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

Hi Casandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When thinking about starting my own business it began with the vision of how can I share the things that have personally helped me in my healing and wellness journey, things that I feel passionate about and can help others at the same time. I wanted to create a space that promotes healing, balance and wellness on all levels, mind, body and spirit. Sumu Wellness was created with this intention.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Locally owned and operated in Fort Collins, Colorado, across from CSU and just up the alley from the CSU Trial Flower Gardens. Sumu Wellness is a calming and safe space that encourages healing on all levels. Sumu Wellness offers Reiki Healing Services and Wellness workshops with a focus on self-care, yoga & meditation.
Being available to my community is really fulfilling. I learn and discover so much through working with others. Being on a healing path isn’t always easy and at times just knowing that you have support while navigating that path can make a big difference. I feel honored to be present for others and offer that support in their process. I too arrived here through my own personal journey in wellness, but not without the support of my loved ones, as well as other wellness practitioners and mentors. With a long time affinity and interest for health through natural healing arts. I began finding ways to take care of my own body, mind and spirit through seeking a more holistic approach. Including yoga, meditation, mindfulness, martial arts, journaling, acupuncture, essential oils, nutrition and more. At this time a deeper connection with myself began to evolve, and I began to learn more about healing elements from a holistic perspective. Through these discoveries it became clear that it embodied more than just my own healing and wellness journey. Inspiration grew to deepen my understanding through continued exploration, formal training and studies in holistic health to be able to help others. There have been moments where it felt easy, and then moments where it felt more challenging. Being able to keep and open heart and mind, as well as staying present with my vision of Sumu Wellness has really helped when these challenges arose. In business I’m most proud of allowing myself to explore my passions and share it with others. I’m really excited to see how Sumu Wellness will continue to grow and help people in their healing journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is going to be fun! Colorado has so many awesome places to explore. There really is something for every type of adventurer or homebody. Here in the Fort Collins area we would start the first day mostly relaxing with walking around Old Town, getting a good cup of coffee/tea and pastries from a local Cafe. There are a lot to choose from. Pick up some staples for the week from Mountain Ave Market, formerly The Fort Collins Food Co-op. If you are a member owner you save when you shop and support local. The evening we’ll plan on relaxing outside, winding down on our patio. The next few days explore the many outdoor natural areas, hiking, paddle boarding at Horse Tooth Reservoir, local craft brewery’s, The Gardens on Spring Creek. We’d also check out the outdoor music events. We are lucky to have some amazing local musicians here in Fort Collins. So if Saja Butler from Urban Monk Studios is playing anywhere, we would definitely get out to see her! Of course we would make time to restore and rejuvenate by visiting a local yoga studio or spa. A couple of wonderful options are Om Ananda and Sanctuary Healing Spa.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I’d love to recognize my loving partner Victor, my family, friends & clients. It’s with their continued encouragement and support that has helped me to move forward! I’d also like to shine light on our community here in Fort Collins, there are so many wonderful people here. I’m really blessed and filled with gratitude to be a part of such an amazing community!
Casandra is Certified as a 2nd Degree Usui Tibetan Reiki Practitioner, E-RYT 200 Yoga Teacher and has been awarded certifications in: Holistic Health, Holistic Nutrition, and Meditation Teacher Training. She teaches Yoga & Meditation classes with the City of Fort Collins Recreation, EXOS at Intel, and Adaptive Yoga Classes with Shine LLC.

Website: https://www.sumuwellness.com/

Instagram: @sumuwellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075741497457

Image Credits
All photos photographed and owned by Casandra Shell (Myself)

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