About Vanja

I am passionately curious about the world in and around me. I often find answers to my endless questions in my artwork, the magic of crystals, the scarce literature of long-lost civilizations, the alchemy of life, but most of all, deep within myself. I am a collector of books, boxes, crystals and other objects that speak to me. They inspire me to create, and creating is my life. It is something I bring with me, no matter what I do. My media changes but it seems my style is ever present, and it evolves in every arena of my life. 

My hunger for exploring the unknown is never satisfied. My intuition has my trust to lead me on an ever-growing path in search of my truth, while curiously noticing the extraordinary in every day. With a love for learning and embodying the Buddhist concept of “beginner’s mind,” I daily strive to become the best version of myself. When I get lost, I take a sacred pause, pick up the pieces, and return to my path.

I notice and appreciate beauty, excellence and skilled performance in all domains of life. I am deeply inspired by the beauty in the world around me, including the beauty in the people I know and meet. What fulfills me most is the possibility of supporting and inspiring one person at a time, on their path to becoming their authentic self.

I know that understanding energy and its flow in our surroundings and within us holds all the answers. To bring this to life, I use many metaphysical modalities I am trained in on a daily basis. Metaphysics, one of the oldest branches of philosophy, studies the most general features of reality, including existence, objects and their properties, possibility and necessity, space and time, change, causation, and the relation between matter and mind. I love to dwell in those realms while staying grounded in this world.

My journey has been interesting and possibly unusual. I came to the US in 1996, knowing only a few basic words in English. Without a class to attend, I had to get a job within weeks. As an introvert and book lover, I learned English mostly by reading. My second job introduced me to amazing people who helped me learn more quickly, and some remain my dearest friends.

Trained with love in Architecture, Interior Design and Feng Shui, I believe that living in a healthy, well-balanced, and harmonious home is essential for sustained healthy living. Since the early 2000s, I have held leadership positions in two companies, teaching me how to manage processes, projects, and diverse teams. Teaching classes and workshops on various subjects, including leadership, and not only on our continent, has been one of my favorite activities.

My spiritual path began in the early 2000s with yoga and meditation, learning from Zen Buddhist Monks. Over the years, I have studied various subjects and healing modalities, such as Aromatherapy, the Chakra System, Reiki, Astrology, Akashic Records, and the world of dreams. Around 2015, I delved into Gaia’s magical mineral kingdom, and crystals profoundly changed my life. They are my sacred allies in creating the life I want to live.

As an avid mixed media artist, for quite a few years I had an art studio where I made and sold art, and hosted workshop, teaching my form of art therapy. I also made jewelry for years, designing hundreds of unique pieces. There is pure love in each millimeter of my work. In the past, much of it was shared under the brand name Lunafish Designs. (Old website; just for viewing.)

I also taught classes on energy work (about Crystals, Chakras, Feng Shui, and similar topics) for a few years at both a local metaphysical shop and privately. As teaching is my passion, this path will continue. 

Sharing my expertise, experiences, and understanding of life and its magic has become my priority. I am now expanding my practice to the world and those ready to grow. I offer guidance in various aspects of life, such as personal/professional growth coaching, energy alignment with feng shui, and inner healing with reiki/crystal healing.

I bring spiritual understanding, over 25 years of leadership experience, a lifetime of practice and passion in the creative world, and the ability to help others succeed in their goals. I am grateful beyond description to share what I have learned and continue to learn, along with my spiritual practices, with my community. I believe this is our privilege and responsibility.

Let the magic begin.

– Vanja

(Pronounced “Van-ya”)

Select Testimonials

“Working with Vanja, through her classes and workshop, has truly been a transformative (and fun!) experience! Continuing to incorporate her unique guidance, practical tools and effective techniques into my daily life, I have become more calm, serene, and am healing emotionally and physically.” – Joni J.

“I have known Vanja’s work, and I can ultimately say – it’s just magic energy that transforms into real changes! Her inspirations are like quantum physics – she makes something out of nothing and poof! Magic!!! Each piece she designs carries more than the creator’s hand but her invisible message of inspiration.” – Alexandra C.

“Vanja is a treasure.  A treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom and insight combined in one person.  I have learned so much about myself and my place in this world from her. I have so much STILL to learn from her.  I thank my guides for ensuring our paths crossed and I count her among them as a corporeal guide and blessing.” – Ginger C.

“…with the whimsy and curiosity of a modern day “Alice in Wonderland”…Vanja recounts her journey through collage and mixed media. Vibrant colors, textures and prose…are all but breadcrumbs left behind for us…clues to where her imagination has taken her.” – Julio D.

“Vanja’s ability to create structure to drive results is exceptional.”

Teachers & Certifications

I have had the privilege of studying under many brilliant teachers throughout my journey, to whom I give my deepest thanks for helping me get closer to my potential. Although I sought knowledge and understanding alone, some classes I took also produced certificates.

• Peter Crone
• Athena Perrakis
• Robert Moss
• David Ghiyam
• Teesha Moor
• Andrea Hess
• Trisha Keel
• Collette Baron-Reid

Certifications:

• Reiki
• Crystal Master (4 years study)
• Feng Shui (since 2018)
• Soul Shift Healer
• Manifestation Guide
• Elemental Healer
• Sound Healer
• Art Therapy

Most of these certificates are accredited by internationally respected organizations such as IPHM (The International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine), WMA (World Metaphysical Association), ACHH (Council of Holistic Healers), and IEHA (The International Energetic Healing Association).

Certificates may be provided upon request.