Manuella: “Art therapy and the Loire, a living mosaic!

A profitable centrality in the Ancenis region

I'm originally from the Nantes vineyards. As the daughter of a winegrower, I was quickly introduced to nature and lulled by the cycle of the seasons. My "Madeleines de Proust" are the smell of freshly pressed bunches of grapes during the harvest, and enjoying the new wine together. I spent my childhood in the Loire-Atlantique region of France and studied to become a family economic advisor in Angers. As an adult, I chose to settle in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon because of its central location, its dynamic associations, culture and economy and, of course, its proximity to the Loire and its relaxing and entertaining surroundings. Its economic base has enabled me to work as a Family Social Welfare Advisor and in a host of other sectors. Today, the Loire has won me over, and I love knowing that it's close to me. And I'm not too disorientated by the rolling vineyards of the Ancenis region.

A new personal/professional impetus in the Pays d'Ancenis

I felt the need to reinvent myself professionally and to be more in line with my aspirations. My desire to develop professionally was unavoidable. I still provide support, but from a different angle and in a way that makes more sense to me. That of accompanying each individual along a path of resilience and growth.

Welcoming, understanding, expressing, being at peace with oneself. It's a long list! Whatever the case, where words are lacking to understand a wound, the body expresses itself through dance, voice, silence, music, writing, painting...

Personally, it's through movement, through dance, that I've come to terms with life's experiences. A phrase passed down to me many years ago still resonates today: "nothing stops you". The Loire takes me back to the silence inside me, the silence that, like the wind, cannot be captured and that leaves me with a feeling of peace. So, barefoot in the sand, I let myself be won over by joy, and with humility I decided to transport those who know how to watch it dance by becoming an art therapist.

Entrepreneurship and local support

Launching my own business was made a lot easier by the support of Espace Entreprendre. I was warmly advised by Fanny and Milène at the reception desk. They directed me towards various workshops on setting up a business. I had the opportunity to meet local players and professionals in the field (chartered accountant, bank advisor, project manager, etc.). Each of them made their own contribution by informing me, guiding me, encouraging me or passing on the tools I needed to set up my own business. Their professional experience of working in the field with entrepreneurs was also useful in helping me to plan and take a step back in developing my business. The themed mornings and the co-working space made available to help us launch our business are places where we can meet other entrepreneurs. They help us break out of our isolation, stay on top of things and share our experiences, doubts and fears. The diversity of our professions provides an opportunity for exchanges that are conducive to new thinking.

Art therapy: expressing pain through artistic creation

My work takes the form of individual or group sessions. I offer three group workshops for individuals: prenatal dance sessions, an adult/children's workshop and a final one called "lâche prise" for a mixed audience. Each has its own nuances. I also work on a project basis, offering my services to medical and social establishments, educational establishments and companies.

I work with individuals of all ages and all needs. Each request is of course unique to each individual. Understanding your emotions, taming your fears, dealing with grief, healing traumatic wounds and sending yourself a bouquet of flowers by boosting your self-esteem - that's a very succinct explanation of what art therapy is all about. In a one-to-one or group session, I listen carefully to what you have to say, then let my intuition take its place in my out's box. World dances, body expression, painting, writing... are combined with other skills such as Non-Violent Communication, mindfulness, DEVA flower therapy for the emotions... Whether in individual or group sessions, they are inclined towards gentleness, lightness and a source of joy.

I've also created a dance show called "Vivant", which invites us to reconnect with the living world, whether human, plant or animal. It expresses vibrancy in all its forms. What motivates me in my job is that today I can pass on and use my knowledge and skills to help each individual transform their lead into gold like an alchemist. Seeing people feel light, aligned and radiant fills me with joy. And my wish is to have a full life!

Your happy addition to the Ancenis region

Listen to the Loire before you even contemplate it! To approach the banks of the Loire is to plunge into its silence and dance with its authenticity. It's letting yourself be inspired by its unique character. The Loire is my anchor, an inexhaustible source of inspiration, and it feeds my creativity on a daily basis. Some of the landscapes in the Ancenis region remind me of my childhood, combining the tranquillity of the river with wild nature. I have a particular attraction to the richness of this area, to the calm provided by the Loire combined with an appreciable local dynamism. Likewise, I love the serenity of crossing the Ancenis-Saint-Géréon bridge in the early hours of the morning or at sunset. Generally speaking, I'm enriched by nature and what it teaches me. In my opinion, nature is an example, the logic to follow.

Do you have a special place in your life?

There are so many! The view over Ile Neuve at Le Cellier, the walk along Ile Mouchet at Ancenis-Saint-Géréon and observing the immensity of Ile aux Moines, Ile Bernardeau-Boire-Rousse and my island, Ile Briand ;). Each has its own particularity. Like my notebooks, they have their own purpose. Each one leads me to a different introspection. These places lead me to savour in all simplicity the perpetual growth of our existence and with humility to dance the very essence of being oneself; Y.

Manuella has managed to transform her passion for dance, combining it with the inspiration of nature, into a fulfilling professional activity. It's a testimony rich in life memories, showing how we can rise through entrepreneurship in a place that inspires us. Thank you to Manuella for this enthusiastic and light-hearted sharing!