I have a Bachelor of Administration degree, with a focus on human resources and psychology and I worked for 20+ years in the field of human resources and labour relations. One can imagine a profession in wellness was not on my radar, at first...
Prior to finding my love of feet, my work life focused on classifying jobs, devising recruitment strategies, and working with management and unions in resolving grievances through union negotiations and arbitrations. Sound stressful? It was for me.
While forging through my professional life at the office, I became increasingly fascinated with the metaphysical. I was finding topics such as Energy Healing, the Paranormal, Astrology, Crystals, and Traditional Chinese Medicine illuminating. I even took a Paraspsychology university course and a Reiki Level 1 course. I dabbled in ghost tours, astrology readings, and would frequent metaphysical stores gathering a robust collection of crystals and books on a variety of mystical topics. I tried out a variety of Alternative Healing therapies, including Kundalini Yoga and sound baths.
In 2013, my family relocated from Saskatchewan to Vancouver Island for warmer winters and west coast relaxation. But I found myself continuing to be overwhelmed with the workload and tensions in my career. I leaned back into what gave me comfort and inspiration: Kundalini Yoga and Reiki. I gained a Master & Teacher level in Reiki and completed a Light Journeys apprenticeship course based on the Rites of the Munay Ki, with a small group of women.
I studied at the College of International Healing in Victoria and became a Certified Crystal Therapy practitioner, also learning about sound healing and vibrational essences.
As an extension of my Reiki training I completed an 8 month course on Herbs, developing skills to create salves, lotions, balms, herbal tinctures and vibrational essences.
I continued my education and in 2018 became a Certified Reflexologist in Classic Occidental style, Traditional Asian Reflexology and Integrated Method of Reflexology. In 2018, I started offering reflexology and energy healing sessions under the name of "Reflexology By Samantha", and also partnered with Sandi from Knead it or Knot Massage, establishing Soul Sisters in Nanaimo where we sell personal bach flower remedies, herbal teas and handcrafted products.
In 2020, I renamed my business "The Foot Alchemist" because of the transformation that takes place with my clients using Reflexology and the integration of crystal healing, reiki and sound healing.
In 2022 and 2023, I continued with studying anatomy and hot stone massage, and in 2023 added hot stone massage as an additional offering for deep relaxation.
My experience has been that every client is unique and no foot is the same. I look forward to connecting with you and your feet!
~Samantha