Meet Natasha Edwina | Mind-Body Wellness Consultant, Therapist, Coach

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

Hi Natasha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business first and foremost because I was working in the mental health system and saw a lack of efficiency at solving problems and creating solutions that were sustainable yet deeply healing. I yearned to work with clients on a deeper level in new ways, ways I had used for my own healing. Mostly the work I was hired to do was just scratching the surface, and I saw a need for integrating the whole body, mind, and spirit into evidence-based practices. There is so much we can do before turning to medication, and this has always been my philosophy. Secondarily, I am a driven highly passionate individual who goes above and beyond in everything I do. It was advantageous for me to apply that to my own business rather than someone else’s organization on salary and get burnt out. Quitting the 9-5 has allowed me to work my business mostly from home, creating flexibility and wellness for not only my little neurodivergent family but also for my highly sensitive clients. It has allowed me to make more money working less hours, to be creative, to work with my own rhythms, and have time freedom. I was able to start a PhD program, homeschool my children, and practice the self-care that I teach my clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
My wellness business is the integration of health science and relationship science to offer sustainable healing. I have a knack for originality and innovation, so my retreats and programs offer unique, forward-thinking approaches to healing, drawing in clients who are tired of the usual methods and want something fresh. I recognize patterns and interconnections very easily, and explore multiple layers simultaneously, to quickly identify root issues. I truly listen to my clients and want them to feel seen and cared for with a high touch service. While I bring extensive knowledge and credentials—including certifications in hypnosis, nutrition, and mind-body medicine—I always honor my clients as the experts in their own lives. Together, we co-create solutions that go far beyond traditional talk therapy, leveraging creative tools like hypnosis as a spiritual experience to accelerate profound change. I’m skilled at creating, and navigating, transformation and I like to do it in the most pleasurable way possible. However, even in profound pain, we can find bliss; and it’s because we are truly living, not just succumbing to a mediocre existence of numbness.

I’ve always been forward-thinking and intuitive, constantly seeking new ways to deepen my practice. Decades ago, I envisioned a wellness center that blended disciplines for holistic healing, and I’ve now been involved in the opening team of three. I was also part of the inaugural cohort for the world’s first fully accredited PhD program in Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook University, where I gained cutting-edge knowledge on psychoneuroimmunology, which informs much of my work today. This foresight, combined with my work at VeraVia—named one of the Top 5 Mind-Body Rejuvenation retreats globally—prepared me to pivot into online telemedicine before it became a necessity during the pandemic.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I left my 9-5 during a divorce, while attending graduate school, and my business has faced multiple disruptions due to California’s economic instability, but I’ve always bounced back. Resilience and trust in my inner strength have been key. Being an entrepreneur requires faith, smart decision-making, and the courage to take calculated risks. But it also offers incredible freedom and the ability to be creative and authentic daily.

What I want the world to know is that I started with nothing but a belief in a better way to heal—because I had experienced it myself. My business is built on years of academic rigor, clinical expertise, and personal growth. While viral trends may come and go, my brand is rooted in integrity, practicality, and a passion for service. I teach my clients how to create lasting transformation in their health, relationships, and overall well-being, no matter what they’ve been through. This isn’t just a business—it’s a heart-felt mission to help people lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. If we all invested in this, we’d have a very different planet.

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?
Southern California offers an incredible mix of landscapes, activities, and fresh food, and after living here for 22 years, I’m still discovering new gems! For a week-long trip, here’s how I’d show my best friend an unforgettable time.

We’d start with a road trip to Yosemite. The diversity of landscapes along the way is breathtaking—you can be in 100-degree temps in the late morning, see a waterfall by noon, and be surrounded by snow in the mountains by evening. The range of climates and stunning views is mind-blowing.

Closer to home, the beaches in San Diego’s North County and Orange County are perfect for nature lovers. We’d enjoy a rejuvenating day by the ocean, splash in the waves like giddy kids, and afterward, grab a delicious, gluten-free Thai dinner at Mint Leaf in Newport Beach, known for its fresh, colorful ingredients and intimate setting.

A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is a must. The drive itself through the park is a powerful experience—no cell service, just nature, music, a map, and a cooler of snacks. There’s something spiritually transformative about being in Joshua Tree, and it’s a great place to set intentions or just soak in the breathtaking beauty. Nearby Desert Hot Springs offers mineral pools for a relaxing soak, and if we’re hungry, we’d stop for gluten-free pizza and 80’s jukebox dance hits at Rocky’s New York Pizza.

For a more upscale night, we’d head to Palm Springs for sushi at Sandfish, where we could enjoy the outdoor ambiance and a DJ before hitting the nearby LGBTQ+ friendly bars for some dancing. Palm Springs is a very friendly city, and also hosts a weekly Art Walk, where we’d check out local artists and the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue and graffiti park.

Back in San Diego, Sunday Funday would begin with a women’s drum and dance circle led by Kirti Srivastava, followed by a visit to the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market for some African food and local treasures. We might end the evening with an indie movie at the Landmark Theatre.

On Monday, I’d treat my friend to a Thai massage at Rama Thai in Linda Vista and coconut ice cream at Coco Bomb. If it’s August, we’d kayak with the leopard sharks in La Jolla Cove, or in October, enjoy a stroll under the stars at Carlsbad State Beach—where actual beach bunnies come out at night! For a daring adventure, we’d hike to Black’s Beach in La Jolla, a nude beach with a fun vibe.

We’d explore the foodie scene, starting with fresh and flavorful tacos from The Taco Stand, where the line is always worth it. Nectarine Grove in Encinitas is another favorite any time of day—everything’s gluten-free, and their cinnamon rolls are legendary. We’d share a cinnamon roll with the butter coffee, or pumpkin chai latte with house-made cashew milk, a well-deserved treat after an early morning walk around South Lake in San Marcos or through the Elfin Forest.

For a fun, spontaneous bestie moment, we might get piercings at 101 Piercing in Encinitas before heading to Carlsbad Cliffs for a sunset with a four-flavor ice cream flight from Handel’s. If we’re feeling mystical, we’d stop by Neiki’s Place in Solana Beach for crystal jewelry, gifts, unique clothing, and a reading from Pam Crane—if we booked in advance! Finally, for a little sexy fun and empowerment, we’d wrap up with a body-positive erotic dance class at Haus of Embodiment in Newport Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wellness journey and career began almost 25 years ago with Dr. Christiane Northrup’s book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. It opened my eyes to the emotional patterns behind physical illness, profoundly impacting my own healing. Fourteen years later, after earning my degrees in marriage and family therapy and mind-body medicine, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Northrup through one of my circles. I was thrilled to join her USANA Health Sciences team, invited by my wellness business mentor, Dr. Karen Wolfe.

While many financial books recommend network marketing to learn the fundamentals of business, this opportunity came into my life serendipitously—before I even knew I needed it. Ten years later, I am still an active partner with USANA, a company that aligns with my values of integrity, science, and progress. The heart-centered entrepreneurs on our team, particularly Dr. Karen Wolfe, have been instrumental in my success. They’ve supported me through personal hardships and helped me see potential in myself that I hadn’t yet recognized. Dr. Karen held a vision for me that inspired me to step into my own light, and I’m grateful to now offer the same kind of guidance and encouragement to others.

Website: https://www.natashaedwina.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.edwina/

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@natashaedwina7675/streams

Image Credits
Outdoor photos by Ani Friedrich @ani_portrait

Indoor photos by Meghan Incorvaia @pearlofmywomb