Rita’s life story is a remarkable journey marked by resilience, transformation, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity. Born in the turbulent Lebanon of the early 70s, her childhood was anything but conventional. Her early years were marked by the harsh realities of war, a backdrop that shaped her unique perspective on life and fueled her drive to make a difference in the world. This feature delves into her extraordinary journey from a war-torn childhood to becoming a renowned holistic healer and entrepreneur.
Rita was born into a world of chaos. Lebanon in the early 70s was a country on the brink of war, and her childhood was overshadowed by the constant threat of violence. “I didn’t have the usual happy, light-hearted, innocent kind of childhood,” she reflects. “Right after my third birthday, Lebanon plunged into war.”
Survival, rather than dreams, defined her early years. “Dreaming is a luxury when you are born in an environment of war and constant threat,” she explains. To cope with the harsh realities around her, Rita often retreated into a world of escapist fantasies. Her teachers noticed her tendency to drift off, describing her as “Rita Butterflies,” a French expression indicating her physical presence but mental absence. This dual existence, one foot in the grim reality of war and the other in a realm of imagination shaped her formative years and this gave birth to a realization that she had intuitive abilities.
Despite the tumultuous start, Rita’s teenage years marked a significant transformation. The dreamy little girl with an intuitive and artistic streak evolved into a driven and determined young woman. “My drive was palpable,” she recalls. “I always heard members of my family say, ‘Rita has Shakhsiyeh,’ which in Arabic means that you have driven and a go-getter energy.”
This drive manifested early through her entrepreneurial spirit. During high school, Rita organized numerous fundraisers for charity, rallying her peers and community around her causes. She was also a board member of the Schools that highlighted her entrepreneurial skills and brought her in the forefront as a leader. Her persuasive skills were notable even then, a trait that would later become crucial in her career as a healer. “I remember one of my bosses telling me, ‘If you told me I had cancer, I would believe you,’ because I was so convincing,” she remembers her experience while she was being interviewed by one of her boss for a summer job.
Rita’s journey through academia and early professional life was marked by a multitude of interests and talents. Initially drawn to topics such various as spirituality, psychology, politics, and international relations, she eventually pursued a diploma in business management. However, life had a way of bringing her back to her original passions. She later graduated as a Jungian psychoanalyst and engaged in international relations, intertwining her varied skills and interests into a cohesive career.
In 2004, Rita transitioned from a corporate role to working as a freelancer in marketing communication. This shift allowed her the flexibility and independence she craved. “When you start to work as a freelancer, you become your own boss,” she says. “For me, it was a maximum of pros because I don’t like having a boss above my shoulder!!
While working freelance, Rita often found herself fulfilling a deeper, spiritual mission. A pivotal moment occurred during a project with the French electricity company, EDF, where a profound experience with a colleague reinforced her path toward holistic healing. “I realized I could no longer ignore my calling,” she explains. She opened her own practice in February 2005.
Since then, Rita has dedicated herself to mind, body, and spirit healing. Her diverse background, from business management to Jungian psychoanalysis, provided a unique foundation for her holistic approach to wellness. “I discovered Ayurveda in 2006 during my first trip to India,” she shares. “It changed my whole world because, for the first time in my life, I felt understood by healers and doctors.”
Rita’s approach to building her practice is rooted in authenticity. “Being myself, being the most authentic person I can be, is crucial,” she emphasizes. Her practice grew through word-of-mouth and a solid reputation rather than traditional advertising. “People would trust me, would come, and would recommend my services,” she says. Her authenticity and integrity attracted clients who valued her grounded, no-nonsense approach to healing.
Integrity and intuition are at the core of Rita’s decision-making process. “Integrity is a very important part of my decision making in order to keep my vibration and energy as pure as possible,” she says. “Am I true to myself? Is this fair? My decision making is always for the best of all, for the good of all.” She also relies heavily on intuition, distinguishing it from gut feelings, which can be influenced by fear. “Intuition is more poised, more an inspiration,” she explains. “It’s milder in the way you receive it as well.”
Rita’s journey has not been without its challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated world, she faced numerous obstacles, especially in her corporate life. Additionally, the early years of her holistic practice were marked by skepticism and a lack of acceptance in the West. However, her strong personality and deep belief in her work helped her navigate these difficulties. She continuously strived to bridge the gap between Eastern holistic practices and Western scientific approaches, advocating for the credibility and benefits of integrative medicine.
Resilience is ingrained in Rita’s DNA, thanks to her Armenian and Lebanese heritage. “Two countries that died many times and were reborn, with these stories you either become a victim or you embody the archetype of a Phoenix that always reborn from the ashes, this is how I made my choice.” and She believes that change and rebirth are always possible, and this mindset keeps her motivated even during tough times. To stay focused, she relies on holistic tools such as meditation, massage therapy, and Jungian psychological astrology that studies the purpose of life synchronicities. These practices help her maintain balance, stay grounded, and understand the larger purpose behind her experiences.
Balancing work and personal life are a challenge for any entrepreneur, and Rita is no exception. She acknowledges that there are times when one aspect may require more attention than the other. However, she stresses the importance of setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care. By ensuring she has time for herself, she can better support her family and professional commitments.
For Rita, success is multifaceted. It encompasses financial independence, a strong reputation, and the satisfaction of her clients and patients. Looking ahead, her long-term goals involve spreading her holistic knowledge on a broader scale, working with institutions and communities to promote health and well-being as well as being more committed to writing and be a contributor for International magazines health and lifestyle columns. She aims to educate and inspire larger groups, contributing to the global recognition and acceptance of holistic practices.
Rita’s message to women and girls is powerful: recognize your uniqueness and stay true to yourself. She emphasizes that every individual has a unique path and purpose, and true success comes from embracing and following one’s passion. She encourages women to believe in their dreams, remain resilient, and never settle for less. Her message is clear: the world needs the unique contributions of each individual, and staying true to oneself is the key to fulfilling one’s purpose and achieving success.
Rita’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of positivity, resilience, and authenticity. Her journey continues to inspire and empower those around her, making her a beacon of hope and a role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs and holistic therapists alike. From a war-torn childhood in Lebanon to becoming a respected holistic healer, her journey illustrates the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s inner calling. Through authenticity and integrity, Rita has built a successful practice that continues to transform lives, one healing session at a time.
Special Thank you to ‘O & only and Yessayan Jewelry’
