Lisa Saper-Bloom

I attribute my success to doing the deep personal work first. My training at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts was most impactful because I really learned how to work on myself and get through all of my own stuff - what we call 'doing the work.' You really have no choice when you go to an institute like that. Their whole philosophy is 'healing the healer,' because the idea is you can't take people further than you're able to take yourself. That just makes sense. I've really embraced that concept throughout the last 25 years - not only working on myself first so that I am able to be that person for others. I'm now accomplishing my childhood dream. Back in 2001 when I became a massage therapist, yoga instructor, and life coach, we didn't have the internet like we do now, and the dream job was to travel to different spas and to write about them in travel magazine. Well, I am now accomplishing that on my own because my website includes blogs. Between fulfilling my own dreams and the dreams of others through solo travel, this is my greatest achievement. And honestly, a successful and healthy marriage of 29 years and knowing my husband for 40 years since we met our freshman year of high school - that foundation of a long-term relationship has given me the security to pursue my passions.

The most important lesson I learned was at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, and it's the principle of 'healing the healer.' The essence of this concept is that your work is deep, both on yourself and how you help others. You really have no choice when you go to an institute like that. You can't take people further than you're able to take yourself. It just makes sense. I've really embraced that concept throughout the last 25 years, not only really working on myself first, so that I am able to be that person for others. This has been foundational to everything I do, whether it's helping women overcome their fears of solo travel or any other aspect of my coaching work.

Before you guide anyone else, guide yourself. Trust your experience. My training at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts reinforced a truth I live by: you cannot take someone somewhere you haven’t been emotionally. Heal yourself. Face your fears. Build self-trust. Your authenticity will become your greatest credential. Start Before You Feel “Ready” Confidence is built through action, not before it. Whether it’s launching a workshop, offering your first coaching session, or booking that solo trip — clarity comes from movement. When I began solo wellness travel, I didn’t know it would evolve into solo travel coaching, blogging, and guest spots on podcasts. I simply started sharing what I loved. Let your path unfold. Niche Down with Purpose. If you feel called to something specific — own it. Solo travel coaching for women may seem niche, but specificity builds autonomy. The more clearly you define who you serve and why, the easier it becomes to connect with the right audience. General advice blends in. Purpose-driven guidance stands out.

The biggest challenge I face is helping women understand that their fears about solo travel go much deeper than logistics or safety. Many women fear that they're going to be lonely or they're going to be judged by others when they sit and enjoy a meal alone. But honestly, nobody gives a crap - everyone is so busy with their own lives that nobody is even looking at you most of the time. Women are creating their own judgment of themselves, and that self-deflection is a big part of what holds them back. Part of my work is helping them separate what's real from what they're projecting. The other challenge is that I'm building this business part-time while working full-time, so finding the right collaborations, partnerships, and networking opportunities while balancing my time is an ongoing process. I'm in year two now and working toward creating more workshops and expanding my reach, but it takes strategic and intentional planning when you're sharing your passion as a side business.

Authenticity and empowerment are at the core of everything I do - helping women overcome their fears and travel independently. I've noticed that women are often afraid of what others think, but the reality is we are all so busy that other people haven't even factored an opinion of you. It's your own self deflecting that meaning. What began as my personal passion for solo travel evolved into blogging about spa destinations and wellness travel. Through writing, I realized I wasn't just documenting experiences - I was building a bridge for other women to imagine themselves there too. Again and again, women would tell me 'I wish I could travel alone...' But what if I'm lonely? But what if I'm judged? Personal growth is central to my approach - I combine coaching with transformative experiences because I believe you can't take people further than you're able to take yourself. Healing and wellness are woven throughout my work, integrating aromatherapy, yoga, and spa experiences as tools for deep reflection and transformation. And connection matters deeply to me - I've been married for 29 years and have known my husband for 40 years since we met freshman year of high school, which speaks to my commitment to long-term relationships and the foundation they provide.