BEAT

SOUL PROPRIETOR

Holly Hart takes a leap of faith to launch Hartfelt Healings

As a teen, Holly Hart felt a deep connection with what she calls “spirit.” “More confusing than scary, at the time I just saw silhouettes and could sense gender versus being able to communicate,” Hart says. Rather than focus on her gift straight away, upon graduating from Horizon High School in 1999, Hart pursued a degree in education at Arizona State University, with plans to study toward a career to work with children with special needs. “I have a learning disability, so helping kids like me find their confidence was my sole focus for many years, before I found my soul focus,” she says. Hart reignited her connection with the other side in 2019 while visiting with her husband’s family. Once she opened up about her gift, she was met with an outpouring of encouragement. So much so, an extended family member asked her for a reading. “I explained that I did not know how, but she told me to just start expressing what I was seeing and feeling out loud,” Hart says. “I saw her grandfather and had my first experience in communicating.” From there, she started practicing with a local group of mediums and gave free readings to friends. “The readings resonated, and I kept hearing how heartfelt they were,” Hart says. “By 2020 when I gained the confidence to start my own business while continuing to teach, the name ‘Hartfelt Healings’ – an homage to my last name and first clients’ feedback – just felt right.” At first, given COVID-19 and her busy life as a teacher, wife and mother of two, Hart did readings virtually, honing her communication until she was able to get a sense of each spirit’s personality and to more easily accept messages. “Within a year, I had a groundswell of interest; one that allowed me to begin in-person sessions,” she says. “And then in 2022 I made my boldest move yet.” In March 2022, Hart sat down with her husband – also an educator – and shared her desire to quit teaching to pursue being a medium full time. “With his support, by May 2022 I made the move,” she says. Today, she offers custom tarot card readings and medium sessions for individuals and groups. She also sages homes, provides reiki and continues to help children with anxiety and depression through energy work.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE