Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Jo Finai.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in Utah. In my thirties, divorced with young children I began painting, photography, and learning energy healing modalities. I began painting leather hoop drums and using them at retreats; specifically, cancer retreats which led to monthly drum circles, sound healing training and shamanic philosophy apprenticeships, and more. I teach and train Reiki, Shamanic Philosophy Practices and Principles, as well as an in-depth science-based Sound Healing Training.
I am an author of three books, including the Unspoken Motherhood series, a book collaborative of women telling stories of motherhood that are often whispered behind closed doors. Which is also a writing program for mothers to heal and inspire through their writing journey.
I own my own business called Sage Canvas where we host the training mentioned above, sound baths, healing treatments, and offer a variety of classes. The legacy at my studio is: Be the Sage, the wise one, create the masterpiece, your life is your canvas.
I have spoken worldwide, including at the World Parliament of Religions and at the New Delhi Women’s Conference. I host my own retreats and do public speaking. I continue to advocate for Women specifically in partnering with Domestic Violence Coalitions, Equality, and Rehabilitation for Survivors of Human Trafficking.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the most significant life challenges in my life are: overcoming a multi-decade struggle with an eating disorder, a divorce with small children, a decade as a struggling single mom, leaving an abusive boyfriend, and later on, becoming married to the love of my life and being gifted an unexpected pregnancy and severe postpartum during Covid (in my forties!) But the most challenging experience I’ve ever faced and never wanted to is the loss of my young toddler son to an undiagnosed illness when I was in my twenties.
That shaped me and the trajectory of my life. I share about that in my Unspoken Motherhood book program and that is why I am passionate about serving and giving in this lifetime. I understand that people are going through more than they appear to be. I began doing public events where my intention is and was that people could come together to share their stories and see one another for who they are beyond politics or religion. That we can amplify the humanity of all of us.
It’s been over a decade now and I’ve faced a lot of shifts in that journey while staying true to my commitment to creating a neutral space for connection. I share about the drum. Every culture drums. Every country, every race; has drumming and drum circles in their ancestry. So teaching about harmony, and rhythm it’s a simple way to share about coming together to create a “new song.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist, artisan, and writer. I facilitate community events, drum circles, sound baths, and more. Monthly, we host a free drum circle event and often use donations for non-profits that are local. I promote substance-free training in Shamanic Philosophy, Reiki, and Sound healing.
I hand tie and teach how to make your own leather hoop drums, I paint, sketch, and wood carve. I am a collaborative author and author of three books. Moon Journal Transform, Divine Collaboration with Keira Poulsen, and Unspoken Motherhood.
As a writer, I focus on a women’s program; an annual book published for Mother’s Day by collaborative authors sharing women’s stories about motherhood. These stories are often never heard and need to be told.
My focus is on empowering all to learn the science-based value of energy work, using sound bowls, and drums, and specializing in ancient handmade singing bowls, (some, over a thousand years old,) made by Tibetan monks before the country was occupied.
I am known as Katie Jo Drum Circle Goddess.
I am most proud of my quiet tenacity. I am most proud to have had the opportunity to be the keynote at the World Parliament of Religions with a ballpark audience attendance of 10,000 and broadcast to 107 nations. I feel honored to have had the chance to speak and be heard worldwide; to speak a message of oneness, tolerance, and courage across the world.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The world is opening up to new thought, and new ways, revisiting the ancient philosophies and guidance from those who healed naturally and practiced balance. We are seeing the repercussions of consumerism and division. Because of that, I am seeing people seeking more organic connection- meaning human connection and natural ways of living.
Progression is phenomenal, modern science and healthcare are such a gift, and while humanity shifted into a purely scientific vs religious paradigm view of the world; I’m seeing that minds are opening and uniting in the awareness that all is one, and that the scientific and spiritual realms support one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: katiejodrum.com, https://sagecanvas.com
- Instagram: @katiejodrum
- Facebook: Katie Jo Drum Circle Goddess
- Youtube: Katie Jo Soul
Image Credits
Akoma Photography
