Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrii Altoal Sthijo.
Hi Chrii, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My interest in holistic living and mindfulness began at a young age—back in high school around 2001—watching Deepak Chopra and Rodney Yee on MPT. I would practice yoga postures and follow guided meditations in my bedroom, becoming fascinated with the systems of the body and the Ayurvedic lens of healing. I’ll admit, it wasn’t at all a popular interest among my peers, but it deeply resonated with me.
My connection to yoga continued to grow when I began attending Utkatasana Yoga Studio—my first studio experience. It was owned and operated by melanated practitioners with a grassroots mindset and a passionate drive, which made a lasting impact on me. That’s also where I completed my first yoga teacher training. Interestingly enough, I was asked to fill in and teach a class at a women’s retreat the very next month—and I’ve been teaching ever since.
In 2012, I attended the Holistic Massage Training Institute. Earning my massage therapy license became a foundational step in what now stands as Sominbo Wellness. Since then, I’ve spent years expanding my practice—training, exploring, and integrating various disciplines and modalities into my work.
Today, I describe my approach as psychosomatic shamanic gumbo: a blend of learned knowledge and intuitive, embodied awareness. Allowing me to offer deeply insightful healing experiences tailored to the individual or to the collective energy of the group.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to where I am today wasn’t already paved. No one in my immediate circle were doing what I was dreaming of doing, so for the past decade I’ve leaned deeply into figuring things out for myself—discovering the right ingredients as I lived in the process, weaving together my own unique blueprint.
That meant exploring a range of modalities and seeking out trainings that again, weren’t mainstream, but felt genuinely aligned with me and the feeling of the vision. Creating something that feels accessible, client-centered, and authentic—something that meets people where they are.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice is Sominbo Wellness—rooted in the connection between (so)ul, (min)d, and (bo)dy. Everything I provide is designed to restore continuity and flow between these aspects of our human experience, supporting people in retrieving the alignment, innately with themselves.
I specialize in holding holistically intuitive containers for healing that support each individual’s divinely aligned growth; no rushing, no forcing, but instead, a well of authentic and elevating allowance. While I offer services such as bodywork, energy work, coaching, sound healing, yoga, and oracle readings, what truly defines my work is the integration of these practices. Sessions are not one-size-fits-all—they are curated in real time, based on what each person needs.
I invite clients to choose a starting point—a container that feels most comfortable to them, whether that’s bodywork, Reiki, coaching, or another offering. From there, I meet them in that space, with the understanding that the work itself is fluid. As the session unfolds, I weave in other modalities as needed to support their evolution and expansion.
I don’t treat people as a monolith—I honor the uniqueness of their individual experience and hold a space for transformation that reflects the truth of their wholeness.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the depth of connection and trust I’ve built over time. I’ve had clients who have worked with me for over 11 years, even before I opened my private practice. That level of longevity and trust is something I hold with great care and gratitude. I’m also proud to have clients who travel from across the country to experience this work—and I look forward to continuing to expand that reach globally.
At its core, Sominbo Wellness is about supporting people as they move into more aligned, aware, and embodied versions of themselves—and it’s an honor to witness those transformations and know that the world becomes brighter as we each heal.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Looking back on my journey, I feel deep gratitude for every teacher and trainer who also chose to walk their own path. Those who believed in their work, committed to their craft, and devoted themselves to the study of healing modalities that have made a lasting impact on me. Their passion helped me embody a belief in what I was doing and reminded me that this work has the power to create meaningful change—not only in individual lives, but in the world as a whole.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my clients—not just for their longevity, but for the way they’ve shared my work with others. Word of mouth and referrals have been a cornerstone of my growth, bringing in individuals who are truly aligned with how I serve. That kind of organic connection is something I deeply value.
On a personal level, I also want to honor my grandmother—rest in peace—who was both a source of comfort and strength. She held space for me in difficult moments, while also reminding me to rise again. She has been a spiritual mentor to me since childhood, and her influence continues to guide me.
Also, my son—my biggest cheerleader. I had him 1 1/2 years after beginning my private practice. His pride in what I do, and the way he shares that with others, brings me a deep and meaningful sense of joy.
And finally, I would be remiss not to acknowledge myself. This path has required courage, consistency, and a willingness to trust my inner knowing—even when the way forward wasn’t clear. I’ve had to choose this work, and myself, again and again. That commitment is something I’m deeply proud of.
Pricing:
- All my pricing is listed on my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SominboWellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sominbo.wellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18SM3Wbt4R/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@snaketreelounge
