Uniqua Hardy - Explorer, Creator & Connector
Uniqua Hardy
Uniqua Hardy helps creatives, entrepreneurs, change makers, and paradigm shifters thrive in every area of life. She’s the founder of Soulful City, a guide to meaningful and holistic experiences in LA, she runs a website focused on well-being and holistic healing called Ordinary Alchemy, and she also does business consulting and marketing for purpose-driven brands.
In all of her work, Uniqua has made it her mission to share insight, tools and practices that help you show up as your most aligned and radiant self in all areas of life. She offers a range of workshops and trainings to assist you in finding yours. From holistic health and vitality to how to be a more intentional and productive in work, each is designed to support healing and lasting positive transformation on a personal level as well as growth a professional level.
Through Soulful City, Uniqua’s mission is to support local businesses that do good while making it easy for like-minded people to find the best of the city under one roof. Through Ordinary Alchemy, Uniqua shares articles and thought pieces on the intersections of ancient wisdoms, modern science and the interconnectivity of all. She also shares regenerative practices and tools to support optimal well-being of the mind, body, and soul.
I’m so excited for you guys to connect with Uniqua, check out her work with Ordinary Alchemy, Soulful City, and business consulting, and follow along as she continues to help others create and share empowering concepts and strategies that positively impact our lives.
I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.
Hi! My name is Uniqua Hardy. I like to introduce myself as an explorer, creator, and connector as I do a lot of things, which all kind of boil down to those 3 things. Most recently, I launched a guide to meaningful and holistic experiences in LA called Soulful City, I run a website focused on well-being and holistic healing called Ordinary Alchemy, and I do business consulting and marketing for purpose-driven brands.
I’m also currently helping my friend create and launch a new educational program called Life Academy, which aims to raise awareness among teenagers of topics like healthy identity, spiritual and mental well-being, emotional intelligence, relationships and communication. This will be launching in February at a high school in Finland, which I’m super excited about.
How did you get started?
I’ve always been very radical about following my heart and saying yes to my path. This has taken me through a lot of madness and magic, and eventually lead me to all that I’m doing now. My background is in Fashion Marketing, which evolved into working in the world of ethical/sustainable fashion. Going through a "spiritual awakening” lead me through a process of healing, which changed my focus to things like holistic well-being, healing, living intentionally, joyfully, and fully. Now we’re here! :)
What inspired the work that you're doing?
I recently heard someone say “your work should be your prayer”, and I absolutely love that. What I’m ultimately aiming to do is to gently guide people back to their selves and remind them of their magnificence. I’ve gotten a taste of just how sweet life can be when you live from the inside out, and I want that for everyone.
All of life is continually inviting us to join it in an intimate, wild, and wonderful dance. Everything I do is informed by consciously partaking in this dance and inspiring others to jump in as well.
What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?
I have a bit of a different perspective on passions and purpose. For me, being in my purpose and passion means living my truth, exploring the things that excite me, and saying yes to experiencing life on a full spectrum. I find my passions are constantly changing as I grow and evolve.
What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?
My joy blueprint tends to change according the the season I am. I usually love being in nature and acting like a little kid — bouncing around, hiking, climbing trees… However, at the moment, I'm in a slower season. At the moment, soundbaths, intuitive movement, and long candlelit baths make every cell in my body bounce with joy.
How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?
Definitely my morning ritual. I wake up early and take 2-3 hours every morning for my spiritual/self care practice, which has now become a non-negotiable. It makes the world of difference in how grounded I am throughout the day. Again, I like to change it up depending on the season I am in and my needs.
At the moment, it includes breathwork and a short meditation, a cold shower (sometimes following a hot bath with flower petals and candles), journaling, reading spiritual texts, and writing down my intentions for the day with a cup of tea. Sounds like a lot, but there really is a nice flow to it all that energizes me!
What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?
She’d either look at me in awe and be filled with excitement and joy OR she'd look up at me and say, “What took you so long?” :)
Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?
Lately I’ve been reminding myself, “I only take action and operate out of my alignment”. It’s a good one for staying true to myself throughout the day.
What is your biggest dream?
Honestly, my greatest wish is that I stay present to what is, find keep finding magic in the mundane, and remember to love every day. I believe this is the place from where all my dreams will effortlessly flow into fruition.
To learn more about Uniqua connect with her on Instagram @uniquahardy and https://www.uniquahardy.com to learn more about Soulful City visit https://www.soulfulcity.com/ and on Instagram @soulfulcityla; Ordinary Alchemy https://www.ordinaryalchemy.co/ and on Instagram @ordinaryalchemy
Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here