Rising Stars: Meet Malana Bradford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malana Bradford.

Malana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a very intuitive and curious person; when I was around five years old (as the story is told) I asked my grandma, “If God made us, who made God?” So the wheels about death, birth, and a potential afterlife were turning early for me. I wasn’t raised religious, or spiritual, but I spent a lot of time researching and learning about different religions because I felt the need to figure out where we came from, and where we go.

That process ended up evolving into me developing my own spiritual practices. I leaned into the metaphysical world during my early college years, and began reading tarot and embracing my clairsentient (clear feeling) and clairaudient (clear hearing) gifts. Reclaiming these skills and accepting the truth of my heightened intuition was a process, but ultimately I came to understand that this was part of my larger purpose on this planet. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and then a master’s degree in English writing, only to realize that I didn’t want to have a “regular” job using these degrees.

At the beginning of 2020 (pre-pandemic), I moved from Kansas City to Tempe, Arizona for a position in higher education administration at ASU, but my job was not the main reason I went west. So much was spiritually uncovered for me there: I got connected with a group of highly intuitive women who were beacons of light to the path I was to follow. I became a certified reiki master and decided to start my business reading cards and doing reiki (virtually, as we were in full-blown Covid at this time).

After about 9 months in Arizona, I left and went on a month-long road trip touring the west, and so much was revealed to me in those travels, but by the end, I knew it was time to come back to the heartland: my home, Kansas City. I’ve continued my business, offering group courses on spiritual development, one-on-one coaching, and reiki, as well as tarot parties, and sound bath healing sessions.

I’m a certified breathwork teacher, and currently working through my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I consider myself a lifelong student and use all that I learn to teach others.

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?
I don’t really believe anyone has a super smooth road. Surely some are bumpier than others, but no, my journey has not been easy. Entrepreneurship is not easy, believing in yourself and taking risks is not always easy, but I do believe it’s worth it.

The personal growth that one endures through hardship or uncertainty is always worth it. Some specific struggles I’ve faced have been: judgment from people I previously considered friends, financial uncertainty (when you work for yourself, especially in the early stages of business, there is no set paycheck, you have to sometimes hustle to make ends meet), and personal transformation.

I learned that I had to drop my ego, and accept that “failure” is inevitable, but failure does not mean losing. When something doesn’t go as “planned” we are given the opportunity to reevaluate and move forward. It is a gift in learning resilience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work includes many things, but I consider myself an intuitive guide and space holder.

I use a combination of energy work, breathwork, somatic movement, and divine channeling to lead my clients through whatever season of life they’re working through. Specifically, I love working with women who are healing sacral, heart, and throat chakra wounds, and I’m most proud when they tell me that the work we do together has changed their life.

What sets me apart from some other healers, is that I don’t intend for my clients to rely on me for long – my intention is always to teach them how to tap into their own inner guidance so that they can self-heal and not need to keep seeking external validation and support if they don’t want to.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think trusting your gut and branching out of your comfort zone, are two very important pieces of advice when it comes to networking or finding a mentor.

It is hard to connect with others if you never leave your house, or never seek out new groups of people and activities. What’s worked well for me is listening to the call when I hear it, and paying attention to subtle signs.

For example, I went to an art show on a whim several months ago because a friend casually mentioned it to me, and from that event, I have made three very awesome connections that I otherwise may not have. Be open and intentional about what you’re looking for and the universe may deliver it right to you.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: spiritcoachmalana.com
• Instagram: @magneticbliss
• Facebook: magneticblissLLC

Image Credits
Sonflower Imagery, and BAM Photography