When I started Thrive Reiki in February 2016, I brought with me years of experience as a marketing and communications professional.
I had helped build organizations and departments, created Indonesia’s first pet lifestyle and wellness magazine, and developed a love for the systems and structures that make running a business smooth and sustainable.
You might think that with all that experience, starting a Reiki business would be simple — but in truth, it was one of the most humbling and transformative experiences of my life.
The Skeptics and the Eye-Rolls
When I first opened Thrive Reiki, not everyone understood what I was doing. There were polite smiles, raised eyebrows, and the occasional eye-roll. My mother-in-law even referred to my business as “that thing you do.”
That changed the day she experienced Reiki for herself. Once she felt the soothing, healing effects of Reiki, she understood — and from that moment on, she became one of my biggest supporters.
✨ Lesson: You don’t need to convince anyone. Reiki speaks for itself.
The Early Days: Doing Whatever It Takes
In my first year, I did whatever it took to keep the dream alive. I even walked dogs to pay rent for the small room where I offered Reiki sessions.
I gave free talks and free sessions just to get clients on the table. Every single experience helped me grow — not only as a practitioner but as a communicator.
I learned how to talk about Reiki in a way that people could understand, and how to build relationships that were based on trust, not just curiosity.
Finding the Right Clients
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was this: not every client is your client.
Some people came to Reiki with unrealistic expectations — hoping for instant results or “miracle cures.” Instead of seeing that as failure, I used those experiences to refine how I communicated Reiki and to attract the people who were truly ready to do the inner work.
When you learn to align with the right clients, everything flows more naturally — for both you and them.
✨ Lesson: The right energy brings the right people.
Investing in Growth and Support
Over the years, I’ve invested more than $60,000 into building and growing my Reiki business. That includes everything from continuing education and marketing to professional development and mentorship.
Along the way, I fell many times — struggled with doubt, fear, and impostor syndrome — yet I kept going. I learned to hold space for my clients with calmness and steadiness, even when things felt uncertain behind the scenes.
And eventually, I realized that I couldn’t do it all alone. I built what I affectionately call “Team Andrea” — a group of professionals who help me personally and professionally, so that I can keep showing up for others with presence and peace.
✨ Lesson: Growth requires courage — and community.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Building a Reiki business — or any heart-centered business — requires more than skill or passion. It takes perseverance, clarity, and support.
If you’re a Reiki practitioner who feels called to grow your practice, share your gifts, and create a business that truly reflects who you are, I’d love to help you.
Through Reiki Business Mentoring, I guide practitioners in building sustainable, authentic practices — rooted in integrity, calm, and clarity.
Because when we support each other, we all thrive. 🌿
About Andrea Deierlein & Thrive Reiki, LLC: Andrea's work specializes in helping people transform the pain of life challenges and daily adversity through the practice of Reiki. She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, to relax, calm down and breathe again. Focusing on stress management and the mind-body-connection, her clients shift out of survival mode, build focus and resilience. Connect with her on www.thrivereiki.com or follow her on Instagram @andreadeierlein
