Reiki Out Loud: My First Wellness Fair

There are moments in life when everything changes, but nothing looks different.

I had time to say "no", but I didn't.

And there I was--at my first wellness fair, offering Reiki in person for the first time. No longer behind a screen. My online business had finally crossed the threshold into in-person services.

This was years in the making. Built through personal growth and business development, countless hours of learning, and the courage to keep moving forward even when I questioned myself. Reaching this milestone felt surreal because I knew how much work had gone into getting there.

As I walked through those doors, I hoped I would fit in. I hoped people would be kind. I hoped someone would choose me.

Instead, I walked away knowing that I belonged.

There it was, a moment, realization that I had done something that required me to look fear directly in the eyes and do it anyway. That may be one of the greatest gifts this experience gave me.

Today, I'm incredibly grateful that I didn't let fear make the decision for me. Most of all, I'm grateful that I turned an idea I had carried in my heart for years into a reality.

It wasn't because I wasn't afraid, I had plenty of fear and nerves.

This wasn't just an event--it was my debut in the physical world as Meli Brown the Professional Reiki Practitioner. It was a chance to answer questions that had been lingering in the back of my mind for a long time. Do I belong here? Will people leave their houses to come see me? Could Mel's Healing Arts grow beyond social media?

My biggest fear wasn't that I wouldn't make money. It was that I would never have the chance to offer Reiki to someone. That nobody would choose me. I was nervous that others would see my signs as artsy or childish. Afraid of how I would be seen by other practitioners. This was my first time participating in an event like this and likely the first time any of these practitioners and other vendors met me. This made me afraid they may view me as an amateur practitioner even though I have been providing these services for years, virtually.

Since this was my first public event, I was afraid that potential clients wouldn't deem me inexperienced. However, I wasn't new to Reiki. I was new to sharing my business in the physical world. I worried people would miss that distinction.

Thoughts of gratitude is how I challenged that fear. Reminding myself that I was there for the exposure, anything more was welcomed, but that would be a bonus. The new mindset called attention to another line of thought--those who didn't choose me today, had access to my contact information and could choose me another day. The other fears were taken care of through lived experiences. My fellow practitioners started making positive comments about the signs I worked so hard on the prior week. Everyone was incredibly kind.

Eventually, I started to feel like I belonged as I shared my intention to gain exposure and begin growing my local business. The vendors and practitioners that I spoke to were welcoming and supportive. They seemed to remember what it felt like to be in new territory, and their encouragement helped quiet some of the fears I had carried into the day.

As it turned out, two participants even recognized me, one from a social group we both belong to and the other from another psychic fair I had attended. Those connections revealed to me that I wasn't walking into a room full of strangers after all.

But the moment that truly changed everything was when my first client chose me. Without realizing it she erased my worst-case scenario! She validated not only my business, but my decision to be there. There is something deeply affirming about being chosen. At that moment, I stopped wondering if I fit in and started believing that I was exactly where I was meant to be. She didn't choose me because I was the only option. She didn't choose me because I was her friend. I was simply who she chose.

She received the Reiki treatment she was meant to receive because we crossed paths that day. And if that weren't enough, the greatest turning point came after her session ended. As we talked through my observations, she immediately validated what I had experienced while working with her energy. She hadn't said much. She simply nodded and looked at me with a sense of wonder. I hadn't learned those things through conversation. I hadn't known her before that day. I just knew. The feeling after each session has slowly evolved from a feel-good feeling to a deep sense of purpose. This reminded me that helping people isn't just something I do, it's something I'm called to do.

That day I learned a few meaningful things about myself.

Quiet time had routinely been avoided because I feared I would hear negative thoughts, as I had in the past. Instead, I learned that I am far nicer to myself than I realized. When I had the time to myself, my inner voice was always positive and uplifting. Turns out I am more kind to myself than I used to be.

When I allowed myself to be myself, when I relaxed and stopped trying, more people talked to me, and they felt more at ease around me. That's when I realized that people are drawn to my authenticity.

Confidence had been quietly growing in me long before I recognized it. That growth showed up and I embraced it. The environment that I had intentionally placed myself in was unknown. In the past similar situations would have filled me with anxiety. Instead, that day proved to me that I can support myself as I do hard, uncomfortable things.

What I look forward to most is moving forward with the confidence that this is, without a doubt, what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be in this season of my life.  

For so long, I questioned whether I belonged, whether I was talented enough, or whether, somehow, I was making it all up. While there may still be small traces of those thoughts from time to time, they no longer have the same power.

This experience gave me something I didn't know I needed: confidence in myself and confidence in my abilities.

What excites me for the future of Mel's Healing Arts is the opportunity to connect with others with similar passions. This event opened doors for connection, and I plan on nurturing those relationships as I continue to coexist with the organizers and participants of the events. There are many opportunities for growth. Personally and professionally.

This weekend reminded me that growth doesn't happen all at once. Sometimes it reveals itself in a single moment. Sometimes, you simply realize how far you've come. And other times, you see it coming, and that’s really exciting!

I don't know exactly where this journey will lead, but for the first time in a long time I feel an excitement I find difficult to explain.

The feelings and nerves that I experienced as I drove to and stepped into that unknown space, is a core memory I hope I never forget. It's beautiful to see people, including myself, grow into our authentic selves. Fully present. Fully willing to trust ourselves. Fully committed to doing uncomfortable things.

If you are about to take a leap into your future self and need some encouragement, drop me a comment or email.

If you remember a time you showed up despite the nerves, please share.

We can all encourage each other and lift ourselves and others up.

To celebrate this milestone with me, use code COURAGE35 for 35% off* your next session.

*Promotion is limited to one use per person. Valid for sessions scheduled on or before August 12, 2026