We recently had the chance to connect with Denise Alba and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Denise, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Excited to be here, thank you! Mornings are definitely my favorite part of the day. The first 90 minutes are sacred for me, they’re filled with routines I consider non-negotiable. I like to wake up before the world does and start with a glass of lemon water while I skim through emails to orient myself for the day. Then, I enjoy my coffee while reading a chapter or two of a book I’m currently into, it helps me ease into the day with intention. After that, I make time to work out, which is essential for clearing any stress or anxiety and getting into a focused, energized mindset. This routine grounds me and sets the tone to show up as a strong leader and a more balanced person throughout the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Denise, Latina founder of BRAVE Wellness Studio — the first mental health–centered wellness studio in San Diego. I created BRAVE to bring together holistic therapy, yoga classes designed specifically around mental health, community circles, retreats, and even a yoga school — all under one roof. My goal was to create a space where people could heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves in a truly integrated way all while building support from this BRAVE community.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My Uncle Mike was actually the first person who saw me as an entrepreneur long before I ever saw myself that way. He recognized my vision, passion, and work ethic, and he believed in my ability to bring something like BRAVE to life. Deep down, I think I knew I was capable, but I was too afraid at the time to give myself permission to try. His belief in me was a turning point — it helped me step into that role and trust myself to build something meaningful. He continues to me one of my biggest cheerleaders and mentors.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the most defining moments — and what truly inspired the creation of BRAVE — was my divorce 13 years ago. That experience shook me to my core. It was a turning point where I began to shed the layers, narratives, and identities that had been holding me back. My anxiety was overwhelming, and I carried deep shame, anger, and sadness. What helped me survive — and eventually heal — was therapy, yoga, and the support of community. I began to notice a real shift in my mood, mindset, and outlook as I committed to doing the inner work.
I can say with confidence that BRAVE wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t gone through that dark chapter. It was painful, but it birthed something beautiful. I’m incredibly proud of the space I’ve created — a space where others can come to heal whatever they’re going through, and access the resources and tools I wish I had back then, all under one roof.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Bring it, I love deep!
As therapists, we’re often taught to remain neutral — to not share anything personal, and in many ways, to stay emotionally distant. But in my experience, that can sometimes come across as cold, and even disconnected. When I reflected on what truly supported my own healing journey, the word that kept coming up was connection.
In therapy, it was the connection and openness I felt with my therapist that made the biggest impact. In yoga, it was the connection through breath — with my body, with myself — and in my support system, it was the deep, honest connection through community.
So when I created BRAVE, I knew it had to be rooted in authentic connection. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when we feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s the kind of space I’ve built — one where connection and authenticity are not just encouraged, but essential to the process
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can confidently say I’m doing what I was born to do. Looking back at the darkest time in my life — if I had stayed in that space, I would’ve followed the path I was told to take, not the one I was meant for. But through that pain came an awakening, a kind of rebirth. It led me to my most authentic self. That journey is what allowed me to create BRAVE — a space for healing, growth, and empowerment.
I was born to create spaces where others can reconnect with themselves and feel supported in their own healing. I feel that purpose in my bones every single day. And that sense of alignment is what keeps me going — especially on the hard days, which naturally come with entrepreneurship. It’s that deeper why that grounds me and fuels me to keep building, creating, and holding space for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bravewellnessstudio.com
- Instagram: @deniseaalba
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-alba-m-a-lmft-ryt-cimhp-176b69111/
