Meet Amy Leiter | Amy Leiter | Therapeutic Guide and Soulful Business Consultant

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

Hi Amy, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe success is a highly relevant topic, and a new definition of success is emerging—both personally and collectively, in our country and across the world. It mirrors the times we’re living in. The old narratives of success, shaped by the pursuit of wealth, power, and status, are unraveling. What once defined us is no longer enough. Instead, we’re being called to redefine success on our own terms, in ways that truly honor who we are.

This shift is where I am drawn to work, both personally and professionally. I feel deeply about leaving the hustle behind and instead, taking time out of my day to illuminate everyday moments—whether it’s drinking my mushroom coffee mindfully, spending time in nature or watching birds from the porch, even connecting with my intuition to guide decisions about what to eat, which activities to pursue next, creative ventures digitally or video, or assessing whether a client is in alignment to do the work I’m most interested in. As a Therapeutic Guide and Soulful Business Consultant, I feel a strong pull to support women in embracing this new definition of success, encouraging them to look inward and to their intuition for guidance.

Since 2020, many changes have occurred in how businesses and society operate. The external markers that once dictated our worth are being replaced by something more meaningful: alignment. Success is now about living in integrity with yourself, with what you love, and with what matters most to you. Everyday moments become essential in shaping how we feel about our lives and our legacies. It has become increasingly important for today’s generations, in both work and entrepreneurship, to feel deeply fulfilled—not just on paper, but in their bodies, hearts, and spirits.

In my time working within my own business, I have learned to trust myself and my intuition in relation to my brand essence, making many pivots along the way—from being a graphic designer to an art therapist, and now a therapeutic guide for those making conscious shifts personally and in their businesses. These shifts are lending to honoring their own essence and energy. Trusting myself has led me to live in Costa Rica for a time, host retreats, and now to write a book and create an oracle card deck. If I had followed what society thought was success, I would be living a much different life—possibly a life much less fulfilled.

The questions I believe we need to ask ourselves are no longer about accolades or achievements, but about how we feel in our lives. Are we connected to a purpose? Are we nourishing our passions? Does the work we do reflect the essence of who we are? When we walk into a room are we being authentically all that we are? This is what I support my clients in exploring as they create a vision for their future—what is in alignment with how they want to feel, and how they can unearth and redefine what they value most.

In this new paradigm, success isn’t something we chase; it’s something we cultivate. It’s an inner state that radiates outward—a story only we can write. My own journey has been shaped by how authentically I show up in my life, in both big and small ways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my career as a graphic designer, but like many stories, mine took an unexpected turn. After several years in San Francisco, the post-9/11 recession hit, and I decided to make a move to Denver, where I lived for the next 20 years. When I was laid off from my job, I found myself at a crossroads, exploring what I truly desired from life. I decided to go to therapy to dive deeper into my fulfillment, and it was there that I discovered something profound. As I navigated my own healing process, my therapist asked if I had ever considered becoming a therapist myself. Then she introduced me to a term that would change everything: “art therapist”. That was the moment a new path opened up for me.

For many years, I practiced art therapy in-person, working with clients one-on-one. But when the pandemic hit, everything shifted. One day, I was in my office, and the next, I was transitioning my entire practice and nonprofit to a virtual platform. It was a massive change, but as the permanence of this new way of working set in, I made the decision to close my nonprofit, art studio, and office. This opened up an entirely new possibility—I could work from anywhere.

At this time, Denver no longer felt like home. So, I made the bold decision to sell everything I owned and move to Costa Rica with my doodle, Tucker. I spent some time with family in South Carolina, and I loved it. Recently, when I felt called to return to the U.S., I decided to settle in the Greenville area. There’s something about the culture, the climate, landscape, and wildlife here that feels just right.

Now, I’m integrating all of my experiences and writing a book on Soul Mapping, complete with an Oracle Card deck to accompany it. Oracle decks became a beautiful way to bring art into virtual and in-person work. I’ve dedicated my life to bringing more magic into everyday life—whether that’s through art making, my podcast ‘Everyday Illumination’, social media, one-on-one work, virtual groups, or retreats.

