We’re Sierra and Molly.
We source inspiration from the rhythms and elements of nature, and we are excited to share our insights with you.
Molly McConnell, Co-founder
Molly is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and long-time yoga teacher/student committed to living intentionally and supporting others in their process to do the same. She strives to uplift themes of collective wellness and radical self-love in all that she does.
Molly believes that a more compassionate world is possible, and that we have an opportunity to co-create alternative solutions together. But first, we must know ourselves — we must re-cultivate the ability to listen to our bodies, to understand our needs, and to believe that we are worthy of our own love. In this process, radical self care gives rise to collective wellness.
With a bachelor’s degree in Women & Gender Studies and more than 2,000 hours of Ayurvedic study and clinical experience at Alandi Gurukula, Molly is a lover of both learning and unlearning. She is humbled to share this ancient wisdom as it intersects with more contemporary movements of feminism, liberation and justice. Through her own practice of radical self care, she strives to remain curious and patient — creating more space for inspiration, connection, and deep focus.
Molly found Ayurveda as a means to finding herself while journeying through India. It was the discovery of this all-encompassing philosophy that enabled her to connect more deeply with herself and with others — to honor and appreciate the fine line between human resilience and fragility. She is dedicated to holding space for the spectrum of what it means to be human.
Molly currently resides in Northern California, where she teaches workshops and works with clients one-on-one. She will be transitioning to Asheville, North Carolina later this year.
Sierra Brashear, Co-founder
Sierra Brashear, MA is a NAMA Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, wellness educator, and social entrepreneur. She believes that by tuning in to ancient earth-based wisdom traditions, we will discover contemporary ways to heal ourselves, our families and our planet. She is deeply committed to integrating social and environmental justice into the modern wellness movement.
Holding a Masters degree in Environmental Peace and Security, and having formally studied Ayurveda at Alandi Gurukula for over 2,000 hours, Sierra truly understands the ways in which we are deeply intertwined with the health and wellbeing of the planet at both the individual and the collective levels.
With her passion to support purpose-oriented people to deepen their capacity to be of service, Sierra is currently serving as Global Operations Executive Business Partner at Airbnb. She is also founder of Vibrant Souls and co-founder of Moon Bath, and co-author of Moon Bath | Bathing Rituals And Recipes For Relaxation And Vitality, published in 2020 by Chronicle Books.
Sierra is originally from the mountains of Colorado, but currently resides in Mexico City.
Get Centered: Self Care to Inspire Thoughtful Action
virtual workshop
This virtual workshop is intended to support you to counter the stress-response that many of us are experiencing. In it, Molly will share radical self care practices to replenish your body and mind.
When we are overcome by stress, we feel ungrounded — unable to think clearly and to act thoughtfully. Chronic, depleting stress holds us back from showing up, doing the work, and making a difference. Take care of yourself, so you can keep showing up for the cause. True and lasting change takes time — we need you to stay inspired, energized and connected.
Our Practice
Cultivate Balance is the joint practice of Certified Ayurvedic Practitioners Molly McConnell, ERYT and Sierra Brashear, MA. We are both graduates of the Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula 2000+ hour Ayurvedic Practitioner program, where we studied under world renowned Ayurvedic Doctor, Alakananda Ma.
Our mission is to build individual and collective resilience through Ayurvedic Lifestyle Design as an emergent strategy for growing our capacity to embody the just and sustainable world we know is possible. Cultivate Balance provides personal consultations, virtual workshops, in-depth lifestyle programs, community wellness and consulting that support you (and your community) to nurture yourself so you can nurture the world.
Our approach to wellness invites a deep understanding and appreciation for your individuality, offering self care practices that inspire you to celebrate your strengths and overcome your challenges...so you can show up to do your life’s work. The focus is on nutrition, lifestyle routines and self care practices that support you in honoring the most balanced expression of your authentic nature. It is by reclaiming internal balance that your body can heal itself and lasting wellness becomes available.
Rooted in Ayurveda, our wellness systems weave ancient wisdom for holistic healing into the modern context. We seek to ensure this powerful knowledge is accessible to all who desire to embark on a journey of renewal.