Interview with Lara Mirnik
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Lara Mirnik, and I was born in Slovenia, in the heart of Europe. I hold three degrees — in wellness, marketing, and psychology — which together shape the way I work today.
Since 2017, I have been the founder and leader of the Bela Vilinka Wellness Center in Radenci, Slovenia.
Outside of my professional work, I deeply enjoy traveling, being around animals, dancing, singing, and continuously learning new skills. For me, life is about growth, expression, and connection.
Was there a turning point in your life that led you to wellness? How did you get started on your wellness journey?
Yes, there was a very clear turning point. Around the age of 31, I made the decision to completely change my professional path.
Before that, I had dedicated over 12 years to working with children. I worked as a kindergarten teacher, led Kindergarten Rainbow, and for 15 years I ran Club Rainbow — a space offering workshops, summer camps, birthday events, and after-school activities. My life was fully devoted to children.
At some point, I felt that this chapter had come to its natural end. I wanted to grow, to evolve, and to start working with adults on a deeper level.
That’s when I decided to study wellness at DOBA Higher Vocational College. Alongside formal education, I completed many additional certifications — including crystal therapy, color therapy, massage, and other holistic approaches.
This was the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life.
What wellness categories are you offering, and can you tell us a bit more about them?
My work today covers several wellness categories: courses, services, products, and retreats.
I offer wellness courses both in Slovenia and internationally. The theoretical part is completed online, while the practical part takes place during an 8-day in-person teacher training retreat.
My wellness services focus on the body, mind, and soul, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing.
In the product category, I have created an ebook about crystals, along with supporting tools such as crystal cards and educational materials.
I also lead 8-day wellness retreats in Cape Town, running from Monday to Monday. There are three main programs:
- A basic program for those new to wellness
- An advanced detox retreat
- A specialized women’s retreat, focusing on natural cycles and including yoni steam chair practices and education
Each offering is designed to support people at different stages of their journey.
What is your purpose, and how is it connected to wellness?
My purpose is to support people holistically — through body, mind, and soul.
While I work across all three areas, my deepest passion lies in the mind. This is what led me, in my 40s, to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology and Mental Health.
I have always had a natural ability to listen, understand, and be compassionate with people. But beyond that, I also have a strong analytical mind — something I am very proud of.
My goal is to help people become more free — free from trauma, and equipped with the knowledge and understanding to work with their own minds more easily and consciously.
What does being part of the Wellness Institut mean to you?
It is a great honour to be part of the Wellness Institut.
Being accredited adds value to my work and strengthens trust with both current and future clients. At the same time, it connects me to a wider professional community within the wellness industry.
I truly appreciate being recognized as part of this field.
Do you have any advice or message you would like to share with others?
Yes, I do.
Love yourself.
Stand by yourself.
Support yourself.
Listen to yourself.
Create boundaries where they are needed.
Let go of what no longer serves you.
Build yourself, step by step.
And most importantly — be yourself.
Because who you truly are, in your essence, is the best you can ever be.
