Meet Dionna Mcdowell | Holistic Healing Practitioner and Rest Advocate

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

Hi Dionna, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My work is rooted in creating healing spaces where women, especially women of color, can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through yoga, sound baths, and astrology, I help people reconnect with themselves and find rest in a world that often feels overwhelming. These practices offer another layer of healing, complementing therapy or other methods they might currently be exploring or have tried before. I believe that when we nurture ourselves holistically, we ripple that care outward to our families, communities, and beyond. By making these practices accessible and inclusive, I’m helping to plant seeds of rest, resilience, and transformation that can grow far beyond the mat or meditation circle.

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.
I’ve been working in the K-12 education field for almost 20 years, supporting students with special education needs. This work has taught me so much about empathy, compassion, and resilience—qualities that have carried over into my passion for yoga, sound healing, and creating spaces for women to rest and heal.

Being from a traditional Black family, there’s an expectation to stick with a “good job” and play it safe. You don’t just up and leave to follow your passion. So, while I still work in education to pay the bills, my true love lies in guiding women through transformative practices. What sets me apart is that I’ve walked the path my clients are on. I’ve experienced toxic relationships, set hard boundaries—even with family members who don’t support what I do due to their Christian background—and navigated divorce, co-parenting, and all the ups and downs of life.

These experiences allow me to connect deeply with the women I serve. When I guide someone through a yoga class or a restorative practice, I’m not speaking down to them; I’m walking alongside them from a place of experience and understanding. I think that’s what makes my work so unique—women feel seen, heard, and safe with me.

But it hasn’t been easy. Living in Los Angeles, where it seems everyone is a yoga teacher or sound healer, it can be challenging to find your people. I’ve had to stay patient and trust my intuition, but slowly and surely, I’m building a community that feels right.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to believe in yourself, even when it feels like no one else does. Rest is essential too—stepping back from the hustle allows you to gain clarity and stay aligned with your purpose. Surrounding yourself with a trusted circle is also key. My daughter Ayanna, for example, will always tell me the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. She’s the one who’ll remind me to focus on finishing what I’ve started before adding more to my plate.

Most importantly, I want people to know that it’s never too late to pivot and chase your dreams. Whether you’re 26, 36, or 46, you can start building something you love wholeheartedly. I’m living proof that with perseverance, belief in yourself, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can create a life and business that truly light you up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is such a tricky question! As a lifelong Angeleno, it’s always hard to narrow down the best things to do when people visit. But being in a long-distance relationship with my partner, who lives in Limerick, Ireland, has made me think a lot about what I’d want to share with someone experiencing Los Angeles.

First, we’d kick things off with breakfast at Pann’s Restaurant, an iconic LA diner with a retro vibe. I’d definitely get their waffle with 4 chicken wings—it’s such a classic and absolutely delicious!

Later, I’d take them to The Manchester in Westchester for amazing American food and drinks—it’s one of my favorites. Their Steak Frites is absolutely incredible, and you can’t go wrong with an Old Fashioned from their bar—it’s one of the best I’ve had.

I’m also a huge fan of Palmilla Cocina and Tequila in Hermosa Beach. We’d definitely go there for their flavorful short rib tacos paired with a spicy margarita—the perfect combo for a beachy vibe. Speaking of beaches, we’d spend time at Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. These are my Irishman’s favorite spots, and honestly, they never disappoint with their gorgeous views and relaxing atmosphere.

For culture, we’d visit the Getty Villa and the Getty Center. Both are absolutely stunning, offering art, history, and breathtaking architecture. No trip would be complete without some yoga, so I’d take them to Yoga Bliss for a class and then to one of my own restorative yoga sessions at Black Being in Inglewood. If it’s a Wednesday night, we’d join the Community Meditation at Black Being—it’s such a nourishing and grounding experience for the soul.

I’m also a big sports fan, so catching a Los Angeles Kings hockey game or an LA Rams or Chargers game at Sofi Stadium would definitely be on the list. The energy in those arenas is unbeatable, and I try to make it to at least one game a month—it’s always a blast!

I’ll admit, I don’t go out as much as I used to, but this mix of breakfast at Pann’s, beaches, culture, yoga, sports, and delicious meals—especially at The Manchester and Palmilla Cocina and Tequila—creates the perfect itinerary for a fun and memorable week in Los Angeles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, a pretty bad breakup got me to this point. I had dabbled in astrology before, but that experience really pushed me to take it seriously. I realized I was repeating unhealthy patterns, and studying astrology helped me bring awareness to myself and begin healing. It became such a powerful tool for me that I thought, “Why not share this practice with others?” Around the same time, I read *The Four Agreements* by Don Miguel Ruiz, which was transformative in helping me get my life together.

Yoga also became an everyday practice for me, and my yoga teacher, Lara Estrada at Yoga Bliss, showed me what it meant to find community and use tools like breathwork and asana practices to stay present and process emotions. I remember asking her when she’d offer a yoga teacher training, and while she wasn’t sure at the time, a group of us probably nudged her into doing it in 2023. I joined her training and have been fortunate to teach at her studio and Black Being in Inglewood, California, ever since.

Initially, I thought I’d focus on Vinyasa, but something shifted in me during the training. I felt a deep pull toward restorative yoga. I noticed how so many women, especially Black women and women of color, felt like they needed to “earn” their rest—as if it’s a reward instead of a necessity. Restorative yoga helped me slow down and gain clarity, and I love a quote from Octavia F. Raheem that says, “Without rest, there is no clarity.” That quote became a cornerstone of my practice.

I also have to give credit to my daughter, Ayanna McDowell, who has been my cheerleader through this entire transition. When I told her I wanted to start holding circles and take yoga teacher training, she was incredibly supportive. Her belief in me has meant the world, and I’m so grateful for her unwavering encouragement.

Now, I focus on teaching restorative yoga and hosting moon circles around the new and full moons. I help women set intentions during the new moon and release what no longer serves them during the full moon, incorporating restorative yoga and sound meditations. It’s been so rewarding to see busy, independent women—especially Black women—lay down, let go, and realize they *deserve* rest. That has been the sweetest part of this journey.

Website: https://intuitivelyd.com

Instagram: Intuitivelyd

Youtube: Vibes With Intuitively D

Other: My Irish Yoga Retreat
Rest and Restore: A journey to Pause, Reconnect and Renew
https://rest-and-restore-irish-yoga-retreat.my.canva.site/

Image Credits
The two pictures in the green jumpsuit are by Cara Taylor. Jazmine Salcedo captures me during moon circles.