WELCOME TO YOUR LOTUS LANE!
If you are here it is because you have a desire within to heal mind, body, spirit and bloom into your true authentic self unapologetically. The vision for Lotus Lane was inspired over 14 years ago in 2004 after spending several years working simultaneously as a Supervisor in the Federal Government and as an Esthetician and Nail Tech in numerous spas throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. I have always been a firm believer of multiple streams of income so it was not uncommon for me to always have a side gig while holding down and succeeding at my day job!
While working in high end salons and spas throughout the DC area I was able to see first hand the stress women encounter in managing both work and home. The spa for many was considered a luxury and while my clients understood the importance of taking time for self care, those whom I knew truly needed a moment of solitude and care were not availing themselves to this healing modality. My clients did not reflect a diverse cultural or economic demographic yet I knew from my own personal balancing act that women of color in particular who are at a higher risk of suffering from stress induced medical conditions were in need of the services offered.
The vision was drafted in 2004, however, in 2005 after I married, the written draft sat dormant in my files but never left my spirit. My desire to have Lotus Lane nudged at me quietly as I embarked on my own wellness journey over the next decade of my life. I have battled health issues since the age of 5 when I was diagnosed with an unknown condition that was later named Hodgkins Disease. Black and blue bruise marks would appear on my body without warning and without any known cause. Continued battles with weight gain culminated in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as a young woman. The stress of professional achievement and an unhealthy marriage further exasperated this condition and I struggled with infertility, excessive weight gain, and hair loss. I divorced in 2012 and relocated to North Carolina where my spirit found peace, however in 2014 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer and at the age of 39 was forced to decide between saving my life by removing my womb or risk the unknown in order to fulfill my desire to birth children. I chose my life and it led to numerous surgeries, procedures and treatment both traditional and holistic! But it also led to my own personal Lotus Lane of discovering who I am and my purpose.
It is because I have been sick that I truly understand the desire to be well. This journey has been continuous. It has not been easy but it has been worth it. When I drafted this vision 14 years ago I fully understood the purpose but it is through my own personal experiences that birthed the passion within to see all women lead healthy productive lives and become who God intended them to be - Well!
I have lost a lot on this journey but what I gained was my true authentic self and it is my desire that through a workshop or a wellness experience you too will find the strength to plant the seeds in your muddy place, expand your roots and grow just like the beautiful lotus flower that you are. Why? Because you are absolutely worth it!
I love you to life!,
Chef Amelia Irene Steed, Founder - Lotus Lane Curated Retreats
Bio:
Amelia Steed is a native of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She relocated to North Carolina over 7 years ago and resides in quaint Wake Forest just outside of Raleigh. She has a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Coppin State University and a Master’s Degree in Management with a concentration in Health Administration from the University of Maryland University College. Despite a successful Federal Government career that spans over 25 years in Congressional Affairs, Public Relations and now IT Portfolio Management the desire to pursue her passion led her back to the health and wellness industry. A trained Chef, Esthetician and Ayurveda Specialist, Amelia combines these skills and years of knowledge to educate others on health and wellbeing. She is a firm believer in food as medicine and intuitive healing through the senses, herbal therapy and meditation. When she is not in the kitchen you can find her enjoying every minute of being an “Auntie Mommy” to her 7 nieces and nephews.