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

Hi Giana, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Right after I graduated college I signed up for my first 200 hour yoga teacher training. It completely changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me tools I needed to heal, helped with anxiety and put me on the path that I’m on today. I am so grateful for this time in my life & how it helped me become the woman I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I created Nearly Enlightened because I was tired of seeing the Guru/ New Age Spiritual culture taking advantage of people seeking real change and healing. I spent so much of my 20s on that same seeking journey. Pouring money into “spiritual healers” only to still feel like there was something missing. I came to realize that true healing comes from within. It comes from being in relationship to body, mind & spirit. That’s when I realized that healers are not people who heal you. They are people who help to spark the healer within you. They are people who teach you tools to empower yourself! That is what I want to give my students, the tools they need to unlearn programmed behaviors & patterns that lead to self-doubt, self-sabotage, chaos & unhealthy behaviors. I want to help people uncover their most favorite self & show up as that version of themselves every day to create lasting change & to help students get back into the driver’s seat of their life!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
OMG! So many good places, I wouldn’t know where to begin! How lucky are we to live in this state that is full of amazing food, culture & the most magnificent landscapes?! I’ve been here for a little over 3 years and I feel like I’m still discovering all the spectacular things Arizona has to offer. Fun Fact: I was only supposed to be here for 4 months, but Arizona claimed me as her own and now, I’ve been here for almost 4 years! If my best friend were visiting I would definitely take her to Anton Mackey’s yoga class at Modern Yoga. Followed by lunch or dinner at Glai Baan. One of my favorite local hikes is Piestewa Peak & the nature trails around it. I would definitely take her to Sedona, The Peace Park & for a dip in Oak Creek.
When friends and family visit I also love taking them to Hole In The Rock & the Desert Botanical Center, it is one of my favorite places here in Phoenix. We would also have to make it to Natural Bridge State Park. It is one of the coolest hikes & one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen here in Arizona but there is really soo much beauty here, it’s difficult to choose!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, family & my partner, Scott. Thank you for loving me, supporting & encouraging me and investing in making my dreams come true. I would be nothing without your encouragement love & support. I have the most epic support system!

Website: nearlyenlightened.com (under construction & coming soon but use it to sign up for my email list & stay in touch!)

Instagram: @iamgianarosa @nearlyenlightened

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianarosa/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nearly-enlightened/

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

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

Image Credits
Bailey Rose Wright & The Simply Wright Collective

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