The way I see it, my work is about “Soul Liberation.” It’s not just about restoring wholeness, but about freeing the soul from cycles of pain and limitation, so we can live more authentically and align with our true purpose and potential. Using tools like Transpersonal psychology, mindfulness, Astrology, Human Design, and Gene Keys (the blend of these three modalities, I call Soul Mapping), and applied also with energy work, I offer a profound sense of freedom and empowerment. My goal is to open the door to higher consciousness and help others connect more deeply with the universe.

But my journey to offering this work didn’t come easily. Everything I teach, everything I share, is something I’ve discovered through my own path to healing and wholeness—and I’m still on that path because I believe that our entire lives are opportunities to learn and grow. As a Sagittarius, I’m essentially a lifelong student, always curious, always seeking.

And speaking of curiosity, anfter all I’ve shared some might wonder how I got here, how I arrived at this point in my life. The answer is simple: I’m not that different from anyone else, I just learned to surrender and that led to an unshakeable trust in myself. In my journey as a Transpersonal Art Therapist and now a Therapeutic Guide, I’ve leaned into my intuition and my gifts as part of this learning to trust myself. It hasn’t always been easy or fun, but it’s been worth every step. More than anything, I’ve learned to be open—to receive and allow myself to be guided.

By surrendering to something greater, I’ve been shown the path forward. My exploration of Astrology, Human Design, and Gene Keys has deepened my understanding of the soul’s journey, and these modalities now form the backbone of my unique approach to healing.

My time in Costa Rica, especially during the rainy season, was a sanctuary for deep transformation. Surrounded by the frequencies of the jungle, Gaia, and the elements, I underwent significant shifts. Bit you don’t have to move to the jungle to experience profound transformation, you don’t even need to leave your house! It’s an honor to read charts for people and offer one-on-one sessions—for people to truly see themselves in their beauty and wholeness. Each session is a beautiful unfolding of connection and insight. I feel called to create sacred spaces like this in different settings, both in-person and virtual, where deep and accelerated transformation can take place. These are spaces where every emotion and every human experience is honored and celebrated.

Since moving away from the limits of clinical work I am able to fully embrace the role of a therapeutic guide, without geographic and time constraints and a rich toolkit at my disposal I can be of service to many more people. My passion is to share the practice of Soul Mapping and support others in deconditioning from society’s “shoulds” and “supposed to’s”, empowering them to trust their own unique path to liberation and fulfillment. In this way, I hope to contribute to the new era I see emerging—one where success is defined by each of us personally, and where we allow our hearts and souls to guide us.

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.
If a friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to create the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and local culture, split between Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC. That feels like a week of everyday illumination! Here’s how I’d design the ideal itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Greenville

We’d start off with a leisurely stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy. There’s something magical about waterfalls right in the heart of downtown. We’d walk across the bridge, take in the views, and really soak up the energy. For lunch, Gather GVL would be perfect—a vibrant outdoor food hall with a laid-back vibe. If the weather is nice, we might rent bikes and ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, an easy way to explore the city while staying connected to nature.

For dinner, we’d head to Soby’s, an institution for elevated Southern cuisine. Their shrimp and grits? Truly life-changing. To cap off the day, we’d grab a nightcap at Vault & Vator, a cozy speakeasy with beautifully crafted cocktails—an ideal, chill end to our first day.

Day 2: Arts & Culture in Greenville

Start the day with coffee at Methodical Coffee, downtown. The modern, minimalist vibe is just the right energy boost. Afterward, we’d head to the Greenville County Museum of Art to check out Southern art, with a special focus on works by Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns.

For lunch, we’d venture out to Tandem Creperie in Travelers Rest for delicious, artfully prepared crepes. It’s a cozy stop on our way back downtown. In the afternoon, we could explore Artisphere or visit local galleries like the Greenville Center for Creative Arts.

For dinner, we’d dive into the incredible small plates at The Anchorage, a farm-to-table restaurant in the Village of West Greenville, where the menu showcases local ingredients with finesse.

Day 3: Day Trip to Asheville, NC

We’d start with a scenic drive up to Asheville, kicking off with brunch at Early Girl Eatery—a true farm-to-table spot with hearty breakfast plates. No trip to Asheville is complete without a visit to The Biltmore Estate. We’d wander through the gardens, enjoy a wine tasting, and explore the estate’s grandeur.

Afterward, we’d meander through downtown Asheville, stopping by indie shops and galleries. For dinner, Curate is a must, serving authentic Spanish tapas in a warm, buzzing atmosphere. As the day winds down, we’d head to The Grove Park Inn to watch the sunset from their terrace, with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains—it’s pure magic.

