Meet Ali: A former criminology graduate who quit law to travel the world, and somehow has ended up holding her sacred cacao ceremonies in a yurt on Sowena’s home. Because why not?
What is your current role in Health & Wellbeing and what does it involve?
I hold space for women through bespoke 1:1 and group ceremonies, often supported by ceremonial cacao, sound and energy work. Each experience is intuitively shaped to meet them where they are, offering a space to soften, reconnect, and access the rest, clarity and connection they’re seeking. I support women through transitions, from motherhood and postpartum to moving home, birthing a business or returning to themselves in a deeper way.
What’s the best thing or most exciting challenge you have going on at work at the moment?
I’m in the process of relocating and restoring my yurt, to be rebuilt at Sowena HQ! It’s been more labour-intensive and stretching than expected, but really amazing to be able to tend to her with such love. We’re nearly ready to rebuild her and I’m so excited to feel the difference in her energy when she’s up, on new land and with so many bespoke and beautiful new additions (special thanks to my beautiful partner, Marty, for leading the operation! He’s genuinely incredible)
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Witnessing women experience a deep sense of homecoming within themselves. Seeing someone arrive stressed, unsure or resistant, then leave calm and connected, with a sense of remembering, and return again and again with their heart open. It’s incredibly moving and affirms to me how powerful these spaces truly are.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a vet because I felt so deeply connected to animals. I later realised I didn’t want the clinical side – I simply wanted to be around them, helping them feel safe. I’m also very squeamish so it would never have been a viable option.
What’s a little known fact about you?
I have a degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and began my career as a paralegal in child law. I was on track to become a solicitor before choosing one evening to travel instead and handing my notice in the very next day – the best spontaneous decision I’ve ever made. It changed everything and eventually led me to this path.
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would you invite and why?
I’d invite Theo Von. I spend a lot of time in depth and ceremony, so I’d love an evening of pure silliness. If I invited someone I idolised, I feel I might be disappointed. With Theo, I imagine there would be laughter, randomness and the freedom to be completely unfiltered.
