Today we’d like to introduce you to Jobi Manson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved the quote, “we end where we begin”. As philosophical as it is, I find myself in these words. My story’s origins can be found by the Sea, it’s the home of my very first memories. If I close my eyes, I still smell the salt air, and feel the grainy sands of Bethany Beach, on the eastern shores of Maryland.
I grew up adjacent to the Atlantic. I migrated to west to California, after college and have called Los Angeles my home for the last ten years. During that time, I have never held any traditional role within the corporate world. I have surfed the waves of entrepreneurial ventures and traversed the landscapes of small business growth and development. It has been wild, to say the least.
It’s always interesting to me to look back in time, to reflect how certain moments have the power shape an entire life. And one such moment readily stands out in my mind with regards to steering me towards my destiny – and brings us to where I am today.
On July 3rd, 2011 – I had a near death experience when I broke my neck, on a sandbar. I was unconscious, paralyzed and alone. I share this not to over-dramatize my experience but simply put – those are the facts. I floated, numb from the neck down for a period of time, with a scene from Kill Bill Vol. 1 playing over in my head. “Move your feet, Jobi”. The inner voice repeated this over and over to my limbs until slowly, I was able to stand and walk out of the Ocean.
Almost eight years have passed, since this awakening of sorts, and not a day goes by where I don’t feel the ramifications in my body. I believe this event to have been my initiation into the world of my work, which I now call, Sēfari.
I lead individuals and groups on adventures into the depths of their subconscious minds, exploring the powers of their creativity, recalibrating their emotional balance, and guiding self-awareness practices. I do this work in the water, and design experiences that help bridge the gap of connection between humans and the natural world.
I do this work because it is my gift, it is my life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one’s journey is smooth, and I am no different… I joke sometimes that my family gave me enough material to spend the rest of my life unpacking.
I am the eldest of technically five children, and the only child between my mother and father. After their divorces (there were a few in there), I became a product of multiple family dynamics. Overall there was a healthy dose of sadness and loss.
My challenge has always been to learn the art of surrender and release of emotion and old stories.
Sēfari – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In 2009, I launched Sēfari. I have always been fascinated with the natural world, with adventure, with animals. And my company specializes in combining all of these unique elements in services that help develop creativity, connection, and communication.
Sēfari’s are journeys crafted to help guide individuals and companies into deeper states of awareness, creativity, and connection. We focus on recalibrating emotional health, developing creative vision, and unifying core team dynamics.
Most days, I work in the Ocean. What I do in there, and out there varies greatly depending on who I am working with, and our focal point of exploration. However, in all Sēfari expeditions, individuals emerge renewed, clear, and connected to a deeper sense of purpose and perspective.
I am most proud to do what I love and help others discover the same.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment cannot be found in a singular point in time. I am filled with pride each day I have the chance to help someone discover themselves. To me, there is no greater high then bearing witness to the process of self-acceptance and reconnecting to a sense of wonder.
Pricing:
- Sēfari Introductory Session | $450
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.iamsefari.com
- Phone: 3108047920
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @iamsefari / @jobimanson
Image Credit:
Images © Jobi Manson
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