In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with her longtime teacher and mentor, Amanda Sophia, for a conversation that blends feng shui, seasonal wisdom, and conscious business—with a special focus on the “in-between” season we’re in right now (that liminal space between the Year of the Snake and the incoming Fire Horse).

Together, Rachel and Amanda explore how your space—whether it’s your home, studio, restaurant, spa, or retreat property—acts as a living mirror for your energy, your patterns, and your next level. This is a grounded, soulful episode about clearing what’s no longer aligned, choosing collaborations from full-body yes, and setting your business up for expansion without burnout.

Amanda reframes January as a time that often asks us to slow down, reflect, and stop forcing momentum just because the calendar flipped. Instead of hustling, she invites you to tune into nature’s timing—winter as rest, dreaming, integration… the space where clarity actually lands.

Amanda shares a deeper view of feng shui: your home or business isn’t random—it’s often a soul match. You’re drawn to certain spaces because they reflect your energetic blueprint, and they can also support your healing and evolution. Your environment mirrors back what’s happening internally—clutter, broken items, stuck corners, loose handles… all of it carries information.

As we move into a Fire Horse year, the energy shifts toward:

1. expansion, movement, opportunity
2. heart-led leadership (integrity matters more than ever)
3. authentic expression (no watering down your true work)
4. collaboration—but only with full alignment

Amanda also names the shadow side: with fire + speed comes the risk of burnout, scattered energy, and saying yes too quickly. The medicine? Grounding and deep nervous-system support.

Amanda gives clear, beginner-friendly guidance for activating supportive energy in your business this year:

1. Southeast: the most auspicious energy (prosperity, joy, success, “peach blossom” connection energy).
2. Simple activation ideas: a candle ritual, meaningful symbolism of prosperity, or planting something outdoors in the SE area.
3. East: another highly supportive prosperity area.
4. Activation ideas: a salt lamp, fiery-toned crystals, uplifting intention, daily energetic practices in that zone.
5. South: the area to support with metal to help neutralize more challenging energy.
6. Examples: a metal bowl with coins, bronze décor, metal objects placed intentionally.

(Amanda explains how to map your floor plan by dividing it into nine sections to locate these areas.)

Amanda shares that the Feng Shui New Year begins around February 3rd/4th, with the Lunar New Year following mid-February—making this current stretch a powerful prep window for clearing, planning, and resetting.

1. Declutter like it’s spiritual hygiene. If it doesn’t support who you are now or where you’re going, it’s blocking the new.
2. Fix what’s broken. Small repairs create energetic integrity (and reflect self-trust + stability).
3. Clean + clear your space regularly. Especially in hospitality, where many people bring energy in and out—your space deserves a daily reset.
4. Choose partnerships from full-body alignment. This year doesn’t support half-yes collaborations.
5. Plan with both structure and flow. Rachel and Amanda talk about creating a “3D practical calendar” and a “5D dream calendar” so your goals stay grounded and expansive.

“The Fire Horse year is an invitation to step into your unique, wild, free self.”

Let that land. And then ask: What would have to be released for that version of me to fully lead?

1. Amanda Sophia: joinamandasophia.com
2. International Sanctuary School (feng shui training + certification): international…sanctuaryschool.com (as shared in the episode)
3. Podcasts:
4. Infinite Consciousness (Amanda Sophia)
5. Amanda Sophia Feng Shui Podcast

If you’re an owner-operator, retreat host, or hospitality founder building a space that supports well-being, flow, and conscious business, this episode is your reminder: you don’t need to force your next chapter. You can clear, align, and let the space meet you there.

And if you’re feeling the pull to refresh your business energetically before the next season kicks in… start with one corner. One drawer. One “no longer me” item. The ripple is real.

About Amanda:

Amanda Sophia is recognized as the "Teacher’s Teacher" of the Feng Shui world and founder of a globally accredited certification institute: The International Feng Shui School. Amanda Sophia has created a conscious design empire that bridges ancient wisdom with modern application. She has guided thousands of clients—including DreamWorks and Bloomingdale’s—and leads a thriving community of Feng Shui consultants.

Amanda has taught designers, architects, and spiritual seekers how to harness the energetics of space to create wealth, health, and profound alignment. She runs the acclaimed International Feng Shui School and is dedicated to preserving ancient lineages, sharing her wisdom through global certification programs, speaking engagements, and immersive retreats.

https://internationalfengshuischool.com/

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