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

Hi Kimberly, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I strongly disagree with is the notion that “business is business” and that you should adopt a cutthroat attitude, attack competitors, and have no emotional intelligence when running your business. This “lack mentality” promotes the idea that there’s only so much success to go around, which creates unnecessary competition and scarcity thinking. In reality, embracing a mindset of abundance is key to long-term success. When you operate from a place of fear and scarcity, you block yourself from the blessings and opportunities that come from collaboration, integrity, and emotional intelligence. Focusing on negativity and competition only drains your energy and limits your potential. A business built on kindness, respect, and empathy attracts not only loyal customers but also abundance in all its forms. Rather than seeing others as competitors, we should view them as potential collaborators, knowing that there is more than enough success to go around for everyone.

Ultimately, success isn’t just about financial gain or outdoing your competition; it’s about creating an impact, cultivating relationships, and running a business that aligns with your core values. A business built on fear, manipulation, and a lack of empathy is not one that will endure in the long term.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, The Guides Holistic Therapies, is all about offering personalized, transformative healing through modalities like hypnotherapy, grief counseling, breathwork, and energy healing. What sets us apart is our deep focus on holistic wellness, integrating mind, body, and spirit for lasting change. We’re not just about offering a service — we’re about guiding individuals through their healing journeys, helping them unlock their true potential, find peace, and restore balance in their lives.

What excites me most is seeing the incredible transformations my clients experience. Whether it’s overcoming grief, breaking through emotional blocks, or simply finding clarity and peace, the work I do has such a profound impact. It’s that ripple effect of healing that drives me every day.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. It took years of hard work, learning, and growth. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing mentors, particularly Deborah Gallo at Transcending Grief, whose guidance was essential in shaping my practice and my approach to healing. My time at Saffron & Sage also gave me invaluable experience both in business and as a practitioner. There were certainly challenges along the way, especially in terms of navigating entrepreneurship, finding the right space, and establishing my brand. But I overcame those hurdles through persistence, grit, and a deep belief in my mission to help others.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that building a business is never linear. There will be setbacks, and you have to embrace them as opportunities to grow. I’ve learned that embracing emotional intelligence, compassion, and an abundant mindset is key to both personal and business success. My story is one of resilience, constant learning, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world through holistic wellness.

What I want the world to know about me and The Guides is that we’re more than just a business; we’re a space where healing happens. We create an environment where people feel safe to explore, heal, and transform, and we offer the support they need to navigate life’s challenges. Our work is rooted in love, empathy, and the belief that everyone has the power to heal and create the life they deserve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they got a taste of the best spots around town, combining great food, relaxation, and some fun adventures!

We’d start the week with a delicious meal at Kingfisher, a locally owned gem where the flavors and dishes are absolutely incredible. The seafood is always fresh, and the ambiance is perfect for a laid-back yet flavorful dining experience. Afterward, we’d head to The Marine Room during high tide to enjoy a martini while watching the waves crash against the windows — such a unique experience!

Next, we’d relax and recharge at the Meditation Garden in Cardiff, a peaceful, tranquil place where we can take a quiet moment to reflect. To get the body moving, I’d take them to Yoga Box in Pacific Beach for an energizing class in a welcoming, community-driven space. Then, we’d head to Kate Sessions Park in PB for stunning views of the city and the ocean, a great place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

For a taste of the local flavor, we’d hit up the classic OB Noodle House in Ocean Beach, where the vibe is always chill, and the food is top-notch. We’d spend some time wandering around Windsurf Sea Beach, soaking up the sun and taking in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure to show my best friend the true essence of San Diego: good food, stunning nature, and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. It’s all about creating memories while enjoying the unique spots this amazing city has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to several key people and places that have played a huge role in my journey. First and foremost, Saffron & Sage deserves a massive shoutout. That’s where I picked up so many valuable skills, not only in how to run a business but also in how to be an impactful practitioner. The time I spent there shaped me in ways I could never have imagined, and I’m so grateful for that experience.

Another huge shoutout goes to my mentor, Deborah Gallo, at Transcending Grief. Without her support and guidance, The Guides Holistic Therapies wouldn’t exist. Deborah’s wisdom and encouragement have been absolutely vital in my growth, both personally and professionally. She’s been a constant source of inspiration, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done for me.

And, of course, I have to give a shoutout to myself, like Snoop Dogg would do. My grit, persistence, and determination have been at the heart of everything I’ve built. Through every challenge, I’ve kept pushing forward with a vision and an unshakable belief in myself. It hasn’t always been easy, but that inner strength has kept me going and brought me to where I am today. So, here’s to those who’ve supported me and to my own resilience in making it all happen!

Website: https://www.theholisticguides.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguidesholistictherapies/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-guide-holistic-therapies/?viewAsMember=true

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kimberly-blair-la-jolla-ca/1364068
https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-diego/profile/grief-counseling/the-guides-holistic-therapies-llc-1126-1000132119/#sealclick

Profile


https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/grms/kimberly-blair
https://www.petworks.com/listing/holistic-pet-loss-program-with-multimodality-practitioner-nationwide

Image Credits
Holly Holloway Photography

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