Rooted in Delight with Leslie Avila

The Biz Bruja Podcast

Leslie Avila is a dynamic force in the wellness and community organization space. A storyteller and writer by passion, Leslie is also the founder of Delightful Co, a lifestyle and wellness company dedicated to creating multidisciplinary spaces for personal and professional growth.

With over ten years of experience, Leslie has a track record of bringing people together for workshops and classes centered on wellness and indigenous healing practices.

Currently, she's working on her first book and remains committed to using her platform for healing through private sessions and group workshops. Episode: In this engaging episode, we are introduced to Leslie Avila, a profound voice in the arena of spiritual growth and community building.

As a Latina navigating her journey both locally in Central Pennsylvania and on a larger scale, Leslie opens up about the challenges and rewards of her path. The conversation delves into her experiences moving from New York to Pennsylvania, the cultural awakening it spurred, and her subsequent entrepreneurial pursuit fueled by a desire to free individuals from societal constraints.

The dialogue flows from Leslie's initiation into spiritual discovery through plant medicine to the realization of her dual roles as a for-profit and nonprofit leader. Vanessa Codorniu adeptly steers the conversation to extract illuminating perspectives on cultural identity, personal development, and the importance of reclaiming one's "weirdness" as a unique strength.

The episode is rich with insights into Leslie's mission to provide wellness resources to the community and her passionate commitment to environmental stewardship through initiatives like litter cleanups and composting education.

Takeaways:

* Navigating cultural identity and the shift from urban New York City to Central Pennsylvania illuminated the contrasts and personal growth opportunities for Leslie.

* Leslie's spiritual awakening and path to entrepreneurship were sparked by a profound experience with plant medicine and an innate desire to bring delight and freedom to others.

* The establishment of her nonprofit focuses on environmental responsibility, such as litter cleanups and education, advocating for the interconnectedness of mental, environmental, and spiritual health.

* Reclaiming the ancestral wisdom and gifts within oneself is a critical part of Leslie's journey, highlighting the importance of healing from past oppressions and embracing one's authenticity.

The promo of Leslie's upcoming first book and her dedicated mission to transform lives through various wellness-oriented initiatives are a testament to her visionary outlook.

Find out more: Leslie Avila: https://www.delightisfull.com

Vanessa Codorniu www.thebizbruja.com #spiritual #spiritualentrepreneurship #delight #spiritualawakening

Timestamp Summary 0:00:00 Introduction and welcome to the interview 0:00:39 Leslie's experience as a Latina in central Pennsylvania 0:02:44 Growing diversity and inclusivity in central Pennsylvania 0:04:49 The challenges of cultural identity and finding relatability 0:05:40 The shift towards inclusivity and community connection 0:07:40 Leslie's spiritual awakening through plant medicine 0:09:45 Transitioning into entrepreneurship as a natural path 0:11:37 Leslie's motivation to help others find freedom 0:12:26 The reciprocal cycle of understanding and freedom 0:12:55 Leslie Avila started branding everything as delightful 0:13:55 Vanessa Codorniu discusses the importance of maintaining joy and wonder 0:15:17 Leslie Avila explains her decision to create a nonprofit organization 0:16:41 Vanessa Codorniu asks about Leslie Avila's experience with nonprofits 0:18:47 Leslie Avila discusses the initiatives of her nonprofit organization 0:23:24 Vanessa Codorniu emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in yoga and improv 0:24:09 Leslie Avila talks about reviving ancestral practices and honoring cultural expression 0:24:09 Healing ancestral patterns and embracing authenticity 0:25:03 Tackling shame, guilt, and judgment from colonization 0:27:08 Breaking free from societal norms and embracing uniqueness 0:28:21 Embracing the journey of learning and being a beginner 0:29:26 Leaning into gifts of listening to the body and embracing fire 0:32:48 Inspiring hope for future generations of healers 0:33:43 Where to find Leslie and upcoming projects 0:35:30 Message: Don't stop believing in your dreams