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Hey Reader!
We are so grateful you are here!
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Soul on Fire Spotlight:
Alex Hawkins
Founder, Wildwood Connections
There’s a moment in every burnout story when the body whispers what the mind refuses to hear. For Alex Hawkins, that whisper came in the form of soil under her fingernails, a houseplant on a windowsill, and eventually the quiet rhythm of trail running through the hills of Northwest Arkansas. What began as exhaustion — the kind that blurs the line between living and recovering — slowly transformed into a reorientation. Nature didn’t demand anything from her. It simply offered space. And in that space, Alex found what she’d been missing: presence, connection, and the reminder that life is meant to be lived, not just managed.
That slow return to herself became the seed of Wildwood Connections, a community built on movement, nature, and belonging. Alex leads the way nature teaches — grounded, honest, unhurried. Whether guiding a mindful hike, watching strangers become friends at an event, or standing on stage at the IdeaFame pitch competition she just won, she carries the same intention: create places where people can arrive as they are and reconnect with what’s real. As Wildwood grows — with a brand launch on the horizon and a full season of community experiences ahead — Alex remains rooted in the truth that started it all. When we step outside, slow down, and let the earth quiet the noise, we find our way back to the wild within. And from that place, everything becomes possible.
And here's something special for the SoulFire community: Alex has tickets available for the Arvest Ballpark Pitch Event on April 30 — a second-round startup pitch competition where Wildwood Connections will be competing. Come out to a ballgame, support a community-centered brand in action, meet me in person, and learn more about what we're building together. If you want to attend, reach out - Alex would love to see you there.
Connect with Alex and Wildwood Connections:
Instagram and Facebook: @wildwoodconnections
Website: wildwoodconnections.com
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SoulFire Sparks Series: Josh Montanez
The Spark of Clarity and Follow-Through
Some sparks don’t come from big ideas or bold declarations. They come from consistency, and from doing what you say you’re going to do, again and again. That’s the kind of spark Josh Montanez brings to the people he serves.
In this month’s Spark Series episode of The SoulFire Sessions, Josh reminds us that leadership isn’t built on words alone. It’s built on follow-through. Through his work, he helps people find clarity in one of the most overwhelming areas of life: their finances, giving them the confidence to move forward.
Josh’s spark is rooted in growth and intention. He believes in staying “green and growing,” always learning, evolving, and never becoming complacent. That mindset shapes how he leads, not just by guiding others, but by empowering them to step into leadership in their own lives.
His story is also shaped by experiences that aren’t always visible. Through his family’s journey with hydrocephalus, Josh has gained a deeper perspective on what truly matters, strengthening how he shows up with empathy, care, and purpose.
Josh’s spark is a reminder that clarity creates confidence, but it’s follow-through that builds trust. And when you combine the two, you create a foundation for growth. Watch for his podcast episode airing soon!
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Coaches’ Corner: Renewal Through Reconnection
Spring has a way of reminding us that renewal rarely begins with big, sweeping change. More often, it starts with a small return like stepping outside, breathing deeper, or noticing what’s been waiting beneath the noise. The earth doesn’t rush into a new season; it simply reconnects with what it already knows how to do. Growth happens because the conditions support it, not because the season tries harder.
In our own lives, renewal often begins the same way. Not with reinvention, but with a quiet shift back toward what steadies us. A walk. A moment of stillness. A practice we’ve drifted from. A conversation that brings us home to ourselves. When we pause long enough to notice what restores us, clarity often rises to the surface.
This month, inspired by Alex Hawkins and her journey with Wildwood Connections, we’re inviting you to explore where reconnection might be calling you. What rhythm your body wants to return to. What small step could help you feel more grounded, more present, more like yourself again.
Renewal doesn’t require starting over. It simply asks that we come back — gently, intentionally, and at our own pace.
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Reflect & Ignite: Recent Events
2nd Annual EmpowHER: Conference 2026
Empower. Connect. Thrive.
Stop by our booth, April 30, 8am-4:30pm, Springdale, AR Benefiting Northwest Arkansas Dress for Success
Our event team is hard at work curating a calendar of upcoming events, so stay tuned — it’s coming soon!
Want to Volunteer or Sponsor an Event?
As SoulFire continues to grow, we’re always looking for individuals and organizations who want to be part of what we’re building. Whether that’s volunteering your time, collaborating, or sponsoring an event or experience, there are many ways to get involved.
If you’re interested, reach out to us at support@thesoulfire.com, we’d love to connect.
Follow us on social media to stay connected and hear about upcoming events.
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The Fire Library
Each month, we’ll share a hand-picked article, podcast, book, or tool designed to help you reconnect with your purpose and fan your inner flame.
This month’s recommendation:
“Reconnect with Nature’s Energy (Spring Renewal)”
Women’s Meditation Network
This gentle spring meditation is available in both audio and written form, making it easy to experience however you prefer. Whether you listen or read, it offers a quiet moment to reconnect with the natural world and your own inner rhythm. Rooted in breath, presence, and the grounding energy of the earth, it offers a gentle reminder that beginning again often starts with returning to what steadies you.
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SoulFire Sessions is LIVE
Check out all of our episodes on our website or anywhere you get your podcasts!
We have a brand new financial series on The SoulFire Sessions! Check out Episode 1: Mind over Money with Cristina and Josh!
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Bring SoulFire to Your Team
Did you know that we partner with organizations to create workshops and experiences focused on confidence, communication, leadership, and personal growth?
Whether your team is navigating change, building stronger connections, or investing in development, we design spaces that are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real-life application.
If this sounds like something your team could benefit from, we’d love to connect.
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With gratitude,
The SoulFire Collective
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The SoulFire Collective partners with organizations and leaders through consulting, fractional leadership, and executive coaching.
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