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

Hi April, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Earth Medicine Woman was birthed as a remembrance of my soul’s true purpose in this lifetime, which is to be a guide for others to come home to their most authentic selves; remembering what it is to love living and walking on the Earth. I grew up in a small rural town in Wisconsin and have always been deeply connected to nature, animals and a strong community of like-minded, loving people. When I moved to the cities to expand my horizons and pursue my dreams of working in entertainment, I witnessed and experienced the disconnection, stress-induced disease and lost sense of self in myself and others. I found my way back to vital health, harmony, joy, and connection through rebuilding a strong relationship to nature, my inner compass and community. This created the blueprint for my business which is a map of reclaiming the pieces that make us whole: intimacy, authenticity, nature, and connection. Everything I practice incorporates nature as we are innately connected to the Earth and it is through this connection that we come back into balance. We are nature and nature is us. Every word, thought, action, intention is impacted collectively.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is a combination of the many modalities I have learned along the way including energy healing, somatic awareness, dance and art therapy, nature reconnection work, trauma and emotional healing, and relationship foundation skills. I believe that each of my clients contains their own inner compass that knows the path to healing and balance. My mission is to guide them back to listen, harness and trust their inner wisdom. The transformation comes from within. I am just a channel to open that gate. The path to one’s highest self and knowing is never easy, because it involves dismantling all the of the programming that led us away from it to begin with. It involves facing one’s shadow, accepting the pieces we don’t like and being brave enough to do the work to shift those spaces within that hold us back from our heart and highest destiny. It takes commitment, courage and a strong willingness for change, which can be scary. Yet, on the other end is that which we most yearn for, to come home to our true self and open our hearts fully. This is the hidden treasure that lies within. I am launching an Earth Medicine program to further my mission of aligning us back to living in balance with the Earth and ourselves, which will incorporate both the Earth elements and the chakra system in our bodies. A blending of energy medicine with the elements of nature.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being an ecotherapist, my favorite places in LA are those that radiant vibrant life energy through nature. A drive down the PCH to Point Dume for epic sunset, and dinner at Malibu Farms on the ocean. Topanga Canyon trailhead hike for the beautiful ocean views and eucalyptus forest, Cafe Gratitude in Venice for a organic meal. Raven spa for a Thai spa and Turkish bath ritual.

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?
The EarthBody Institute and all the incredible women that taught and trained with me. (earthbodyinstitute.com) Elmo Painter for Reiki Training and modeling so much in the realms of intimacy, emotional and somatic awareness, relationships and trauma-informed work. (elmopainter.com) Institute of Integrative Nutrition for opening the doors to my soul’s purpose and work Ellen Guggenheim for transformational life coaching (egrowthresults.com) Arna Vodenos for transformation therapy in self-love (askarna.com) Niyaso Carter for counsel of inner-child healing, non-violent communication and healthy boundaries/relating (sacredloving.net)

Website: www.earthmedicinewoman.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/earth.medicine.woman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmarielarson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthmedicinewoman/
Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/earth-medicine-woman-los-angeles
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBsLOGI_U6o&feature=youtu.be&mc_cid=3a1f693cd7&mc_eid=a5554c320e
Other: https://www.netwerktonetworth.com/blog/2019/9/3/netwerkher-april-larson-earth-medicine-woman https://www.theearthbodyinstitute.com/business-directory/april-larson/

Image Credits
Brian Ross, Alex Adams

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.