Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Guedesse-Lichtenfeld.
Hi Ciara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my recreational therapy journey over ten years ago when I decided to become a personal trainer. I quickly realized that personal training was just one aspect of how a person can grow and heal, and decided to expand my practice and offer a variety of client services. I became a certified yoga instructor through Spirit Yoga, then acquired paddle board certifications, became an avid climber, adventure guide, and more. The more I learned and saw how incredible recreational activities were for the mind, body, and soul, the more I wanted to learn and share this with others. The company grew with the help of other local wellness experts, including Laurel Ann Smith, who currently runs our wellness programs in several resorts. Laurel has been instrumental in creating amazing classes and unique workouts. She is the backbone of the company! We were also fortunate enough to bring in Anthony Rini, who has spent years developing different strategies and designing websites while spearheading our social media. Venture Active started to gather a community of healers from varying backgrounds such as Reiki healers, massage therapists, yoga instructors and SUP and climbing guides. Before I knew it, we had a very diverse and very talented team of wellness experts. We began designing recreational programs for resorts, corporations, mental health facilities and local non-profits.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The one thing I learned is that if you want to own your own business, get ready for a bumpy road, lots of obstacles, late nights, early mornings, stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and yes – even some fear. Venture Active has faced a mirage of setbacks and fail-forward moments. The very first setback was my own self-doubt. Would I be actually able to pull this crazy idea off? The answer is – if you truly believe in something and give it your all, then absolutely. After overcoming my own self-doubt, Venture Active ran into issues with not-so-reliable contractors, permitting issues, months where there was absolutely no income, and more. Then we were hit with Covid – as did the rest of the world. Covid nearly shut Venture Active down permanently but I stayed the course and dug my heels in refusing to quit. I believe in the need for the work we do now more than ever! I took the downtime during Covid to work even harder, which included going back to school to learn new skills and apply them to the company. The word of 2020/2021 was ‘pivot’, if something doesn’t work, don’t waste your time chasing it down and exhausting yourself. Look for the path opening up for you and walk it. Get creative and above all follow your passion. In the end, I wouldn’t do anything else, so regardless of all the stress, sleepless nights, financial hits, and pivoting it is all worth it!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Venture Active offers custom-designed recreational therapy programs for mental health practices, sober living houses, and more. Just imagine going kayaking with a guide and your therapist! This is what sets Venture Active apart from any other company. We believe in combining mental health healing with recreational therapy. We also offer custom recreational programs for resorts such as Kona Kai, San Diego Mission Bay Resort L’auberge Resort, and others. We specialize in yoga in all its forms, group exercise classes, Reiki and breath-work healing, massage therapy, paddle boarding adventures, tours and classes, surf lessons, and more. Venture Active also creates unique adventure and healing retreats all over the world. We take people on horseback and camping adventures, white water rafting, hiking local San Diego trails, and exploring national parks.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself running Venture Active and growing our new 501c3 Non Profit T&M Healing Herd!
I am very excited to announce our newest project -My partners Rich DePaso, Matt Yeager and I recently started a new project and one that has become our passion. T & M Healing Herd. We are a 501c3 Non Profit – animal rescue and animal assisted wellness program. Our Nonprofit was developed to treat and alleviate animal suffering. In addition to rescuing, rehabilitation and rehoming animals, we are committed to educating and supporting the community through animal assisted wellness. We currently have horses, pigs, goats, cats, a mini donkey and even a duck. This new project has prompted me to go back to school to become an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Our goal is to rehabilitate rescue animals and eventually they will help people in need. Not all animals will stay in the program and partner with us – some find new and loving homes. We have already placed seven animals into forever homes and we couldn’t be more thrilled. There is a vigorous process to adopting one of our ‘furbabies’ to ensure they will be taken care of for the rest of their lives. Eventually our partnership with these amazing animals will lead to different healing activities, varying from therapeutic riding to yoga with our goats and mini donkey, educational days at schools or visits to rehab centers. T&M Healing Herd saves the animals and the animals help heal people. Our animals are our partners and will never be forced to do anything they do not wish to do. Our animals are our equals. We truly believe every life has value; animals and humans alike. I have seen first hand that an abused, emaciated and scared animal can become happy, healthy, full of curiosity and love if shown kindness and respect and given proper medical care. It is a beautiful thing to see these same animals work hand in hand with people who are suffering. Animals have an amazing ability to bring joy, happiness and a sense of connection to people.
I see the importance of self-care and mental health care on the rise, while I also see society normalizing it. This is a great thing! The more we normalize mental/physical health care and the more accessible we make it to our communities the better off we all are collectively. Mental health is just as important as physical health and it is great to see that this is starting to become recognized and accepted in our society. I think we will see more and more people combining mental health work with recreational therapy once people really start seeing the proven and positive results.
Contact Info:
- Email: ciara@ventureactive.net
- Website: vahealing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ventureactive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ventureactive
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9lwmwsWfYJPtyHFYzfLsQg/featured
- Other: tmhealingherd.com
Image Credits
Scotty Cottrell
Bradley Schweit
