Welcome to GlobalTimesNow, where we bring you stories of exceptional leaders who have transformed their lives and are making a lasting impact on the world. In today’s feature, we invite you to embark on a journey of resilience, healing, and renewal with Cindee Brown Mills. After two decades in the fast-paced corporate world, Cindee found herself overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, yearning for a deeper sense of purpose. What followed was a personal transformation that led her to discover the powerful healing tools of breathwork, meditation, and the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska.
Now, as the founder of Breathe Alaska, Cindee is on a mission to help others find the peace and fulfillment she once sought. In this article, we’ll walk you through the pivotal moments of her professional and personal journey, how she turned her struggles into a thriving wellness business, and the unique ways she is combining nature and healing to make a difference. We’ll also explore her insights on the growing wellness travel industry and her commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Join us as we dive deep into this inspiring story of transformation and learn how Cindee Brown Mills is helping others breathe new life into their own wellness journeys. Don’t miss out—read on to uncover the full story of this extraordinary woman and her path to creating meaningful change.
Cindee Brown Journey to Founding Breathe Alaska
Can you walk us through the key milestones of your professional journey?
After two decades in the corporate world, Cindee Brown Mills found herself at a crossroads. Despite her professional success, she was overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, and the weight of burnout left her feeling disconnected from her true purpose. As a result, she struggled to be fully present for her family, which pushed her to rethink her path. But like many in her position, the fear of change loomed large, and she was unsure of what direction to take.
The turning point came in December 2022 when Cindee’s father passed away, shattering the carefully structured life she had built. Throughout her career, she sought different avenues to find inner peace—therapy, life coaching, and self-help methods—but they left her back in the same place: battling stress and emotional turmoil. Then she discovered the transformative power of breathwork and meditation, which proved to be life-changing.
That is when Cindee committed to through these practices, she learned to release the emotional burdens she had carried for so long: grief, anxiety, inadequacy, and shame. She also realized that trauma can be passed down through generations, meaning some of her emotional weight wasn't even her own. As she healed, she recognized how many others were carrying the same emotional baggage. It was then that Cindee found her calling—to help others achieve the healing she had experienced. In that moment, Breathe Alaska was born.
The Inspiration Behind Breathe Alaska
What inspired you to start your current business or initiative?
Living in the stunning wilderness of Southeast Alaska, often described as one of the most beautiful places on earth, Cindee realized the connection between nature and wellness. The clean air, fresh water, and vast forests provided the perfect backdrop for her vision. However, statistics reveal that people spend approximately 95% of their time indoors, disconnected from the natural world.
Cindee's mission is to change that. Breathe Alaska offers a unique experience that encourages people to step outside, reconnect with nature, and, in turn, reconnect with themselves. She introduces her clients to the serene beauty of Southeast Alaska, helping them find peace in the outdoors and inspiring them to spend more time in green spaces. There, amidst the trees, they experience the healing effects of nature—phytoncides, chemicals emitted by pine trees, which have been shown to calm the mind and body, and increased oxygen levels that promote well-being.
A Unique Approach to Wellness Travel
What makes your services unique?
I am fortunate to call Southeast Alaska home, a region that is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking places on our planet. Here, we are blessed with clean air, abundant fresh water, and vast forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. I love introducing people to the beauty of Alaska in a way that few others get to see it.
Statistics show that people spend approximately 95% of their time indoors. I have created an experience that gets people outside, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of nature and, hopefully, encouraging them to spend more time outdoors. Trees, especially pine trees, emit a chemical called phytoncides that repels insects and protects against fungal and bacterial attacks. This chemical has a calming effect on people and is one reason that walking in nature is so good for you! Additionally, as we all know, trees expel oxygen so there is increased oxygen in green spaces.
Strategies for Growth and Innovation
How do you see your industry evolving in the coming years?
The wellness industry, which includes wellness travel, is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness travel is experiencing a faster expansion compared to other sectors of the tourism industry, with an impressive annual spending growth rate of 36%. This indicates a growing recognition among individuals about the significance of self-care and well-being. As people become more conscious of their health, they are increasingly seeking out wellness-focused experiences and destinations to prioritize their physical and mental wellness.
Strategies for Growth and Innovation
What strategies have you employed to maintain growth and innovation in your business?
Cindee’s approach to business is deeply rooted in sustainability and innovation. By focusing on green tourism and working towards her certification with the ATIA, she ensures that Breathe Alaska remains ahead of the curve. Her commitment to creating a balance between personal well-being and environmental responsibility positions her business to thrive in the evolving wellness travel sector. In addition, she continuously seeks ways to offer unique, nature-driven experiences that stand out in the crowded wellness market.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to people thinking about becoming an entrepreneur?
For those considering entrepreneurship, Cindee’s advice is simple yet powerful: follow your passion. Whether it’s life coaching, music, mindfulness, or any other passion, she believes in doing what brings happiness. Her own journey is a testament to the power of finding fulfillment in work, as she transformed her life by pursuing her true calling.
Through Breathe Alaska, Cindee Brown Mills has found her purpose—bringing healing and transformation to others by connecting them with the beauty and tranquility of nature. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of true well-being.
Final Thoughts
Cindee Brown Mills’ journey is a profound reminder that even in moments of personal struggle and uncertainty, there’s potential for growth, healing, and transformation. Through her discovery of breathwork, meditation, and the natural beauty of Alaska, she has not only found her own sense of peace but is now empowering others to do the same. Breathe Alaska stands as a testament to her resilience, passion, and dedication to helping others reconnect with themselves through nature and mindfulness.
As wellness travel continues to grow, and more people seek out meaningful, healing experiences, Cindee is at the forefront of this movement, offering something truly unique. Her commitment to sustainability and green tourism adds even more depth to her work, ensuring that Breathe Alaska contributes not just to individual well-being but to the well-being of the planet.
Cindee’s story inspires us all to pursue what makes us happy, to listen to our hearts, and to embrace the beauty of change. Whether you're seeking personal transformation or simply looking to reconnect with nature, her journey encourages us to step outside, take a deep breath, and explore the possibilities that lie ahead.
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