Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Daniela Peel.
Dr. Peel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in Europe as an Army brat, I had a very happy upbringing shared with my younger brother and parents, who were married for 35 years. In 2004, I got married, and in 2008, I gave birth to an amazing son. However, several years later, in 2012, I finalized my divorce, which set in motion a series of life-altering events.
Between 2013 and 2017, I experienced my parent’s divorce; my grandmother’s passing, a tragic fatal accident involving my uncle, an aunt battling cancer, another aunt suffering a stroke, and discovering that I was adopted. My mom was my biological mother, but the man who raised me was actually my stepdad. This revelation led to estrangement from my stepdad and the discovery of my biological father and half-siblings. I also located my biological sister in 2020. In 2017, my beloved mother passed away.
These events launched me on a journey of transformation and self-discovery, strengthening my faith and revealing God’s purpose for my life: to help other women. I consider 2012 my transformative year, as it initiated my healing process, which includes forgiveness and self-love. Embracing the challenges life threw at me, I committed to the ongoing work of healing, forgiving, and loving myself.
My journey, while unique, is also a common narrative among women. I have a genuine passion for helping women and express care by sharing my personal experiences and stages of healing to encourage others on their paths.
Through The Heal Well Collective, I focus on helping women be intentional with their healing through self-care of the spirit, mind, and body. The Heal Well Collective, which I started in 2017 after my mother’s unexpected passing, is the parent company providing professional women with curated events, wellness retreats, workshops in areas of Menopause, Toxic Work Environments, and more, including resources to achieve wholeness together in a safe and nurturing community. My mother’s passing and my father serving her divorce papers on my birthday after 35 years of marriage profoundly impacted me, inspiring me to create this supportive network.
In addition to The Heal Well Collective, I run Breaking Bricks, my coaching business, where I help women focus on well-being, career, relationships, spiritual health, and financial stability. As a Certified Professional Coach, Mental Health Coach, Mental Health Advocate, and Sound Bath Practitioner, I collaborate with other integrative practitioners as a “Collective” to help women. I am dedicated to helping women become healthier versions of themselves to thrive in life.
The most important takeaway from my story is my authentic and transparent dedication to helping women. I genuinely care about their well-being and support them in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. My journey has been marked by significant challenges and struggles, each shaping me and leading me to where I am today.
One of the most profound struggles was navigating the emotional turmoil following my divorce in 2012. It was a period of immense personal upheaval, setting the stage for a series of life-altering events. In the years that followed, I faced my parents’ divorce, the loss of my grandmother, the tragic accident that claimed my uncle’s life, and my aunts’ serious health battles, with one fighting cancer and another suffering a stroke.
The discovery that I was adopted added another layer of complexity to my life. Learning that the man who raised me was my stepdad, not my biological father, led to feelings of estrangement and the need to reevaluate my identity. Finding my biological father and half-siblings was both a challenge and a blessing, offering new relationships but also stirring up complex emotions.
The passing of my beloved mother in 2017 was a devastating blow. Her death, especially following her struggle with the divorce from my father, who had served her divorce papers on my birthday, left a deep impact on me. Watching her suffer from a broken heart and related health issues was incredibly painful.
Amid these personal struggles, I also faced the challenge of rediscovering my faith and understanding God’s purpose for my life. This period of transformation required me to embrace healing, forgiveness, and self-love, all while managing the responsibilities of raising my son and pursuing my professional goals.
Despite these challenges, each struggle has also been an opportunity for growth. These experiences have deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to help other women navigate their own journeys of healing and self-discovery. Through The Heal Well Collective and Breaking Bricks, I am able to turn my struggles into a source of support and inspiration for others, proving that even the most difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
About The Heal Well Collective The Heal Well Collective is a holistic wellness organization dedicated to helping women achieve wholeness through self-care of the spirit, mind, and body. Our mission is to create a nurturing community where women can connect, heal, and grow together. We provide a range of curated events and resources tailored to support professional women on their journey to wellness.
Specializations and Offerings
We specialize in holistic healing practices that foster authentic connections and personal growth. Our offerings include:
Wellness Retreats: We organize immersive retreats that blend wellness activities with fun experiences. Each retreat has a unique theme focused on holistic healing and personal development. Our upcoming retreat in Panama, Central America, from October 3-8, 2024, emphasizes sisterhood, authentic connection, and personal growth through activities like journaling and sound baths.
Curated Events: We host events designed to inspire and empower women, providing a platform for learning, networking, and personal development.
Workshops and Classes: We offer workshops on various topics related to mental health, wellness, and self-care facilitated by experienced practitioners. Topics include Toxic Work Environments, Burnout, and Menopause, among others.
Sound Bath Sessions: As a Sound Bath Practitioner, I lead themed and curated sessions that use sound therapy to promote relaxation and healing.
