Hidden Gems: Meet Kayla Nguyen of Kayla Nguyen Energy Healing & Body work at Authentic Souls Tribe Wellness Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Nguyen.

Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
School has always been something I succeeded in, until I got to college. I couldn’t figure out which path I wanted to take, I was so indecisive and afraid of failure. I knew that whatever I did in life, I wanted to make a difference, an impact in the world, and to help people. I switched my major about 6 times total until I finally decided that college was not the route for me.

Working jobs in between and in and out of relationships I began to learn more about myself and the world. Learning to take risks and not be afraid of failure, learning what it means to actually live life. Learning the strength and struggle of what it means to be a woman, and how to help my community.

I remember back in 2018 I was chatting with my now business partner, Rebecca Pappas, in a taco joint talking about life, love, and the future. Manifesting a space where women would come to heal, to feel seen, and supported. A space that felt like home, built with love and community. It felt like a dream, something I wanted but didn’t know how to get there.

Fast forward to 2022, I was job searching, tired of working in the service industry, I was craving change, something with more substance. My best friend sent me a job listing for a massage therapist. I looked into how to get started and to see if it was even the right fit for me. It was.

I graduated in 2023 and was supposed to go work at a chain massage company as part of the deal for paid schooling. I didn’t. I took the risk and bet on myself, over the years my fear was not of failure, it was failure of not trying! I applied for a job as an independent contractor for a wellness company and got my start. My stent there lasted a year, I did well, but was still unsatisfied.

I reconnected with my now business partner, Rebecca Pappas (Mental Health Therapist), and we decided to make our dream a reality. We started by renting a room from a woman doing lashes while we planned our next move. After months of planning, daily meetings and lots of determination. We found our space, an office straight out of the 80’s. We called in for help from both our families and renovated the space, we named Authentic Souls Tribe.

We manifested our space that we dreamed of in 2018. Authentic Souls Tribe is a wellness collective consisting of myself, an Intuitive Massage Therapist and Energy Healer, and Rebecca Pappas, a licensed Mental Health Therapist. We each have our own private practices, and collectively teach classes directed towards women who are looking to reconnect with themselves. Helping guide them on their journey of self love and healing.

I, myself have gone through a few traumatic experiences that left me with a distorted version of myself that I no longer recognized. Through massage therapy I learned that the mind and body are connected. Trauma is held in the body, and we need to release in order to move forward and be the best version of ourselves. Rebecca and I are holding space for women who are looking to do the same. Classes and workshops as well as a few free community events will be held in our space. Hosting retreats are on the agenda. With intentional planning and manifestation, you are not limited to all the possibilities in life, keep dreaming, and remember, the only failure in life is not trying!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, if it was easy, everyone would do it! The part that I have struggled with the most is self sabotage and getting in my own way. Self doubt is something I’ve had to learn to heal. Imposter syndrome is a real thing. Someone could tell you all day that you’re amazing and doing all of these great things, but until you believe in yourself, I mean, truly believe, you’ll doubt yourself every step of the way.
I’ve had to teach myself to step into my confidence and to stop doubting myself and give myself credit for everything that I have accomplished.

Finances are another thing, still working a bar job while owning my own practice and co owning Authentic Souls tribe is not for the weak. Most days i’m tired and exhausted, but I have a dream to chase! Most businesses take out a business loan or line of credit or have investors. We have none of that. It’s just us and our vision! We knew it would be a struggle, but I’d rather struggle knowing I’m working towards my dream than to struggle being stuck in the same place I was.

Clientele is another one, marketing in general. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do this interview in hopes of getting our story and name out there! Social media is not my best friend, but we’ve been getting acquainted. Learning new skills is another part of growing. I have some loyal clients that have stuck by me, and I am hoping to grow that number and help as many people as I can! Whether it’s for a massage session, energy healing session, or coming to a class or retreat!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Through Kayla Nguyen Energy Healing & Bodywork, I provide heart-centered healing experiences that combine massage therapy, Reiki energy healing, somatic practices, and intuitive guidance to help women release trauma, reconnect with their bodies, and rediscover self-trust. I specialize in working with women who have experienced heartbreak or trauma, supporting them through gentle, yet transformative modalities like breathwork, sound healing, meditation, and aromatherapy, gua sha, and cupping.

Alongside my individual healing sessions, I’m a part of Authentic Souls Tribe Wellness Collective, where we offer classes and workshops that teach Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, the anatomy of trust, nervous system regulation, self-massage, meditation, and breathing techniques. Through Authentic Souls Tribe, we create spaces for community learning and connection, empowering individuals with practical tools for emotional resilience and self-awareness.

What sets me apart is my holistic, deeply personalized approach: I don’t just treat physical tension. I honor the emotional and energetic layers that contribute to pain and disconnection. My signature offering is a one-hour intuitive massage session that includes a light sound bath, guided breathwork, and energy healing, creating a nurturing and safe space for clients to release, restore, and reconnect with themselves on every level.

We’re known for creating sacred spaces where women feel seen, held, and empowered.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the authenticity, compassion, and sense of community we cultivate. We strive to create experiences that remind women of their self worth and power, helping them step into deeper self-love.

I’d love readers to know that at Kayla Nguyen Energy Healing & Bodywork and Authentic Souls Tribe, healing isn’t just a session—it’s a journey. We’re here to walk alongside you with empathy and expertise, supporting you as you reclaim your body, heart, and soul. Elevate your energy, empower your soul.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see major shifts in our industry! The wellness and mental health industry has grown so much over the past few years, especially since Covid. I’m hoping that people don’t treat this as a trend, instead, treat it as a lifestyle. People have become so much more self aware and I hope it continues to grow.

Within the next 5-10 years I see Rebecca and I growing Authentic Souls Tribe into a larger location, if not multiple locations.Hosting retreats globally, creating a large following all over the world, building a community, and continuing helping women feel seen, safe, and guiding them on their journey to self love.

Pricing:

• $100 60 minute Intuitive Massage Session
• $150 90 minute Intuitive Massage Session
• $555 1 Day She Will Return workshop
• $555 2 Day split She Will Return Workshop

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.authenticsoulstribe.com
• Instagram: @authenticsoulstribe
• Facebook: Authentic Soul Tribe
• Other: @kaylanguyen.lmt