Meet Orisha Bowers | Founder and Executive Director

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

Hi Orisha, what principle do you value most?
The value that matters to me most is that every person is born with autonomy over themselves and their lives. We can’t give it or take it away. However, we can honor it to the best of our ability as providers of services.

What should our readers know about your business?
Orixa Healing Arts, Wellness, and Spiritual Centre is a healing and wellness practice that provides education and creative Interdisciplinary tools to businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith institutions, and individuals. Orixa Wellness was officially established as a nonprofit January 2020. However, the work has been occurring in communities all over the south since August 2010 in various iterations. The organization has grown into a popular and trusted wellness practice that aims to serve people of all walks of life who have experienced trauma as well as providers. Orixa does this by offering alternative practices such as mindfulness classes, coaching, spiritual direction etc. that help to increase wellness in the lives of community members so that they may live and be better. Orixa creates safe and healthy spaces that promote healing through mindfulness and expressive arts. Our proven techniques increase wellness indicators for persons experiencing various forms of chronic illness, traumatic experiences, stress management issues, and prioritize self-care. The Orixa program launched our first funded program “The Mindful Merging” in October 2020 in the wake of the global pandemic. We heard a lot of people state that they needed more connection and feared for their mental health in response to social distancing. They further stated that they wanted to be able to be able to gain skills for proper yet personal self-care that was effective and cost efficient.

We believe creativity is our birthright as spiritual beings. Expressive art-making can be practiced by anyone for the purpose of self-expression, growth and personal discovery. We want to work with people to discuss and deepen our spiritual journey with classes and /or workshops that combine creative expression & spiritual enrichment.

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?
I am a native Memphian. I would definitely take them out to breakfast at Arcade restaurant because I like their food. We could then walk over to The Broom Closet and get a tarot card reading. Next we could go around the corner and see the Civil Rights Museum. Later we could eat dinner at Alcenia’s. They have great Soulfood. For dessert we can go to Butterrific Bakery. The next day we could have brunch at Chef Tam’s Underground Restaurant. I would take them to Slave Haven for a quick tour. We can visit the famous home of the family who helped slaves escaping to the North. After that we could have lunch at The Four Way grill. Then we could see a play at Hatiloo Theater. The next day I would take them to breakfast at Lafayettes and then on to An Ounce of Hope for a tour to learn about cannabis as medicine and then follow up with Champion’s Pharmacy to learn about Dr Charles Champion and his historic alternative medicine and remedies pharmacy. I’m sure we would be ready for a hearty meal, and I would take them to A Slice of Soul Pizza Lounge. We could then take a drive to Crosstown for a quick walk through. The next day we would rise early for a drive through Memphis with Hope Presbyterian Church leaders for the Urban Plunge to learn Memphis History. We would enjoy lunch at Mahogany Memphis and a quick stop at historic Jim Neely ‘s Interstate Barbeque. Lastly we would end with a day visit to Graceland, home of Elvis and a quick brunch catered by Chef Fran Mosley.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has been my biggest support system. They have given me countless hours of their time, talent, and intellect. They have had my back when no one else showed up and when the room was packed. They encourage me. They push me. They remind me to expand when I want to shrink. They are brilliant, loving, and selfless. I owe everything to them.

Website: https://www.orixawellness.com/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/orisha-bowers-bfa-med-ma-phd-0667b0143

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrixaHealingAndWellnessCentre/about

Image Credits
Shobi DC (flyers) Darius Williams (headshot)