Meet Lisa Mort | Breathwork Facilitator and Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Mort and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I fully understand the battle between fear and risk: a long standing challenge that kept me hostage within my comfort zone for most of my life. Despite having a successful career as a hair stylist, the fear of potential failure and the uncertainty of stepping into the unknown consistently held me back. It led to a self imposed inertia, where the idea of moving forward was overshadowed by a ton of excuses. I became quite fluent in excuse making.

This fear, coupled with bouts of self doubt, eventually led me down a path of depression. The turning point came during a wellness retreat in Costa Rica. Returning to the States amid a Covid induced lockdown provided me with the opportunity to reflect deeply on my desires and aspirations.

When the salons reopened, I faced a crucial decision , to leave the familiar and join a new salon or continue to stay stuck. The choice was not easy, and saying good bye to the only work life I’d ever known was extremely emotional. This marked the first significant risk, a leap into the unknown that laid the foundation for the unexpected journey I find myself on today.

Teaching Breathwork gradually became a central part of my life. Balancing salon work with Breathwork classes, the demand reached a point where a substantial decision loomed. Contemplating specializing in hair extensions and reducing salon days to make room for Breathwork, I encountered some skeptism about the feasibility of such a transition in my small town. Despite the doubts, I did it anyway. This was the second risk that created yet another turning point in my life. I opened Compass, a breathwork studio, in 2021. Now, I balance both worlds, I satisfy my need for creativity and my love of hair while nurturing my newfound passion.

Teaching Breathwork became a journey full of challenges. Skepticism from others about my qualifications triggered bouts of self doubt, yet the transformative impact of Breathwork, rooted in my personal battle against depression, anchored my conviction. I discovered the resilience to stand in my own power, interpreting doubts as reflections of others’ fears. I have gone a step further and obtained my level 3 breathwork certification, allowing me to hold trainings to certify other to teach breathwork as well.

The revelation of Breathwork’s transformative power in my struggle against depression became a mission cornerstone – to extend a lifeline to those silently grappling with their struggles, showing them there’s hope. Today, Compass stands as not just a breathwork studio, but as a place where risk taking becomes a journey of self discovery, acceptance, and the transformative potential inherent in every Breathwork session.

know there are many risks that I will encounter in the future, but I’ve realized that when you trust your self, no matter the outcome come, the risk is worth it. It leads you to where you are supposed to be. Even if that road is bumpy, the risks provide the life lessons needed to become who you’re meant to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In my business, I stand out by teaching Breathwork with a unique touch- using surround sound headphones for an immersive experience. These sessions include binaural beats and bilateral stimulation through music to take the participants to an even deeper state of mediation.

Overcoming challenges, particularly doubts and skepticism, has been a significant part of my journey. My commitment to showing up daily, sharing vulnerabilities, and offering classes and trainings strengthens my authenticity and relatability.

The lessons learned include embracing self acceptance and recognizing that external judgments often stem from others’ fears. My story emphasizes not only the transformative power of Breathwork but also the importance of perseverance and authenticity in building a business that genuinely helps others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First we would get blow outs at Halo Salon. We would definitely eat at Pastaio! We would visit Valley Wine Cellar to have a glass of wine and just enjoy the atmosphere. If they’re here now, Steubenville has the most magical life size Nutcracker Village. After walking around and seeing them all, we would get coffee at Leonardo‘s. I love hanging out with my grandkids, so we probably would bring them along and get the famous Fluffy drink or hot chocolate. One day we would probably go to the ice rink at Franciscan Square. We would spend a day or two at the Mindset 2 Wellness Spa. Of course we would attended breathwork classes at Compass. I live about 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, so we would spend an evening in the city. Not necessarily having a plan, but allowing the evening to unfold organically. Leaving a little surprise to the night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout goes to Giovanni Bartolomeo, the founder of Elemental Rhythm Breathwork. He played a pivotal role in introducing me to the transformative world of Breathwork. As the guest speaker at the retreat in Costa Rica, Giovanni’s guidance and teachings set the foundation for my own journey. His dedication to Breathwork deserves recognition for the profound impact it has had on my life and the lives of many others. Under his direction, I not only opened a breathwork studio in the U.S. but I also continued my training under him to become certified to teach others how to facilitate breathwork. It’s amazing how the exact people you need in your life show up at the exact time you need them. Thank you, Gio, for being a guiding light in this transformative practice.

Website: www.lisamort.com

Instagram: Lisa.a.mort

Linkedin: Lisa Mort

Facebook: Lisa Mort

Image Credits
Mustard Seed phhotography