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

Hi Valerie, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
The book I always recommend to others and that I have read time and time again is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. There are few books that could say so much about the human experience in such a simple, humble storybook narrative. I have been reading it once every few years at least, and each time I open the book, I find something new but equally profound as the last time I read it.

On the surface, the story is about a shepherd who decides to leave his flock to follow his dream to find hidden treasure in Egypt. However, this book is entirely about the journey and the development of the main character as he navigates his way there. Along the way, he has to sacrifice what is important to him, leave everything he knows, overcome adversity, and learn the true meaning of faith. And in each lesson, we see the process of learning through the eyes of the shepherd boy – the doubt, the fear, the anger, and the desires that often hold us back, as well as the strength to let go and push forward. In every chapter of this book, there is another life lesson to be learned.

A good teacher does not merely give you the answers to life, but rather asks the right questions so that you can find them yourself. The Alchemist is such a teacher. I always look forward to the new discoveries and lessons I find in it as my life also progresses.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and run a holistic health practice. The road to Ayurvedic professional in the United States is not an easy one, as Ayurveda is barely recognized in the States, even though it has been practiced for thousands of years in South Asia. That being said, I pursue the path of Ayurvedic Practitioner because I believe that the future of healthcare is in holistic medicine.

In business, I am definitely not where I want to be yet, but every day is another step towards my goal of having an Ayurvedic practice where I provide holistic health care that transforms and empowers individuals to not only heal their bodies but also their minds. I want every client that comes to me to be inspired to look at health not just from an overcome disease standpoint, but as a springboard for pursuing a vibrant, fulfilled life.

In terms of lessons I’ve learned along the way, I’ve learned that it is important that even when you are not at the level you want to be in terms of training, experience, etc. it is important to do what you can with what you have, knowing that you are still working towards your goals. If I let my imposter syndrome run wild, I would wait until I had 10 years of schooling before I attempted to start a business, but time waits for no one. At some point, you have to acknowledge that part of the way that you actualize your goals is by putting yourself out there. We all have to start somewhere, so start today rather than tomorrow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Having moved to Long Beach, I would say all my favorite spots are there. There is daily free yoga by the beach, capoeira gatherings on Saturday mornings, beautiful parks, and so much more to do.

Some of my favorite spots to eat in Long Beach are Ubuntu Cafe, Long Beach Thai, and Seabird Cafe.
I would have to also take them out to the South Bay for authentic Japanese food. My favorite spot is Wadatsumi in Torrance.

Going back to Long Beach, Retro Row and Belmont Shore are two of my favorite spots to hang out. I could spend hours by the water at the Bluff as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give this shoutout to my mother, who introduced me to the Alchemist, along with other books that presented the exact lessons and words that I needed at the exact time that I needed them. Her guidance in this way has been the source of very powerful healing for me at times when I felt lost.

I would also like to give a shoutout to my father, who has throughout my life encouraged me to keep exploring and to keep cultivating my curiosity. The freedom to develop my creativity and find my passion would not be so strong if he had not been there to encourage it.

Lastly, I would like to give a shoutout to my partner Greg for being on the ground with me, supporting me every day as we do the hard work of living our dreams. He reminds me to take breaks and take care of myself, to see things in the big picture, and to keep moving forward step by step.

Website: www.intrepidayurveda.com

Instagram: @intrepidayurveda

Image Credits
Josh Adams, Greg Beck, Jennifer Shum Abelev

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