Creating awareness to find inner light

Creating awareness to heal and find inner light

WHO are you? 

Susan Greif. Ancestral Trauma and Relationship Specialist and founder of Art Mends Hearts; Trauma Expert and Co-Host of “Live with the Vibe” YouTube and Podcast talk show; Inspirational Speaker and member of the New York Speaker Salon;

World Happiness Coach; Author of the chapter, Crossing Bridges in the anthology, “Life Sparks: Life Stories to Illuminate, Inspire and Ignite”

WHAT DID you do?

I created my own unique multidisciplinary approach to help my clients release old stuck energies that keep them feeling powerless, paralyzed, panicked and in pain and offer them a multitude of tools and strategies to help them take action and make shifts in their lives so they can find happiness and balance with a mended heart. I then began to use my voice to help women understand intergenerational trauma, “see” how it affects them, and the importance of creating awareness to heal, to become empowered and find their inner light.

HOW did you do it?

My business evolved over the years. I studied biology and psychology in college and attended dental school; however, I quit the day after orientation. However, it was truly a blessing in disguise. Within the next eight years I got married, bore four kids and lost both of my parents. While my husband helped take over my parents’ business, I became a stay-at-home-mom. I feel blessed and grateful for that opportunity but, in my heart, I knew there was something greater in store for me.

I dabbled in many classes to keep my body and mind exercised...dance, drama, writing, art and photography. In 1998, I joined a mission to Macedonia to a refugee camp which housed Albanians fleeing from Albania in fear of being ethnically cleansed.I used my camera to document our mission. It was through my photographs I was able to exude the emotions of the refugees and learn about myself, as well. When my last child was in high school I feared what I would do when we became empty nesters.

At 40 years old, I applied to the New School in New York City and matriculated into their Creative Arts Therapies Certification Program specializing in both art and dance/movement. Sitting in the classrooms seemed to resonate with me!. After I completed my internship, I turned to my children’s elementary school to volunteer to work with kids with dyslexia and emotional issues. The first thing the principal suggested was to create business cards. I scanned the cover of one of my reports for class. The name of my report was Art Mends Hearts and I used the drawing as my original logo. I went into Vista Print and ordered my first set of cards and that’s how Art Mends Hearts began.

I started working with children, which evolved to working with daughters and granddaughters of Holocaust Survivors and women in abusive relationships. I work with individuals, couples (mother-daughter and significant others) and offer workshops to groups (in person and online), private and for corporations and organizations. I am also an inspirational speaker and can be seen/heard on podcasts and on stage.

WHEN did you start your company?

Art Mends Hearts began in September 2011

WHY are you innovating with this product or service?

My service usually begins with a simple drawing. I interpret my clients’ drawings and help them “see” their subconscious and where they get stuck in their ways. Art makes our thoughts and emotions more perceptible, more tangible so we can actually “see” what is in our subconscious. It is a form of active meditation which helps create awareness. It is only when we are aware of our thoughts and belief patterns and the behavior manifested from them can we take actions to make shifts in our lives. This creates an “aha” moment almost immediately where it could take someone 10 years to achieve in talk therapy.  I incorporate drawing, movement, writing, breathwork, meditation, regression, chakra work and energy healing to those who are comfortable with it. 

WHERE are you from?

I am a native New Yorker but I live in Bergen County, NJ, USA

INDUSTRY:

Women Empowerment: Health and Wellness

SOCIAL MEDIA :

Website: https://www.artmendshearts.com

Website: http://livewiththevibe.com/susan-greif/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artmendshearts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/artmendshearts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artmendshearts/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-greif/

YouTube: bit.ly/susangreif

YouTube: bit.ly/livewiththevibe

YouTube: bit.ly/ThursdayThoughts3