What Sets Us Apart
What distinguishes The Heal Well Collective from other wellness organizations is our commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for women to heal and grow. We emphasize:
Holistic Approach: Our focus on the integration of spirit, mind, and body ensures a comprehensive approach to wellness.
Community Building: We prioritize creating a supportive community where women can share their experiences, support one another, and build lasting connections.
Authenticity and Transparency: We believe in the power of sharing authentic stories and experiences to encourage and inspire others. My own journey of transformation and healing is a testament to the power of vulnerability and openness.
Our Unique Value
One of the things I am most proud of is our ability to create transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact on the women we serve. Our retreats, events, and workshops are designed to be more than just temporary escapes; they are opportunities for deep personal growth and lasting change.
Brand Pride
Our brand represents resilience, empowerment, and holistic wellness. We are proud to be a beacon of hope and support for women navigating their own paths to healing and self-discovery.
Message to Readers
We want our readers to know that The Heal Well Collective is here to support them on their journey to wellness. Whether you are looking for a community to connect with, seeking tools for personal growth, or needing a safe space to heal, we are here for you. Our offerings are designed to meet you where you are and help you become the best version of yourself.
By choosing The Heal Well Collective, you are joining a community of like-minded women committed to their own well-being and the well-being of others. We invite you to explore our events, participate in our workshops, and experience the transformative power of holistic healing with us.
How do you think about luck?
Faith in God
Faith in God has played a significant role in shaping my life and business. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that many pivotal moments were influenced by divine intervention that brought both challenges and opportunities. I don’t believe so much in good luck but in God and faith.
Personal Struggles
Trusting God’s Plan: The series of personal losses and challenges between 2013 and 2017 were profound tests of faith. My divorce, my parents’ divorce, the loss of my grandmother, and the tragic accident of my uncle all brought immense pain and upheaval. Discovering that I was adopted and becoming estranged from my stepdad added to the emotional turmoil. Through these trials, I leaned on my faith to find strength and solace.
Health and Family Issues: Watching my aunts battle serious health issues and losing my beloved mother in 2017 were incredibly challenging times. These events tested my resilience and forced me to confront and overcome significant emotional and psychological hurdles. My faith in God provided comfort and the courage to keep going.
Divine Blessings
Finding Purpose: Despite the hardships, these experiences also led me to discover my true purpose. The transformative period following my divorce in 2012, although painful, set me on a path of self-discovery and personal growth. This journey ultimately led to the founding of The Heal Well Collective, a venture born out of my desire to help other women navigate their own struggles, guided by faith.
Building Connections: Faith also played a role in the meaningful connections I made along the way. Finding my biological father and half-siblings, and later my biological sister in 2020, brought new relationships into my life that have enriched my personal and professional journey. These connections felt like blessings from God, strengthening my belief in His plan for me.
Professional Recognition: God’s grace has been evident in the opportunities that have come my way. For instance, I was honored to become an Amazon bestselling author as part of an anthology, a milestone that amplified my ability to reach and inspire a broader audience. Additionally, receiving an honorary doctorate and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award has elevated my platform, allowing me to further share my message while maintaining my focus on faith and service.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Faith-Driven Transformation: One of the most significant aspects of my journey has been my ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. Each trial I faced forced me to dig deeper into myself, discover my strengths, and develop a resilience that has been crucial in building my business and supporting others, always with faith as my foundation.
Faith in Business
Starting The Heal Well Collective: The unexpected passing of my mother, though a deeply tragic event, was a catalyst for starting The Heal Well Collective. Her struggle and my witnessing of her hardships fueled my passion to create a supportive community for women. I saw this as God’s calling for me to help others.
Growth and Expansion: Faith has also manifested in meeting the right people at the right time, whether it’s collaborating with other integrative practitioners or finding mentors and supporters who believe in my vision. These moments felt divinely orchestrated, reinforcing my belief in God’s guidance throughout my journey.
Recent Challenges
Health and Work Environment: Recently, I experienced my own series of health challenges compounded by a relentless toxic work environment. This difficult period eventually caused me to resign from a job I loved after 8 1/2 years. Despite the pain of leaving, I trusted that God had a greater plan for me.
Final Thoughts
Faith, rather than luck, has undeniably shaped my life and business. While challenges have brought pain, they have also provided the impetus for personal growth and transformation. Divine blessings have opened doors and presented opportunities that have helped me build a platform to support and empower women. Through it all, I have learned to embrace both the good and the bad, using each experience to fuel my passion and drive to help others. My journey is a testament to the power of faith and the belief that God has a plan for each of us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehealwellcollective.com
- Instagram: @thehealwellcollective
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/drdanielapeel
Image Credits
Tangie Renee Photography
