Meet Carolina Santos | Owner & Healer: Akhila Om Yoga

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

Hi Carolina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have to start by saying it wasn’t planned.

After my divorce in 2008, I began looking for different ways to heal the pain. Having practiced yoga and meditation in the past and feeling its powerful effects on the mind, body and spirit, I decided to travel to India to deepen my practice. After the training
I continued with my journey onto Nepal. It was there, trekking up Everest Base Camp that I had to get rescued by a helicopter and brought down to Kathmandu because of severe altitude sickness. This near death experience shook me to the bones. A teacher I had met along the way had mentioned Reiki Healing would do me well. This led me to take a course on Reiki so I could practice on myself and get my body back to baseline.

And just like this for the next two years, other subtle healing practices began showing up on my path, (essential oils, sound therapy, meditation).

The results of incorporating these practices into my lifestyle were a game changer. They all became the best medicine.

It was one evening being back in Miami, thinking about the experience of the trek and of how fragile life is that I thought, “I have acquired so many tools (healing techniques) that have helped me heal in so many different ways, why not start a business and share them with those out there who are in need.

Something clicked there, that’s how Akhila Om was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I feel what sets Akhila Om apart from others is the cohesiveness and the essence of where and how the different practices that are offered come from.

It has been very exciting to see the business grow and consolidate into a “space” which provides different forms of healing for people of all ages and walks of life. It’s very rewarding to hear peoples testimonials of how their lives have changed. That is my aim, to help others become “whole “ again. That is what “akhila” means in Sanskrit.

I’m not going to lie, it has been a very intense ride to get to where Akhila Om is at, I also feel this is just the beginning. There’s been many moments of joy, also some very difficult ones disguised as opportunities for growth. I feel the love and the passion for what I do has helped me overcome the challenges but most important are the experiences I’ve gone through that have allowed me to connect at a deeper level with my clients. They have enabled me to understand more clearly where they are coming from and provide them what they need on their healing journey.

As for lessons, so many. Of my top ones, the importance of doing everything from the heart. Perseverance, always. Lastly, self-care. You can’t pour out to others from an empty cup.

For the world to know: To never give up on any dream, no matter how big or small. That’s one thing that has kept me going. Also, remember that in the end we all have a “healer” within and brands like Akhila Om are only here to guide you, help you connect and awaken that healer you already have inside of you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has so much to offer! During the day, for those water lovers a day out on the ocean is a must. Let that be on a boat, kayaking, paddle boarding or going to the beach. Miami has miles of beautiful blue, crystalline waters.

Feel like staying on land, locations for a tennis match, volleyball, basketball or a walk at a park are easily accessible.

On a more cultural side, the Perez Museum, not only has great exhibits but a good restaurant if you get hungry. If you have kiddos, Miami Children’s Museum offers fun, didactic, engaging activities. The Philip & Patrica Frost Museum of Science has a few floors of very interesting, nicely curated information, displays and models about different land and sea creatures, aviation amongst other themes. Also has an aquarium and planetarium worth taking a look at. If you love nature, the smells of fresh air and feel like being outdoors is your thing, Vizcaya Museum & Garden has all of the above. Once you begin your stroll through the gardens, you will forget you are in a city. The surrounding nature of this estate will leave your senses in awe.

We can’t leave out food! That’s one thing Miami has plenty to choose from. You name the style or country and Miami has it. I’m sure I’m leaving so many other goods ones out but these are some of my favorites.

On the fancy side, ideal for dinner: Joes Stone Crab, Hakkassan, Zuma, La Mar, Mandolins will all delight your palate.

An easy lunch: Pubelly, Andiamo Pizzeria, Blue Collar,, Cecconnis, Swan, Sea Spice.

Brunch spots: Phuc Yea, Blue Collar, Hutong, Prime Fish, Yardbird Southern Table, Planta

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?
So many! Will keep it short. Yoga teacher Shara Turner. She showed me a side of yoga that I never knew. Jeralyn Glass at Crystal Cadence, instilled my love and passion for sound healing using crystal alchemy bowls.
Michelle Dalbec, showed me the power of different breathing techniques and what it can do to the different layers of the being.

Website: www.akhilaomyoga.com

Instagram: akhila_om_yoga

Image Credits
Andreina Imery