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

Hi Claudia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business wasn’t a linear decision; it was born out of life’s unexpected challenges and a deeper calling that unfolded along the way.
In 2016, my life took an unexpected turn. I was working as an event manager for a large corporation and navigating the emotional toll of my mother’s declining health in Brazil. Hoping to balance both worlds, I requested flexibility from my manager to work as a contractor, but after months of promises and mounting stress, I found myself burned out and broken. A nervous breakdown forced me to take a 90-day medical leave and confront what wasn’t working in my life.
During this time, I began practicing Reiki—a long-held personal interest—and experienced profound healing. A pivotal moment came when I received a spiritual message: “You have a gift. Look for it. From now on, you will start helping people.” Though skeptical at first, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my purpose was shifting.
I realized I no longer wanted to return to the corporate world, which had become a source of constant stress. I wanted to dedicate my life to something that aligned with my values, helped others, and brought me fulfillment. Starting an energy healing practice felt both terrifying and exciting. I had no prior business experience, but I was determined to trust the path unfolding before me.
The biggest challenge was financial uncertainty. My husband agreed to support our household with the condition that I give this venture two years. With his encouragement and help from friends and family, I built my practice from the ground up—offering free and affordable sessions to grow my confidence and clientele.
Reflecting on it now, the journey to start my business was painful and terrifying, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe the Universe orchestrated everything perfectly, pushing me out of my comfort zone and gracefully guiding me to discover my spiritual gift, which ultimately led me to my life purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m going to break down my answer:

My Business and What Sets It Apart
In 2016, my journey began humbly with Reiki, a gentle energy healing practice that ignited my spiritual path. Coming from a background in marketing and event management, I never imagined my life would transform so completely. Six months after taking my first Reiki classes, my personal and professional life fell into turmoil. At the time, I couldn’t understand why. Looking back now, I call this phase of my spiritual journey “From Pain to Purpose.” The painful experiences I endured ultimately led me to discover my life’s purpose, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
Today, I see how the Universe orchestrated everything perfectly to help me break free from my corporate career and step into my calling of helping others heal. Through energy healing, I not only transformed my own life but also embraced intuitive gifts I once feared, such as mediumship and clairvoyance. These gifts have taken me beyond the role of healer, allowing me to teach and empower others to connect with the divine.

What Brings Me Joy
My energy healing practice, based in Thousand Oaks, California, has been a source of immense fulfillment since I began helping people heal in 2016. One of my greatest joys is witnessing the transformation of my clients. Many come to me feeling sad, confused, depressed, sick, or hopeless. Yet, after their session, they often leave feeling lighter, centered, smiling, and filled with hope. Helping my clients not just heal but thrive brings me profound happiness.
Over the past two years, I’ve conducted over 1,300 energy healing sessions and received more than 100 heartfelt testimonials. What sets my practice apart is the deep dedication and personal attention I give to each individual. Here, you’re not just a number—you’re a person who matters. My purpose is to help, and I strive to create meaningful connections with every client and student I work with.
Guiding my students on their spiritual journeys also brings me immense joy. Since the beginning, I’ve been guided to teach Reiki and other spiritual modalities in small, intimate groups of 3–5 people. This approach allows me to truly get to know each student and ensures that the Reiki attunement—a sacred energy alignment—is a deeply personal and meaningful moment for each of them. I believe that “When the student spiritually awakens, the teacher must be ready,” which is why I’ve committed to offering Reiki classes every month. It is a privilege to watch my students grow spiritually and step into their own power.
When you find your life purpose, you don’t work for money—you work for love, with love. People can sense the difference, and that connection makes all the difference. Whether I am helping a client heal or guiding a student on their spiritual path, my work is fueled by love, purpose, and a deep commitment to their well-being.
Overcoming Challenges and Lessons Learned
The decision to leave a well-paid corporate job to pursue a career as a holistic practitioner wasn’t easy. But the moment I embraced this path, everything began to flow. The Universe started sending clients my way, and since opening my practice, there hasn’t been a single day without a client—unless I intentionally blocked my calendar.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way are profound. Trusting the Universe, staying aligned with my purpose, and always leading with love have been the cornerstones of my success. This journey has taught me that healing is about more than just helping others feel better; it’s about empowering them to reconnect with their divine essence and purpose.

What I Want the World to Know
Working with energy healing has opened my mind and heart in ways I could never have foreseen. Through energy healing, I’ve accessed divine intelligence—a guiding presence that has shaped my path. My story is proof that even the most challenging times can lead to profound transformation and purpose.
To anyone who feels lost, hopeless, or unsure of their direction, I want you to know: your pain has a purpose, and healing is always possible. My mission is to be a beacon of hope and healing, helping others discover their path and connect with the divine love that flows through all of us.

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?
When friends and family visit for the first time, I love showing them some of my favorite spots in LA. We start with a hike in Griffith Park, where they can take in a breathtaking view of the City of Angels. Then, we explore iconic areas like Hollywood, Sunset Blvd, and Beverly Hills, and enjoy a stroll along Rodeo Drive. Afterward, we stop for drinks and appetizers at Sunset Plaza before I wrap up the tour in Downtown or the Arts District, which is my go-to spot for dinner. Depending on the mood, we might dine at Bestia for Italian, Takami for Japanese, or Girl and the Goat for a more eclectic menu. I also love taking friends on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast, from Venice to Santa Barbara, to soak in the beauty of the coastline.

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?
I have so many people to thank: my dear husband, Cris Fortes, for believing in me and offering unwavering support throughout our 25 years together; my mom, Aloiza Borges, for her spiritual teachings and loving guidance; my Reiki Master teacher, Jolene Carlson, for guiding me through healing during challenging times; my spiritual life coach and author, James Van Praagh, for his transformative wisdom; and, last but certainly not least, my incredible students and clients, for trusting me and allowing me to be part of their healing and spiritual journeys.

Website: https://www.claudiaborgesreiki.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiaborgesreiki/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiaborgesreiki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaBorgesReiki

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/claudia-borges-reiki-master-and-teacher-thousand-oaks

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

Other: Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7iBwIHMGbYX0xEaG7jqUah

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