Rising Stars: Meet Shelbi Drake of Culver City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelbi Drake

Hi Shelbi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I searched for self-worth in others rather than looking within—the true source of all worth. My father equated love with material things, while my mother constantly chased the next diet to shrink herself. As a young girl, this shaped my perception of self-worth, making me believe I had to look or be a certain way to be loved. I convinced myself that my value depended on how I looked or what I had, suppressing my true essence.

This mindset led me into a battle with an eating disorder in my early teens, striving for an unattainable image of perfection. My unhealthy relationship with food mirrored my relationships with people—seeking validation, clinging to toxic dynamics, and hoping to feel loved by someone else when I hadn’t yet learned to love myself.

At 23, I turned to bodybuilding, thinking it would give me the confidence I lacked. Instead, it became another way to fuel my disorder. My self-worth crumbled, my self-love disappeared, and I lost touch with my soul, chasing an illusion of worthiness that never truly existed.

At 26, I entered a marriage that quickly became a prison—manipulated, gaslit, and treated like a 1950s housewife. It ended in less than a year, in domestic abuse. The moment I hit the cold tile floor, something inside me woke up. I knew I was worth more than this.

That was the moment everything changed. I filed for divorce, packed up my life (and my two pups), and moved into a tiny she-shed, determined to rebuild not just my life—but myself.

Healing wasn’t easy. Like many, I tried to numb the pain. But shortly after my divorce, I woke up knowing I had to do something different. I hired my first mentor and invested in myself. I became a life coach that quickly turned into a sound practitioner. Within a year of my assault, I had built my business, Direction by Drake, launched my program, and stepped into my power.

Within the first year of my business I started working with retreats here in California and began traveling back in fourth. In January of 2022 I decided to take the big leap of faith and moved to LA. The first few years in LA was a bit rough learning a whole new place while still trying to maintain a business. I definitely had to rebuild a new platform here, which took time.

Within the past 3 years I have grown my business and more tools to help clients be the best versions of themselves.

I am not only a Sound Practitioner but also a Yin and Restorative Yoga teacher, a Breathwork Awareness Facilitator, and trained in Nervous System Reset techniques. In my private home studio, I’ve created a sanctuary—a safe and nurturing space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and supported. My deepest passion is guiding others to step away from life’s distractions, reconnect with themselves, and reset their mind, body, and spirit.

I have done the work, and I continue to do the work. I face my shadows, embracing them as part of my journey, while continuously seeking my light. Life is messy, and perfection is an illusion, but if I can help others find a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect within their own timeline, then I am fulfilling the purpose I was meant to serve.

Alright, 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?
The journey was anything but smooth. Moving my business from KC to LA was a process that required patience, resilience, and trust. To support myself while rebuilding, I took on a side job as I worked to establish new connections within the LA wellness community.

A pivotal moment came when I attended a breathwork ceremony in Malibu, where I met an incredible soul who offered me the opportunity to host weekly sound bath sessions in Westwood. That connection opened more doors, leading me to collaborate with various studios across LA.

Step by step, I rebuilt my brand, forming deeper connections within the wellness space. I began working at a local yoga studio and earned my Yin Yoga certification, expanding my knowledge and offerings in holistic healing.

Then, this past January, I launched The Womb—my own private studio in Culver City. I created this space to offer one-on-one sessions in an environment that feels cozy, therapeutic, and safe—a true sanctuary for deep healing and transformation.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in sound healing, breathwork, and nervous system reset, creating a holistic approach to deep healing and transformation. Through the power of vibration, intentional breath, and restorative techniques, I help guide others in releasing tension, restoring balance, and reconnecting with their inner selves.

My studio The Womb which represents a powerful symbol of creation, nurturing, Creativity, healing and intuition.
Within this space, we’ll combine sound healing, breathwork, and coaching techniques to help you release blockages and realign with yourself. Through guided conversation, we’ll bring clarity to your thoughts and intentions. Using sound vibrations, breath practices, and light touch, I’ll support the release of stagnant emotions, charka blockages, calm your nervous system to restore harmony and balance.

My role as a guide is to help you access this innate wisdom so that, no matter what the day brings, you can always connect to your grounding, inner self. Everything you need is already within you.

What matters most to you?
I strive to make others feel seen, heard, and loved because I know what it’s like to grow up feeling invisible, unheard, and longing for genuine care. Reparenting ourselves and rebuilding our own path is not easy—it takes deep work and courage. If I can help guide someone to a moment of peace, even for just a brief pause in time, then I know I’m fulfilling my purpose.

Pricing:

• One on one private sessions 60 min – $125
• One on one private sessions 75 min – $150
• Couple private sessions 60 min – $200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.directionbydrake.com
• Instagram: @shelbidrake

Image Credits
photos taken by Mark Mercury – @markmercury