What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is translated as “Wind and Water.” It is the ancient Chinese art of placement and positioning of your belongings to enhance the flow of ch’i (energy) within your space.  Feng Shui may enhance your well-being and success by modifying the layout of your home and workplace. The flow of positive and negative energy is determined by the placement of furniture and objects within a space. By adjusting the flow of ch'i in a space with Feng Shui principles, you are able to create an environment that supports your well-being, promotes a sense of harmony, creates peace and happiness.

How Does Feng Shui Work?

Feng Shui is both a science and an art form. It provides a practical approach to making changes in nine life areas through the art of placement and intention. It is important for you to look not only at the condition of your home or office in these areas, but also at your life and what your personal goals are for making changes or improvements in these areas. As a consultant, I observe the energy flow within your physical space and find relationships with your inner self and physical environment. A “grid” or Bagua (pronounced “bah-gwah”) is laid over your floor plan to map out the nine areas of concern or enhancement in your life or within your company. The Bagua can be placed over property, floorplans, individual rooms, a bed or a desk. The nine life areas include: Health, Wealth, Fame & Reputation, Partnership, Children & Creativity, Helpful People, Career, Knowledge and Family.

 Julie Karels - Biography

 I am an interior designer and a certified Feng Shui consultant. With over a decade of experience in the interior design field, along with a balance of my western beliefs with my Asian heritage, I have developed a common sense approach to the art of Feng Shui and its principles. 

Through my business, Say Ch’i (pronounced “chee”), I consult with individuals, businesses, builders, teachers, architects/designers and realtors on applying these principles to shift the flow of energy (ch’i) in a space to create a positive atmosphere to live or work in. By making adjustments to the layout of a space, the well-being, prosperity and happiness of clients may be enhanced and bring change. I take the mystery out of this ancient philosophy and make it easy for clients to incorporate Feng Shui into their daily lives.

I hold a degree in interior design from the University of Minnesota. I am also a graduate of the Wind and Water School of Feng Shui, which is licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and taught by its president and founder, Carole J. Hyder, the internationally known speaker, author and teacher. I am certified in the Black Sect tradition, which is a western version of Feng Shui that uses the front door of your home or workplace as the starting point. I am also an active member of FSIM (Feng Shui Institute of the Midwest).

Consultations:

My services include Feng Shui consultations, interior design consultations or a combination of both. I also offer consultations during the beginning stages of floor plan design for homes and businesses. I will meet with you and your builder, realtor, architect or designer. I also work directly with realtors for staging.  Lastly, I also offer in-home parties teaching your guests about how to use Feng Shui in their own lives.

Feng Shui Consultation:

1.                  You will need to provide an accurate floor plan (to scale) ahead of our scheduled appointment. This floor plan may be a builder’s blue print (photocopy) or a simple line drawing that you have hand drawn on graph paper (also to scale). The drawing should indicate interior walls, windows, doors, attached garages, closets, toilets, sinks, etc. The location of furniture is not necessary for this drawing.  An important part of Feng Shui is your intention.  Determine what issues or changes are the most important in your life currently. 

2.                  You will need a new, red envelope to enclose payment for the consultation. It is a tradition in Feng Shui for a consultant to receive payment in a red envelope. This is a way to honor the information and energy exchanged between the consultant and client.

3.            You may clean your space as you would if you were expecting company. However, if you move or eliminate areas of clutter that typically collect in your home or work area, your space will not be an accurate reflection of how you live or work.

Each consultation lasts approximately 1 hour. My fee includes study of your floor plan and preparation needed before the actual face-to-face consultation.

Interior Design Consultation:

I will schedule an initial consultation to go over the changes you want to make in your space from and aesthetic standpoint. I will make suggestions for changes or additions that you may do on your own such as modifying furniture placement, painting, purchasing new pieces of furniture or changing the placement of your existing accessories. I also offer decorating services for your home using your existing belongings as well as the option to purchase additional items based on a budget that you set for me.

Hosting a Say Ch'i Party:

In the comfort of your own home, you may invite a group of friends for a Say Ch'i party.  I will teach your group the basics of Feng Shui and how you may apply the principles of this ancient philosophy to your own homes with decorating tips as well as energy adjustments.  I will describe how you may improve aspects in your lives such as prosperity, relationships, health, career and happiness.

Contact Information:

Email me at say-chi@hotmail.com or call 763-767-4496 for pricing and to schedule a consultation.

If you can shape it in your mind, you will find it in your life…