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

Hi Sanja, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I knew I wanted to have my own business when I was still in massage school and as the years passed this desire grew stronger and with a bigger purpose. It is important to me to create a safe space for our community and practitioners to heal, grow and serve. The healing process is vulnerable, and for the body and spirit to respond in a positive way we must feel safe, we must trust that we are in good hands. likewise our holistic practitioners need to be supported, protected and feel at home when holding space. For me this was top priority, but also, creatively offering space that engages all of our senses with unique offerings and a beautiful space!

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?
Kevala is a sanctuary for healing, a nest for holistic wellness, and a safe place for our community. From Ayurvedic consultations, massage and bodywork to breathwork, Theta healing and reiki classes. Not to mention our beautiful tea lounge and ritual shop where we highlight Kevala’s signature teas and self care products and host events. We aim to offer comprehensive services and products that awaken and restore your body, mind, and spirit.

It has been a long and beautiful road with many triumphs and failures but the most important takeaway for me is knowing your strengths, ask for help and lead from the heart.

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.
Ahhh, this is the place where I get to shout out my favorite local business! Okay, well since I am a big advocate of self care this is my favorite place to start. So Yoga on the bluff with @Yogasue is a must, massages/bodywork at Kevala, (of course) and a float session at Float Space in LB. We’d visit my favorite wellness/metaphysical shops like Green Wisdom, or recirlcle home. Attend local events like estatic dance or tea and tarot at Seva Tea lounge. We’d dine at Wild Chive, kayak the peninsula, rent a boat at London Boat rentals, watch the sunset at Fuego. Explore the local farmers markets and go for a bike ride during the full moon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everyone who has come into my life has had some part in my growth personally and professionally! Clients have taught me more about their bodies, my community has taught me support is readily available if I just ask. My fellow practitioners have taught my value, my sister helped me to “see the numbers”, my cousin encourages me to think big and my partner is my manifesting ally. The connections have not all been positive because in growth there are shadows and limiting beliefs that we need to explore and overcome, so even when times are challenging, there is an opportunity for profound growth.

Website: kevalawellness.com

Instagram: kevalawellnessandayurveda

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kevala-wellness-and-ayurveda-long-beach-2

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

Image Credits
Tiffaney Ann Photography Claire Morgan Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.