Meet Akane Flows

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

Hi Akane, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk, to me, is the ultimate act of self-trust—a willingness to step into the unknown and believe in your potential to grow, even when you can’t see the whole path ahead. It’s about recognizing when the life you’re living no longer supports your highest potential and having the courage to step out of that comfort zone, even if it means facing the possibility of failure or loss.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving the corporate world—a choice that propelled me into the life I live now. But it wasn’t a sudden decision; it came after years of slowly unraveling, plagued by self-doubt and a sense of unworthiness as I tried to fit into a life that felt misaligned with who I truly was. That misalignment manifested as chronic anxiety, stress, and addiction. Yet, in the midst of this challenging time, I began teaching yoga, which gave me a glimpse of hope and the confidence to imagine a different life.

It was then that I faced a pivotal choice: stay in a career that drained my spirit, or take a leap into the unknown, risking stability, external judgments, and even my pride. In the end, I chose freedom. I chose my health, peace, and sanity over the comfort of the familiar. It was almost as if the decision was made for me; my body and mind simply couldn’t go on the way they had been.

Taking that risk taught me that every big decision requires a willingness to let go—of the past, of others’ expectations, of the need for perfection. This is how we make room for true growth. It’s about having the courage to continually reinvent yourself and trusting that you are supported on your journey, even if you can’t see the full path ahead.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business centers on creating spaces for self-reflection, transformation, and healing through the power of sound and human connection. I lead both public group events and private sessions, offering sound healing and yoga experiences that are deeply personal, immersive, and focused on real, meaningful change. Alongside these, I’ve developed a sound healing facilitator training and mentorship program to share the knowledge I’ve gained from guiding and curating these experiences. This program gives people the opportunity not only to learn the techniques of sound healing, but also to connect deeply with themselves and understand how to use sound as a tool to support others.

What truly sets me apart is that I’m carving my own path in a field with no fixed roadmap. Sound healing as a profession is still growing, but sound itself is universal and resonates with everyone. It’s something people understand on a deep level once they experience it. I’m excited to give people more access to this experience, and I’m working on expanding my offerings virtually so anyone can join and benefit from anywhere in the world. I’d also love to bring the art of sound healing I’ve developed in LA back to my home country, Japan. My ultimate dream is to bridge the gap between my two homes, and, hopefully, to reach the rest of the world.

The journey here hasn’t been easy, of course. LA is an expensive city, and I work another part-time job in addition to my sound healing and yoga work to support myself. When you’re building a business, there really is no “off” day. But the freedom to pour my time and energy into what I love is everything to me, and it’s absolutely worth the sacrifices.

I’d say the biggest challenge has been learning to confidently charge what my services are worth. Sound healing is an energetic exchange, and it’s difficult to put a dollar value on something so intangible yet profound. But over time, I’ve come to understand that charging my worth isn’t just about a number; it’s about ensuring the exchange feels balanced and meaningful for both myself and the client. By trusting that feeling, I’ve found a way to make my sessions fulfilling and aligned for everyone involved.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the confidence and self-trust I’ve developed in my role as a facilitator. At first, I struggled with a lot of self-doubt and fear. But over time, I’ve learned to get out of my own way and let the sound do its work, trusting myself as a guide and a channel. This sense of trust and alignment is what I’m most proud of and what I aim to pass on to others, whether they’re attending a soundbath or joining my training program.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s to listen to that inner calling—that pull toward something meaningful. You may not yet know how it’ll take shape, but often, it’s pointing toward your unique gift to share with others. For me, sound healing and music are expressions of that authenticity, and I believe that each person’s journey, no matter how unconventional, is valuable and worth pursuing. The world needs more people who are unapologetically themselves, following their purpose, and sharing it openly. I believe your authentic presence is the most precious gift you can bring to the world—it’s your unique imprint that no one else can replicate.

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.
Oh, so many places!

First, a quick stop at La Cevicheria, a no frills, cash-only joint near Koreatown. The fish tacos and ceviche are fantastic!

For lunch, head to Re/creation Cafe in West Adams. It’s a cute, artsy spot with a beautiful patio and everything on their menu is beautifully crafted and delicious. The staff is warm and the vibes are on point.

For dinner, of you’re into raw crab, uni, and seafood in general, I recommend Master Ha Korean Seafood in Koreatown. My personal favorite is their hot soups, like the ox bone soup and short rib soup—ultimate comfort food for me.

For your morning or midday coffee and pastry fix, I’d take you to my favorite vegan bakery in Frogtown, Just What I Kneaded. You’d never guess it’s vegan because the pastries are buttery, flaky, and oh-so-yummy.

Then for my nature spots:

My personal favorite for a city hike with views is the Culver City Stairs (officially Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook). I used to live nearby and loved doing the stairs as my workout. You can also enjoy a casual stroll around the surrounding paths if you want something more relaxed.

Griffith Park hike to the Observatory is an LA classic. The panoramic views of LA never disappoints, and it’s a great spot for a romantic outing or a peaceful solo hike.

For some beach time, my favorite is Playa Del Rey or Dockweiler Beach because it’s away from the crowded tourist beaches of Santa Monica or Venice. If you’re up for a fun ride, bike the Ballona Creek bike path from Culver City all the way to PDR, and keep riding south along the beach!

Definitely a couple nights out catching shows at venues like the Troubadour, El Rey Theater, Lodge Room, or Moroccan Lounge. A great way to see up-and-coming artists in an intimate setting.

For a more relaxing evening of self-care, catch a soundbath or healing event at the Zula Den in West Adams. It’s a cozy and unique venue with an incredible community of healers, musicians, and artists sharing their craft.

Lastly, for more music and cultural inspiration, I’d definitely tune into KCRW. Their radio station and website are filled with great recommendations for new artists, events, and all things LA culture.

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?
My first shoutout goes to my home yoga studio, Veda Yoga, and to everyone I’ve had the privilege of meeting through this incredible community. It was through my yoga teacher training here that I experienced a profound awakening that set me on my path of self-discovery and transformation. Now, nearly five years into teaching here, I’ve built connections that have become pillars in my life—relationships that have brought me closer to the best version of myself and filled me with a deeper faith in life. I can honestly say that if Veda Yoga didn’t exist, my life today would look completely different.

I’m also deeply grateful to my sound healing mentors and students—the ones who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. They were the ones who encouraged me to share my knowledge, pushing me to teach others how to play the crystal bowls and facilitate soundbaths. Without their trust and encouragement, I may not have stepped into the roles of teacher and mentor as quickly as I did. Sometimes, others see us more clearly than we see ourselves, and it’s through their vision and belief that we’re able to step into our fullest light. I want to thank each of them for helping me grow into who I am today.

Website: https://www.akaneflows.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@akaneflows

Image Credits
Neube Neto