Day 4: Nature & Wellness Day

Today is all about recharging. We’d hike Table Rock State Park for those breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views, an instant reset for the soul. Afterward, we’d stop by Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery for a casual lunch. I’d insist on their turkey pesto sandwich and grabbing a loaf of their famous Stecca bread.

Depending on our energy levels, we might treat ourselves to an afternoon at Soulace Day Spa for some relaxation and self-care. For dinner, we’d enjoy river views at Larkin’s on the River, indulging in delicious Southern dishes with an outdoor dining experience that feels both iconic and serene.

Day 5: Brevard & Waterfalls Adventure

We’d head out for a day trip to Brevard, NC, known for its waterfalls and natural beauty. We’d hike to Looking Glass Falls or take a dip at Sliding Rock. After working up an appetite, we’d stop at The Square Root for a cozy lunch and some craft beers from a local brewery.

On the way back, a stop at Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River is a must for amazing brews and a stunning outdoor setting. Once back in Greenville, I’d opt for a relaxed evening at home, maybe playing cards on the patio to wind down the day.

Day 6: Hidden Gems of Greenville and Simpsonville

Brunch at Biscuit Head to kick things off, with their massive biscuits and variety of jams and gravies—it’s a must for any Southern food lover. Afterward, we’d visit the Roper Mountain Science Center, exploring exhibits and maybe catching a planetarium show for a touch of science and nature.

For lunch, we’d head to The Warehouse at Vaughn’s in Simpsonville. The elevated American classics and craft cocktails make it a great spot for a midday refuel. Plus, I’d take my friend to LaRue A Bohemian Boutique for hippy vibe and local artist jewelry for a little shopping—such a cute local gem.

Later, we’d explore the Village of West Greenville, a vibrant arts district where we could browse local galleries, artisan shops, and studios. For dinner, Camp Modern American Eatery would be our go-to—its locally sourced ingredients and laid-back vibe are always a win. To end the night, we’d grab cocktails at Exile, a retro-inspired bar with an amazing drink menu and a cool, low-key atmosphere.

Day 7: Farewell to Greenville

For our final day, brunch at Stella’s Southern Brasserie feels just right—their pastries and brunch fare are unbeatable. Afterward, we’d take one last walk around Falls Park or swing by the Saturday Market if it’s open.
We’d wrap up the week with a final dinner at Halls Chophouse—classic, upscale, and the perfect way to end an amazing week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout-out would normally go to my Grandmother Alice, who taught me to walk to the beat of my own drum, but today it feels right to acknowledge Carolyn Myss and her book, Anatomy of the Spirit. It’s had one of the most profound impacts on my career and outlook on life. In this book, Myss presents a powerful synthesis of three spiritual traditions—Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism—as well as energy and healing, into a single model of holistic healing.

Myss introduces the concept that our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are deeply interconnected. She teaches that understanding the energy centers, or chakras, within the body can lead to profound personal and spiritual healing. The book emphasizes that by aligning our energy and understanding the mind-body-spirit connection, we can influence our health, happiness, and overall sense of purpose.

The seven chakras are a central focus, and that’s what drew me to this book in the first place. Myss explains that each chakra corresponds to specific areas of life—survival, creativity, personal power, love, communication, intuition, and spiritual connection. She shows how blockages in these areas can manifest as physical illness or emotional challenges. This was monumental in shaping how I view healing, energy work, and essence work, both personally and professionally. Myss also explores mindfulness and personal responsibility for healing, demonstrating how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors impact our energy systems.

I credit this book for so much of my approach to therapeutic guidance, business consulting, and my personal life. Learning about mindfulness, the chakras, and energy has been transformative for me. Myss’ teachings on the mind-body-energy connection have deeply influenced how I show up in every space I enter. It was pivotal in my decision to no longer compartmentalize who I am, or contort myself to fit into societal expectations or conditioning that felt limiting. Her insights have helped me focus on alignment, not just success by conventional standards, and have shaped how I guide others on their journeys toward self-awareness and authenticity.

Website: https://www.amyleiter.com/

Instagram: @lumenheals

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykleiter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twileiter

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumenheals
My Podcast Everyday Illumination: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-illumination/id1664295429