Meet Nicole Rutsch | Reiki Master and Soundhealer

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

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always knew from early on that I was somehow different from most other people. I never liked staying within the lines, and just following the crowd. I always felt that I could best express myself if I had the freedom to create and share my own vision. However, It took quite some time for me to realize how this would manifest itself. But bringing out my vision to its fullest and brightest form required no less than a transformational journey. I always enjoyed working with my hands, whether this was painting on canvas, helping my grandfather in his workshed, or learning how to cook traditional German meals in the kitchen with my mother. My parents made simple food, by using only a few simple ingredients, all of which came from the farms surrounding the small town where I grew up. Seeing the nourishing and restorative power of healthy, natural foods firsthand led me to start a successful catering business in New York City, where I soon found myself working with individuals and brands at events ranging from exclusive private events, to NYC fashion week.
Though I was grateful for these experiences, I realized that for me, the whole picture wasn’t complete yet. Through my own personal journey, I discovered many other ways to nourish not just the body, but mind, and spirit as well.
Reiki and sound-healing are powerful healing practices that I’ve been grateful to learn. Working with these modalities has helped me to become my most authentic self. They’ve helped me to face my own challenges, change perspectives when needed, and enabled me to feel calm and grateful, rather than anxious and stressed. It was this shift that was the missing piece of my vision. Experiencing the power of reiki and sound gave me the desire to share them with the world. This inspired me to begin my current practice, where my goal is to help clients see the enormous potential within themselves for positive change, with the help of reiki, sound-healing, herbal remedies, and a healthy lifestyle.

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?
I am a sound-healer and reiki master. I feel that my sound healing sessions are unique, as I truly operate from a wholistic perspective, using a variety of modalities to balance the deep connection between mind, body and soul. In my sound healing sessions I utilize crystal alchemy sound bowls, and other elements to create a magical soundscape infused with reiki energy to clear out toxic chi and elevate the collective vibration.
I’m always reminding myself that no matter what situation someone is in, the first step is to meet them wherever they are on their journey and to show them kindness, compassion and most of all to allow them to be heard.
I think living in NYC and getting a degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology have taught me a lot about the “real world.” You learn quickly what it’s like to network, to run a business and to stand up for yourself, your vision and your values.
I would say, I am very clear and intentional with the work that I want to call in. However, sometimes you also have to learn to say “no.” When you are your own business and essentially “are the brand,” the work can feel like it never will end. To find balance, I had to learn to set clear boundaries for myself. I plan out my days, weeks and months in advance, I have away-time from my phone, I make my health a priority and always allow for self-care.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s start from the beginning. I am a big fan of supporting local shops, so for breakfast we’d have to go to the “Little Lunch” coffee shop in Venice Beach. Erewhon is another must-go. Their food and produce is the best there is in terms of specialty stores. We would also have to make a run to the Brentwood Farmer’s Market for some fresh local goodies on-the-go from their amazing vendors. For day-time activities, what’s more quintessential “Los Angeles” than going on hikes?… I feel truly at home in nature; I love to look at plants and try to identify different ones. My absolute favorite trails here are at Los Leones and Topanga State Park, so we would definitely go there. And of course, we would have to walk every mile of this second-to-none L.A. coastline at sunset.
We’d also have to go to LACMA and the Getty Museum to soak in some culture, before seeing a show at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood.
For dinners, we’d have to go to either Uovo, or Gjelina because their food is simply the best. And then for a little more of a laid-back feel we’d have to do Great White in Venice Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I could shoutout one person, it definitely would have to be my mentor: Susy Markoe Schieffelin, who helped me to step into my business-journey transformation. She has helped me to streamline my work and organize efficiently. Maybe most importantly, she’s taught me the value in taking time to pause, always ensuring that every action is made with love and intention.

My amazing soul-sisters especially Laurel, Terry, Bethany and Angelina.

And my fiance Vince, for always pushing me to go deeper and letting me be my most authentic self…. And for for always spell-checking my writing 😉

Website: nicolerutsch.com

Instagram: Nicole_rutsch

Linkedin: nicole-rutsch-91227417

Facebook: Nicole Rutsch

Youtube: Nicole Rutsch

Image Credits
Amber Gregory: http://www.ambergregoryphoto.com/about-1