Abbey graduated from the California College of Ayurveda as an Ayurvedic Doctor in 2019. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she decided to focus entirely on her private practice. Today, Abbey lives on the Azores Islands off the coast of Portugal. The following is an interview with Abbey.
How would you describe your purpose/dharma?
“My Dharma is to be in service to others through the teachings of Ayurveda, Tantra, and Love. I guide people through physical, emotional, and spiritual transformations to rediscover their personal dharma.
How many patient consultations do you conduct per week on average? How has that changed over time?
I currently perform 10-15 consultations per week. In the beginning, I saw 6-7 patients/week, and that grew quickly to 20 patients/ week. However, this burned me out and I realized the limits of my ojas so I reduced my practice to a maximum of 15 patients/week. About 90% of my patient visits are online. I hold an open, in-person clinic for the local community every other Friday.
How many hours per week do you typically spend on your Ayurvedic practice?
Overall, I put in about 20 hours per week into my Ayurvedic practice. This includes the time to see patients, manage the paperwork, and marketing myself.
How much do you charge for new patients and follow-up visits?
I charge $350 USD for an initial consultation and $160 USD for a report of findings and follow-up visits
How much money would you estimate that you made through your Ayurvedic and related work in the past year?
Overall, I earn about $135,000 of which about $90,000 from my ayurvedic consultations. The additional income comes from related work including Vedic astrology readings, yoga, and ayurvedic retreats and workshops. I also mentor new graduates and produced an online 40-day Yoga Sadhana practice that includes videos and private visits that incorporate all the tools I utilize.
What are the keys to your Success?
There are many keys. Organization has been important including proper preparation and clean notes for each visit. I’d also say that learning to listen to the patient’s heart, beyond their words, is essential to deepening our connection.
How do you market yourself?
Through monthly newsletters and collaborating with other health professions. I’m also on Instagram and participate in podcasts.
What is it that you find most rewarding about helping your patients?
They are part of my journey as much as I am part of theirs. At first, we work on the physical, then we work on the mental/emotional and this transforms their consciousness. This development brings my heart so much joy to witness.
What advice would you give to new graduates?
Take responsibility for your success. Avoid complaining or blaming the world for the obstacles you may face. Stay in your heart and ask yourself 3 questions: Why am I doing this? What am I looking for? Where am I going? Then take a deep breath and arrive in the present moment. Listen for the answers with your heart, not your mind. This practice always resets me.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey and the lessons you’ve learned?
Stay authentic! The more authentic your message is the more people will hear you. Share your story and how Ayurveda found you. It’s also important to boost your colleagues and people in your industry. Eliminating the internal competition will help you grow exponentially.
Contact info:
Email: drabbeyleigh@gmail.com
Website: abbeyleigh.com
Instagram handle: @abbey.leigh.ayurveda
Whatsapp: +1 (323) 372-4384
