than building from within. Your current people will always speak up for you if they are treated well, are given the best services possible and also treated with respect & kindness. Because I offer something other than just a basic massage, I’ve tried really hard to build that side of my practice. I don’t want to be just another massage therapist. My ability to use my intuition plus energy healing in sessions makes me different than many others. My want to be unique has created this amazing community of my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Denver! There’s so much for it to offer. I typically will take people Rino for the art and good eats. I love the street art and the international scene it’s created over the years. General eats, I love LoHi. There’s such a great variety of foods of every type in the neighborhood. Good pasta: Bar Dough. Best atmosphere: Spuntino. Best East Coast flare: The Greenwich. Best Fish: Fish N Beer. Just want to grab an easy bite: head over to S Pearl St for loads of local spots. If I want to have some great fresh air, we’re heading to Red Rocks, Golden, or Boulder. Denver also has a thriving spots environment. I’m always down for a Nuggets or Avs game!

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?
Along my journey over the years I’ve had plenty of people as mentors, guides, coaches and partners that have helped me get to where I am today. My Dad taught me the beauty of being an entrepreneur. He has been doing his own thing for nearly 30 years. I’ve definitely followed his footsteps. When I started down the path of finding my passion through curiosities, my friend Peggy who later became a mentor encouraged me to step into Energy Healing. Along the way I continued to meet the most amazing people that helped to shape who I am today. I met the amazing Tara who encouraged me to go massage school that boosted my reiki practice. From there a host of bosses that showed me the way to finding my passion, pushing me into really uncomfortable situations that pulled me out of my shell. Ali sent me to NYC which later turned into one of the best circumstances I could have ever imagined. Too many people to count in NYC that helped me along the way but my friend & work bestie Lauren introduced me to a partnership that would change my trajectory for the rest of my life there. Denver hasn’t been short of blessings either. I’m truly blessed with people who have loved, guided & mentored me here!

Website: https://www.lotusloungehealingcenter.com

Instagram: sonjatheintuitivehealer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonja.lilljeberg

Image Credits
Bethany K