In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with her longtime teacher and mentor, Amanda Sophia, for a conversation that blends feng shui, seasonal wisdom, and conscious business—with a special focus on the “in-between” season we’re in right now (that liminal space between the Year of the Snake and the incoming Fire Horse).

Together, Rachel and Amanda explore how your space—whether it’s your home, studio, restaurant, spa, or retreat property—acts as a living mirror for your energy, your patterns, and your next level. This is a grounded, soulful episode about clearing what’s no longer aligned, choosing collaborations from full-body yes, and setting your business up for expansion without burnout.

Amanda reframes January as a time that often asks us to slow down, reflect, and stop forcing momentum just because the calendar flipped. Instead of hustling, she invites you to tune into nature’s timing—winter as rest, dreaming, integration… the space where clarity actually lands.

Amanda shares a deeper view of feng shui: your home or business isn’t random—it’s often a soul match. You’re drawn to certain spaces because they reflect your energetic blueprint, and they can also support your healing and evolution. Your environment mirrors back what’s happening internally—clutter, broken items, stuck corners, loose handles… all of it carries information.

As we move into a Fire Horse year, the energy shifts toward:

1. expansion, movement, opportunity
2. heart-led leadership (integrity matters more than ever)
3. authentic expression (no watering down your true work)
4. collaboration—but only with full alignment

Amanda also names the shadow side: with fire + speed comes the risk of burnout, scattered energy, and saying yes too quickly. The medicine? Grounding and deep nervous-system support.

Amanda gives clear, beginner-friendly guidance for activating supportive energy in your business this year:

1. Southeast: the most auspicious energy (prosperity, joy, success, “peach blossom” connection energy).
2. Simple activation ideas: a candle ritual, meaningful symbolism of prosperity, or planting something outdoors in the SE area.
3. East: another highly supportive prosperity area.
4. Activation ideas: a salt lamp, fiery-toned crystals, uplifting intention, daily energetic practices in that zone.
5. South: the area to support with metal to help neutralize more challenging energy.
6. Examples: a metal bowl with coins, bronze décor, metal objects...