Meet Ruby Sheng Nichols | Akashic Records Reader, Founder of The Shift, and Cofounder of The Almanaq

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruby Sheng Nichols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruby Sheng, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is follow my dreams, hands-down. Our entire family was really struggling after my first son’s birth. Both my husband and I were battling our own depression and intense anxiety, while learning how to care for a highly sensitive/high needs baby who was diagnosed with high order Autism around age 3.

We did all the things and checked all the boxes we thought we were supposed to when having a kid. We moved into a bigger home in a nicer neighborhood, my husband was holding down a steady job even though it wasn’t the right fit anymore, I stayed home full-time for at least 6 months. All of these were things we’d been told were the ideal decisions. Meanwhile, we completely lost ourselves and stopped checking in with our hearts and souls. What did it want? What did it need? We thought none of that mattered now that we had a kid, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our kids want and deserve all of us – our full presence, our full spirits, our full selves.

I was so miserable that I recall thinking, “I hate my life” multiple times throughout the day. No wonder my kid and family were unhappy! I finally had an epiphany one day after a life-changing tarot reading that I was unhappy because I accepted that this is how our lives had to be, and that there was only one right way to live it. I suddenly realized we had a choice and didn’t have to live in this nice neighborhood we didn’t connect with, my husband didn’t have to stay in this soul-sucking job, I didn’t have to be a stay-at-home mom when all I wanted to do was pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I felt so empowered and a huge wave of gratitude washed over me for my son. I realized he was the reason for the spiritual awakening I was having. Since that day, my energy with him completely shifted. I felt like I was finally fully present, and it was like he was a completely different kid since that moment. He really started thriving, and by age 5 when he was reassessed, they said he had no trace of autism, ADHD, or anything.

My husband has since left that full-time job, and we’re both pursuing our passions and life calling. It has certainly been challenging and stressful, but absolutely worthwhile. We’re teaching our kids that your dreams and your happiness matter. YOU matter. I can’t think of a more important lesson than that.

What should our readers know about your business?
I currently have a couple different businesses. I’m the Founder of The Shift with a mission to explore our potential within and beyond the human experience, both through Akashic Records readings and an event series that combines spiritual healing with art, tech, music, dance, food, and design.

I’m also cofounder of The Almanaq – a guide to immersive travel, connecting people with meaningful local experiences.

My entrepreneurial road has been long and windy so far, as I’m sure many are! I technically decided to leave the advertising industry in 2012 and focus solely on my travel/style business. Shortly after that decision, I was pregnant with my first son which put a major wrench in the momentum I thought I’d have. I was finally able to get my e-comm travel business off the ground in 2017, and it was well-received. After a couple of years I met my cofounder, and together, we decided to evolve my business into what is now The Almanaq.

The Shift came about unexpectedly. I was always intuitive and very interested in the metaphysical world, but was mostly in the closet about it. After the awakening I experienced when my son was born, I dove deep into spiritual healing. I discovered the Akashic Records and realized I was able to connect with my spirit guides and could help others this way as well. So I now offer healing and guidance through Akashic Record and Tarot readings and coach others on how to connect more deeply to their own intuition.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d probably hit up Malibu, Venice, the East side, and Downtown.

Malibu – I’d eat at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, Malibu Seafood, lobster rolls at Broad Street Oyster Company. Point Dume is one of my favorite beach/easy hiking spots with gorgeous views.

Venice – Abbot Kinney for shopping, I’d eat at The Tasting Kitchen, Gjelina, Butcher’s Daughter. I’d walk the hidden canals and obviously hit the beach. High Rooftop at Hotel Erwin is great for drinks and a beachy vibe and view.

East Side – I’d lounge and picnic at Echo Park Lake, eat and shop around Highland Park, Walk & shop along Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake – Mohawk General Store is a favorite.

Downtown – Walk & shop around the Arts District, eat at Bavel, Girl and the Goat, Bestia, or Manuela. The rooftop bar at Freehand is good for drinks and the city view.
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?
So many I can think of that supported me on my path!

Natalie Alcala – Founder of Fashion Mamas
Erin Smith – Vardo Tarot
Caitlin Meek – Intuitive healer, Akashic Records reader, Pilates

Instagram: @TheShift.Is, @TheAlmanaq

Image Credits
Estee Ochoa, Katee Grace