Written by Evelyn Mytka, Contributing Writer
Jennifer Opoku’s entrepreneurial journey into wellness has been years in the making, even if her business, DAJA Wellness, officially launched only recently. Based in Edmonton, Jennifer offers Reiki sessions designed to help people slow down, quiet mental noise, and reconnect with their intuition. With a background in health sciences librarianship and a long-standing interest in holistic healing, DAJA Wellness represents a thoughtful blend of care, reflection, and intentional business-building.
We spoke with Jennifer about what led her to start her practice, the realities of launching a business in its earliest stages, and what she’s learning as she grows.
“There was always that part of me that wanted to have healing as part of something I did.”
Evelyn: What led you to start DAJA Wellness?
Jennifer: My professional background is in health sciences librarianship, and throughout my career I had the opportunity to work with faculty who explored the psycho-spiritual aspects of health. That really deepened my interest in holistic healing.
When I was younger, I wanted to become a doctor, and even as my career evolved, I always felt drawn to healing work in some form. I began studying Reiki over ten years ago, and from my very first experience, I remember thinking how meaningful it would be to offer this kind of support to others someday.
That idea stayed with me for years. Eventually, I came across a message that said Reiki could be used as an income source, and something clicked. I started DAJA Wellness in the fall of 2025, so it’s still very new. My website launched at the end of the year, and I’m very much in the early stages. It’s exciting and a little scary at the same time.
“Most people experience a slowing of anxious thoughts and a deep sense of relaxation.”
Evelyn: How do you describe DAJA Wellness to someone who’s never experienced Reiki before?
Jennifer: I describe DAJA Wellness as an opportunity to slow down and quiet the constant mental noise many of us carry. Reiki helps create space to think more clearly and reconnect with your own intuition and inner wisdom. Reiki isn’t meant to replace medical care, but it works very well alongside it, supporting overall well-being in a different way.
Most sessions last about 60 minutes and are deeply focused on relaxation. I offer both distance Reiki sessions, which can be supported remotely through platforms like Zoom or Teams.
During a session, I use traditional Reiki hand positions, working from the head down to the feet to help ensure grounding at the end. People often experience a calming of anxious thoughts, and sometimes emotions come up. It’s important for me as a practitioner to hold space for whatever shows up, whether that’s stillness, reflection, or emotion.
“I want to show up authentically in my marketing, without draining myself in the process.”
Evelyn: What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Jennifer: Marketing, without a doubt.
I’m naturally more comfortable working behind the scenes, and while I’ve grown more confident over time, finding a way to market myself that feels authentic has been challenging. Social media can be a great tool, but I’ve had to figure out how to use it in a way that doesn’t feel draining.
Beyond that, there are very practical questions, like where to advertise, how to network, and who to talk to. The Business Launch Program helped me think through those questions in a way that felt manageable and aligned with who I am.
“I’m learning to be comfortable and proud of my new identity as a Reiki professional.”
Evelyn: What are you most proud of so far?
Jennifer: One big moment for me was donating a Reiki session as an auction item for the Edmonton Jazz Society. Putting myself out there like that felt scary, but it was also empowering. Someone won the session, and I’m really looking forward to working with them.
I’m also proud of stepping into this new professional identity. Calling myself a Reiki practitioner and business owner is different from how I’ve shown up in the world before, and learning to feel comfortable with that shift has been a meaningful part of the journey.
“I thought once I launched and told people, clients would just appear.”
Evelyn: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before starting?
Jennifer: I wish I had better understood how much time management and patience matter, especially when balancing multiple roles. Starting a business takes more time than you expect, and it requires energy.
I had this idea that once I launched and told people what I was offering, clients would naturally appear. While that may happen eventually, it hasn’t been immediate, and that’s okay. Learning to be patient with the process and realistic about timelines has been important.
“I want to increase my visibility by participating in vendor opportunities like festivals, fairs, or markets.”
Evelyn: What’s next for DAJA Wellness?
Jennifer: In the short term, I’m interested in exploring vendor opportunities, such as fairs or markets, as a way to increase visibility and connect with new people. These spaces feel like a good opportunity to meet potential clients, learn from being in community-focused environments, and continue building confidence in showing up as a business owner.
Longer term, I’m interested in teaching Reiki, but I know that’s something to explore once the business is more established. For now, I’m focused on building a strong foundation.
“The Business Launch Program made it really easy for me to get my head around what I did know and what I didn’t know yet.”
Evelyn: How did Business Link Alberta support you along the way?
Jennifer: The Business Launch Program was a gentle and supportive introduction to entrepreneurship. It helped me understand what I already knew, what I didn’t know yet, and what questions I needed to start asking.
Working one-on-one with my Business Strategist was especially helpful. I tend to have “questions about questions,” and he was incredibly patient in helping me reframe things in a way that made sense and felt authentic to me. The program helped me think through mission and vision, financials, and administrative considerations I might not have otherwise prioritized.
I’ve already recommended Business Link Alberta to others who are exploring business ideas or looking for reliable resources!
“It’s okay to start small, ask for help, and build something that genuinely fits your life rather than forcing yourself into someone’s model of success.”
Evelyn: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a business?
Jennifer: There are people and resources out there to support you, and there is a way to approach entrepreneurship that doesn’t require you to force yourself into someone else’s version of success.
Move at a pace that supports your nervous system and long-term sustainability. It’s okay to start small, ask for help, and build something that genuinely fits your life.
Jennifer’s journey with DAJA Wellness reflects a thoughtful approach to entrepreneurship, one that values alignment, patience, and sustainability. For anyone exploring a business idea or navigating early decisions, having space to talk things through can make a real difference.
If you’re exploring a business idea or navigating early decisions, Business Link Alberta offers free, one-on-one meetings with business strategists who can help you talk through your next steps. Book a one-on-one meeting to get personalized support as you build your business.
