Wellthy Woman Spotlight: Courtney Besser of Intune Wellness

Meet Courtney Besser, the founder and owner of Intune Wellness, a meditation and sound healing studio in Denver, Colorado. Originally from southern Illinois, Courtney took a significant leap of faith in 2020 when she was furloughed from her long-standing role at a five-star spa where she practiced massage and esthetics. Undeterred, she embraced entrepreneurship, initially building her clientele through word of mouth and renting spaces around Denver for her one-on-one sessions and group sound baths. By 2023, the perfect studio space manifested, and Intune Wellness Studio was born.

While her journey has been filled with personal and professional growth, it has not been without challenges. Courtney’s path has been shaped by faith, intuition and a passion for building a vibrant community. She describes the experience as incredibly rewarding, demonstrating the power of perseverance and self-belief.

The Impact of Sound Healing

Courtney passionately believes in the transformative potential of sound healing, whether through one-on-one sessions or group sound bath meditations. She often reminds clients that because our bodies are mostly made of water, sound can resonate within us on a profound level, facilitating deep healing. Her goal is for each client to remain open to their unique experience, noticing subtle shifts in perception immediately after a session and the potential for life-changing effects weeks or even months later.

She recalls a particularly memorable story of a client who attended a sound bath in April and reached out months later to share that they were still feeling the positive effects of the experience. For Courtney, these moments affirm the profound impact of her practice, from enhanced creativity and meditative states to nervous system regulation and brainwave shifts.

Cultural Background and Personal Influence

Growing up as a Black woman in a small Midwestern town, Courtney wasn’t exposed to wellness practices or meditation until she took a yoga class in college over 20 years ago. At that time, there was little Black or Brown representation in wellness spaces, and the practices were far from mainstream. This experience fueled her passion for teaching and sharing wellness practices, especially with other Black and Brown individuals. For Courtney, representation matters deeply, and she is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all.

Navigating Challenges in the Wellness Industry

Courtney’s journey in the wellness industry as a Black woman has been filled with unique challenges, from microaggressions to curious, often intrusive questions from those who find it difficult to comprehend her success. Despite these hurdles, she has remained steadfast in her mission, growing more confident in her purpose. She has learned that not everyone will understand or appreciate her work, and that’s perfectly fine. For Courtney, it’s about staying true to her path and purpose.

Advice for Aspiring BIPOC Women in Wellness

For other BIPOC women looking to start their own wellness business, Courtney emphasizes the importance of finding aligned modalities and practitioners that make you feel seen and welcome. She believes you can’t truly heal or connect if you don’t feel comfortable in the spaces or with the people guiding you. Her advice: study, train, learn, find a mentor and become an expert in your area of interest. And when the time feels right, take that leap!

Incorporating Holistic Wellness into Daily Life

Courtney’s mission with Intune Wellness is to guide individuals back to their intuition so they can trust themselves and achieve vitality in all aspects of their lives. She practices what she preaches by maintaining her own wellness routines. Her daily practice includes at least 10 minutes of meditation—sometimes seated, sometimes guided or accompanied by sound healing and sound baths on Spotify or YouTube. She also journals and engages in her spiritual practice. Her key tip: consistency. Even dedicating just 5 to 10 minutes daily to self-care can make a significant difference.

Future Goals for Intune Wellness

Looking ahead, Courtney is excited about the future growth and evolution of Intune Wellness. While she doesn’t have a specific roadmap, she trusts her intuition to guide her. She dreams of expanding her reach through online offerings and classes, and she hopes to share her knowledge through mentoring and coaching. With a deep love for sound healing, she also envisions traveling more and hosting retreats.

A Simple Sound Healing Practice for Wellbeing

Courtney recommends a simple sound healing practice for readers to try at home: listening to frequency music (such as 888 Hz or 528 Hz) or sound meditations on platforms like YouTube or Spotify, particularly before bed. Additionally, she suggests the Box Breath meditation—a calming technique you can practice anywhere:

1. Find a quiet spot to sit.
2. Close your eyes and place your hands on your heart or rest them in your lap.
3. Inhale for 4 counts (1, 2, 3, 4).
4. Hold for 4 counts (1, 2, 3, 4).
5. Exhale for 4 counts (1, 2, 3, 4).
6. Hold for 4 counts (1, 2, 3, 4).
7. Repeat until you feel more grounded, typically for 2 to 5 minutes.

Through her journey with Intune Wellness, Courtney Besser continues to inspire others to trust their intuition, embrace healing and create spaces that truly reflect their authentic selves.