Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

Kristina Dahlin

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

I live in a cozy little village called Atwater. It has great food. It is wonderful for walking and building community.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

SOMATA almost predestined itself. The concept had been quietly building in me for years, but the true spark came during my two-year postgraduate training at the Nizhini Institute for Midwifery. As part of the program, we were required to assist local midwives. My preceptor, Nancy Beyda—an incredibly inspirational woman—introduced me to a postpartum technique used to soothe and realign the female pelvis while calming the nervous system. That experience opened a door. I began observing the patterns of labor and delivery through an osteopathic lens. At community births, especially home births, there is space to truly watch labor unfold. In the final hours, you can actually see the bones of the pelvis shifting and opening to make way for the baby. I remember thinking: If the bones can open so naturally, could we also guide them to close again—within just a few hours? Of course, the idea of “Closing the Bones” is not new. Cultures around the world have practiced similar rituals for thousands of years. But for me, it was like a revelation—my eyes wide open. I began asking anyone I knew to let me practice closing their bones. And from there, it took on a life of its own. My curiosity deepened. I dove into study after study, course after course, consuming everything I could find. Soon, my practice expanded beyond postpartum care. I began “shifting bones” for people of all ages and backgrounds, with a wide variety of needs. And that was the true beginning of SOMATA.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

I do a lot of fetal positioning work. When a pregnant person is told that their baby isn’t in the “right position for a vaginal birth,” it can cause tremendous stress and uncertainty. Being able to support both parent and baby in finding a better alignment often brings an immense sense of relief—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I also work with many individuals living with chronic pain. When we’re able to release that pain and shift the structure of a hurting body, the transformation is nothing short of glorious.

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

Only do what you love.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I’m so excited to see the Aura and Color Therapy side of my practice really taking off. Unlike the bodywork I do, Aura Therapy is tangible and easy to connect with—it’s something you can feel, see, and experience. My best friend, soul sister, and business partner, Danielle Roberts, and I are both certified Aura-Soma Practitioners, and we’ve fully embraced this beautiful Color Care System. I’ve explored everything from traditional aura readings to tarot, but Aura-Soma has been one of the most powerful and uplifting healing experiences I’ve ever had. So much so, that I knew I had to study it and become a practitioner. It’s a true treat for the senses—deeply transformative, gentle, and supportive—but also a lot of fun. Honestly, it’s a joy to share with others.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One common misconception is that I am a witch. Some people associate the bodywork I practice with witchcraft. I understand how it might sound amusing, but in truth, this is a significant misunderstanding of my work. I do not engage in the dark arts. What I do incorporate is energy work. There is a very real distinction, but trendy culture often blurs that line. The recent rise in surface-level "witchy" trends has unfortunately diluted the depth of true healing practices. It can even prevent people from seeking care with me—or any other healer—because they assume we rely only on “woo” rather than integrating science and structure. The second misconception is that I am the one doing all the work. This is a major mistake. The true healer is always the client—their heart, mind, and body hold the wisdom for change. My role is simply to guide, support, and create space for their own healing journey to unfold.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

The honest truth is that my biggest struggle has been other people. Oddly enough, jealousy and insecurity from others have been the hardest things to navigate. I’ve learned that anything new or innovative will always face resistance, because “the system” doesn’t like change. I deal with these challenges by leaning deeper into my purpose, staying grounded in my work, and reminding myself that the value of what I offer speaks louder than any doubt or distraction. I also don’t take on what isn’t mine—I leave the fuss to those making the mess, and I stay focused on the work that truly matters.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Easy. Better Midler. Barbra Streisand.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

To my dear friend and mentor, Nancy Beyda. And to Danielle Roberts, who is the best business partner.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

https://www.somatabirthwork.com/. IG: somatabodywork and IG: solecito.losangeles