OUR STORY
HEARTBREAK TO HANAKO: Rachel & Jeff Holm’s Journey
Despite having worked as a professional dancer for much of her life, Rachel Holm had always been interested in alternative methods of healing. When she responded to acupuncture in her 20’s after other treatment failed to help her with a nagging ailment, she became increasingly curious about the benefits of Eastern philosophies and traditions. In 2009, Rachel and husband Jeff fell pregnant with baby Sierra, and it was then that Rachel decided to further her studies into Energetic Healing as she fully appreciated the joy in meditation and reflection. However, two days before Sierra was due to be born Rachel and Jeff were given the heart shattering news that their precious daughter had passed away. It was this life altering, earth shaking experience that provoked a change in direction of the family’s life. Rachel used the loss of Sierra to guide her and inspire her to follow her passion and path to learn more about alternative health. And in 2010 she fell pregnant again. In December 2011, Rachel completed her two-year Diploma in Energetic and Spiritual Healing with newborn Willow in tow.


In 2013, the family of three set out on an adventure year in the USA – Jeff’s country of origin, all while Rachel continued her studies in Aromatherapy and Apothecary in California, as well as Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training at Golden Bridge in LA. Mid-year they changed from plane to car and decided to take a road trip across the country, but Willow began to suffer almost immediately from carsickness. Desperately seeking child-friendly natural remedies from local pharmacies and health food shops, Rachel could not find anything to appease her daughters sickness and so set about putting together her own blend that would alleviate Willow’s digestion and upset stomach, as well as adding some vibrational essences for the constant changes and various environments they would encounter. Rachel rubbed it onto Willow’s wrists, feet and stomach before clicking the seatbelt in each morning and the results spoke for themselves. The bucket companion retired, the tissues were put away and every member of their family was able to enjoy the trip. "Happy Tracks" was born. Rachel was so inspired and intrigued by the results of using the earth’s raw essences – and by the beauty of the land they were travelling through – that by the end of the journey she had created nine new environmental essences to help in supporting, balancing and uplifting the body and mind’s energy, and so Hanako Therapies was born.
About Hanako Therapies
Hanako Therapies was born after Rachel and Jeff Holm tragically suffered the loss of their precious daughter Sierra two days before she was due to be born. This defining moment on October 23, 2009 lead the husband and wife duo to explore alternative healing with the love of nature. The result is a brand that embraces the power of Mother Earth’s abundant raw essences to support, balance and uplift the mind, body and spirit.
