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

Hi Isabel, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Denver, Colorado. I spent a lot of time outside as a kid—playing by the High Line Canal, camping, hiking, and helping my mom in the garden. She’s a horticulturist, and my love of plants and the land is something she passed down to me. Nature was always a place of wonder and safety, a place where I could feel connected to something bigger than myself.

My upbringing wasn’t always easy. My dad was a first responder and often away at the fire station, while my mom was the first woman in her family to work full time—while also managing most of the home and childcare responsibilities. Witnessing the weight of traditional gender roles in my upbringing inspired me to create space for rest and healing—and to redefine balance on my own terms.

When I was 8 years old, I witnessed my grandfather’s passing in his home. It was one of the most impactful moments of my life. Being present during that threshold moment opened my eyes to the importance of death work—of having loved ones close, holding space as someone transitions. It was also the first time I remember seeing spirits and angels. That experience awakened something deep within me and began my understanding of death as not an end, but a sacred passage.

As a teenager, I struggled with feeling different and deeply disconnected. I turned to alcohol and drugs to numb what I didn’t understand—I was highly intuitive and empathic, but I didn’t have the tools or language to navigate the intensity of what I was feeling. I was also bullied a lot in high school, which only deepened the disassociation. I was headed down a dark path, and when I look back now, I’m honestly surprised I made it through. Those years were filled with pain, confusion, and a desperate longing to escape myself—but they also planted the seeds for the healing that would come later.

At 20, I found out I was pregnant, and it was a truly pivotal moment in my life. It became another threshold I stepped through—one that called me to reclaim myself and begin healing with deeper intention. Becoming a single mother gave me the drive to show up more fully, not just for my child, but for the version of myself I was still becoming. It became the beginning of embodying what I wanted to pass down, and diving into understanding why I am the way I am.

These moments—both painful and profound—laid the foundation for my healing journey. They’ve shaped who I am and how I show up in the world. At Wild Willow Alchemy, these lessons are woven into everything I offer—from the way I connect with plant allies to the way I hold space for others. My journey has taught me to listen with depth, trust my intuition, and embrace the transformative power of learning, community, ancestral healing, and how to come back to myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work at Wild Willow Alchemy is deeply rooted in my personal journey of healing, growth, and connection with both the natural world and the spiritual realm. As an energy work practitioner, folk herbalist, and intuitive guide, I offer a combination of services—such as Reiki, plant spirit work, tarot readings, and life transition support—that are all meant to help people reconnect with their inner wisdom and navigate their own healing journeys.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach that blends intuitive energy work with plant medicine and ancestral wisdom. I believe that healing is not just about addressing the physical body, but also about nurturing the mind, spirit, and heart. Everything I offer—from the products I create to the sessions I lead—is infused with this belief in balance, connection, and self-empowerment. I’m most proud of how my work helps others tap into their own power and intuition, allowing them to live more authentically and in harmony with themselves and the world around them.

The path to where I am today has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve faced many challenges, from personal struggles with addiction and disconnection to navigating the complexities of building a business. But each obstacle has been a teacher. The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of resilience and the importance of trusting the process—even when it feels uncertain or overwhelming. I’ve also learned to embrace the discomfort of growth and the necessity of allowing space for rest and recalibration.

What excites me most about my work is seeing the transformation in others as they connect with the plant allies, energy work, and practices I offer. Watching someone come to life in their own healing is the greatest gift, and it continually inspires me to continue doing this work.

The world needs to know that Wild Willow Alchemy is not just a business—it’s a manifestation of my deep calling to serve as a guide, using the wisdom of the earth and the spirit world to help people create real, lasting transformation. I’m here to hold space for others to reconnect with their authentic selves, reclaim their power, and learn to live in balance and alignment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them a perfect mix of nature, rest, and amazing food. We’d start with a trip to Steamboat Springs for a relaxing soak in the Strawberry Hot Springs, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views—a peaceful way to unwind and reconnect with nature. After a a few days of relaxing and soaking. We’d head back to the city and spend a morning at the farmers’ market near my home, picking up fresh, local ingredients that we’d later turn into a homemade meal together. We’d also carve out time for plenty of rest, naps, and reading—just taking it slow and enjoying each other’s company.

During our time together we’d drive up to Golden to sit by the running water, letting the calm environment refresh us and ground our energy. A visit to Be a Tree Cremation would give us a chance to learn about their meaningful approach to natural death care, something that’s close to my heart. We’d then head to Cosmic Tea, where we could relax, get a tarot reading, and enjoy some energy work and get candles made for a ritual together to create space for reflection and connection.

We’d also take time to pamper ourselves with facials at England Esthetics, adding a little self-care to the trip. A stop by Apothecary Tinctura would let us pick up some herbs to craft our own creations. And of course, we couldn’t miss Edgewater Public Market, where we’d grab food, explore the vendors, and indulge in dessert at Happy Cones while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Throughout the trip, we’d make sure to weave in lots of rest and relaxation, allowing us to fully recharge and savor the moments together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom, whose love for plants and resilience shaped my path. She taught me the value of connecting with nature and loving deeply. I’m also incredibly grateful for my daughter, who has been a constant source of inspiration and growth in my life. A special shoutout to the plants themselves, who continue to be my teachers and allies in my work. Every moment spent connecting with the land and the plant spirits has been a step towards not just my personal healing, but also the work I do today.

Website: https://www.wildwillowalchemy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwillowalchemy?igsh=MTM2anExcnhybnR3aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15JKv1HMeR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
All taken by my iPhone

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