About
Brightwise & Elka Eastly Vera, M.A.
Brightwise is a multi-modal approach
I’ve honed over the past 25 years to illuminate your brilliance. It blends classical coaching with mind-body modalities alongside strategic consulting and thought partnership.
In Brightwise Sessions, I draw on training
in coaching, hypnotherapy, energy work and other practices to help you connect with your own power and wisdom.
I also bring nearly thirty years of experience
in creative entrepreneurship to support you in your leadership, career, or business.
Scroll down for some highlights from my background that might inform our work together, a summary of my education and training, plus five fun facts about me.
“Elka is a spiritually creative and deep thinking strategist who can help you get to the root of any obstacles you might face.”
— Entrepreneur
Experience Highlights
Studied and trained extensively in women’s spirituality and in interfaith traditions with special interests in meditation, ritual, nature, dreams, and the healing arts.
Grew my freelance graphic design and writing business into an award-winning creative agency with a small staff.
Opened and ran a boutique and art gallery in San Francisco.
Developed deep expertise at the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and entrepreneurship.
Earned a Master’s degree in Culture & Spirituality.
Wrote a book and illustrated a deck of wisdom cards to go with it; turned the cards into an iPhone app then into a web-based app; developed the book content into a signature course.
Wrote a few more books, including some guides for entrepreneurs, a collection of personal essays, and a journal for flower essence enthusiasts.
Maintained a studio arts practice, as well as a daily writing practice for nearly 35 years.
Developed and taught courses in personal growth and empowerment over the past 25+ years.
Capitalized multiple business initiatives through a mix of methods, including angel investors, crowdfunding, self-funding, and traditional bank financing.
“I’ve hired Elka as a consultant, attended her trainings and received her professional guidance. No one I know has as much mastery when it comes to mixing business, art and spirit.”
— Fundraising Consultant
Education + Training
M.A. in Culture & Spirituality
Holy Names University, OaklandB.A. in English/American Literature
University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Regents Scholar; College Honors; Honors in the MajorCertifications
Spiritual Coaching, Life Coaching, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Reiki 1-3 (Master), and moreTransformative Training from
Coaches Training Institute, Life Purpose Institute, Hypnotherapy Training Institute, and numerous other institutes and private teachersBusiness Training from
San Francisco Small Business Development Center, SBA, Marie Forleo’s B-School, SCORE, and other professional programs and mentors
“Elka’s expertise in branding, business, and coaching enable her to guide her clientele in identifying, and manifesting their highest visions for themselves and their businesses.”
— Massage Therapist
5 Fun Facts About Me
I was born in San Francisco and returned there after college when I started my first career.
I grew up in a military family and lived for many years in Germany. As a high-school student at the International School of Düsseldorf, I participated in math competitions in different European cities and played in soccer tournaments in countries as close as neighboring Austria and as far off as Greece.
I shaved my head and road a motorcycle while I was an undergrad in Santa Cruz.
I created a beautiful illustration for my business in 1999 that I loved so much I had it tattooed onto the back of my neck. Talk about commitment to branding!
I had my first child at the age of 41. This pivotal experience figures prominently in my book, Welcome the Wild Pollinators.
