About the Shambhalla Institute

The Shambhalla Institute was created in 1991 for the study and application of how environment directly impacts one's quality of life.

The Institute transforms the spaces in which you live and work through a unique integration of design psychology, feng shui, shamanic principles, and sustainable interior design. By fusing these four disciplines into a single powerful system, they revolutionize the way your home or business functions, uncovers the hidden blocks to your growth and success and unlocks your full potential to empower your life.

Each client is given a personalized experience through hourly consultations, training or retreats. The Institute is brought to projects of many scopes and sizes, from high-concept home and business designs to short consultations that guide you to refresh your existing space on your own.

This comprehensive approach enhances the health, beauty and energetic feel of your environment. It becomes a deeply personal process of renewal and reconnection to self.

The Shambhalla Institute's diverse background, holistic approach and reputation for comprehensive classes offer students the opportunity to experience dynamic, in-depth learning in shamanic studies, feng shui, permaculture, and sustainable gardening.

Our gardening division has garnered a book, Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Sustainable Garden, published by Process Media and released in January 2013.

The Founders

Melinda Joy Miller founded the Shambhalla Institute in 1991, incorporating her extensive background as a nationally known feng shui master, medicine woman and Keeper of the Medicine Wheel of Peace and Cycles of Truth Teachings of the ancient Seneca People, sensorimotor- integrative therapist and cultural anthropologist. Her experience in child and cognitive development has a direct effect on the environments in which she works to influence her client's sensory comfort within the space. Melinda Joy is also an expert in permaculture, metaphysical healing, and herbology.

Teaching all shamanic and sustainable gardening classes, Melinda Joy also facilitates personalized feng shui consultations, offers a full range of shamanic services, and has pioneered a specialized approach to garden transformations called Shamanic Gardening. This exceptional system has been turned into a book published by Process Media and titled Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Sustainable Garden.

Her daughter, Kim Colwell, a second generation feng shui master and conscious interior designer who had grown up with these diverse modalities since childhood, founded the Institute’s interior design and custom furniture projects, as well as, consulting clients on small scale projects with a service called Space Revitalization. In this service, Kim transforms homes and businesses with minor adjustments by using economic design solutions and a specialized technique called design psychology. She is known for turning her environments into warm, inviting spaces that nurture her client's ability to focus, motivate, and heal.

Both mother and daughter team use their diverse backgrounds to create personalized experiences for each client and student, regardless of the budget or the projects's scale.

In The Press

Pasadena and C magazines have both featured articles on the partner's unique approach to transforming environments, sighting them as 'urban healers'. They have been interviewed on many radio shows, including NPR and the Kathleen Show, and Bethany Perry Life Purpose Radio. Their interior design and feng shui projects have been featured in Lucky, Angeleno, Feng Shui for Modern Living, JCK Luxury, Women's Wear Daily, California Apparel News, InStore, Rapaport Diamond Report, and National Jeweler. Melinda Joy has two times graced the cover of Philadelphia Inquirer's Daily News, and Pasadena Magazine.

Locations

Founded in Philadelphia in 1991, Kim is now based in Los Angeles and Melinda Joy in Orlando. the partners work throughout the United States and in Vancouver, BC, Canada. They are now set up to do consultations and classes world-wide phone or via skype.

What client's have to say

“The vast amount of knowledge makes the Institute special. You don't realize how much they positively impact your life until your life starts shifting.” Gilden Tumador, Recording Artist

 “The Shambhalla Institute brings more beauty, alignment and peace into people’s lives through their physical surroundings.” Deborah Eden Tull, Author of The Natural Kitchen

“The Shambhalla institute provides many ways to improve your life and space. You will tap into emotions and creativity that can help you become the person you want to be.” Carla Gentile, Hairdresser

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