Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Rose Karch – Gries.
Hi Laura Rose, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, My name is Laura Karch-Gries, RYT, HHP, and my life’s work is dedicated to resilience, transformation, and holistic wellness. My personal journey began with a major challenge. Once defined by my athletic identity, everything changed when a car accident left me paralyzed from the neck down. Through years of intense rehabilitation, relentless perseverance, and deep self-discovery, I not only reclaimed my strength but also found a spiritual path that completely transformed my life. I’ve learned that every obstacle carries the potential for growth, healing, and self-reinvention.
Today, I channel my passion for wellness into a variety of platforms, all designed to support individuals in the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of their lives. Together with my husband, I co-created Awakenings Health, a local Chinese and Ayurvedic wellness clinic in Raleigh dedicated to holistic health practices. My work here allows me to combine ancient healing approaches with modern techniques to deliver a whole-person approach to wellness.
I also maintain a thriving massage practice and teach yoga throughout the Raleigh community, where I connect with individuals and help them tap into their own strength, self-awareness, and well-being. Yoga, for me, is not about perfect poses or competition; it’s about showing up for yourself with unconditional love and acceptance, and that’s the approach I bring to every class I lead.
To expand my mission even further, in 2022 I launched a weekly podcast called Magic Seeds. Each episode is a chance for me to share ideas, inspiration, and actionable steps to help listeners create lives rooted in wellness and self-discovery. The podcast has become a space for planting the small but mighty seeds of change that can grow into extraordinary transformations.
And then there’s Awakenings Online, which my husband and I launched in 2024. This is the heart of my vision to make health and wellness accessible to all. At awakeningsonline.net, we’ve created a dynamic, interactive platform that empowers individuals to focus on their healing and growth from anywhere in the world. Awakenings Online offers yoga, meditation, conscious breathing practices, and other tools for self-care, all designed to nurture physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. It’s more than a wellness program; it’s a supportive community where people from all walks of life connect, motivate each other, and work through life’s challenges side by side.
What I love most about Awakenings Online is that it’s personal. It comes from my desire to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and never alone in their struggles. We’ve built a vibrant network where members explore not only the tools for well-being but also the sense of belonging that transforms those tools into a fulfilling lifestyle. Seeing people overcome obstacles they thought were impossible and discover their inner strength is why I do this work.
My own life is far from picture-perfect. I’m a mom to three amazing, active and energetic kids, a caretaker to my two dogs and three cats, and someone navigating the daily chaos of a full and busy life. But that’s why I’m so passionate about what I teach—I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to carve out moments of care, connection, and healing amidst the messiness. Whether it’s through my podcast, yoga classes, Awakenings Health, or Awakenings Online, my goal is always to empower people to honor where they are, grow day by day, and discover the joy and strength that comes from true wellness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. It’s been everything but smooth! I’ve hit potholes, detours, complete road closures, and sometimes it’s felt like I’ve been driving on a road that I had to pave myself! But all of that has shaped who I am today.
My spinal cord injury taught me the importance of self-care at a very young age. Honestly, I didn’t have a choice. When you have a spinal cord injury, your body can go downhill fast in so many ways if you aren’t taking care of it. Rehab became my life, and I learned early on that self-care wasn’t optional for me; it was essential for survival. That ingrained a level of discipline in me that has carried through to everything I do, but here’s the kicker—as life got more complicated with businesses, kids, and all the responsibilities of being a wife and mom, self-care became one more thing I had to juggle.
Starting businesses was a path I found early on, but it wasn’t a smooth ride either. I started young and failed a lot. I’d pour my heart, soul, and even some savings into an idea, only to see it not work out the way I’d hoped. And then I’d try again. And again. Each time, I’d learn something new, both about business and about myself. Now, with multiple businesses under my belt, I see those “failures” not as failures, but as stepping stones to where I am today. Each attempt taught me resilience and shaped the business owner I’ve become.
And then, just when I thought I was gaining traction in my career, I chose to hit pause. I started my family later in life, and when we welcomed three amazing little girls into our world in three and a half years, my priorities shifted completely. I’ve never been someone who settles for “good enough.” If I was going to be a mom, I was going to be the best one I could be. That’s easier said than done, of course. Motherhood has been the joy of my life, but it’s also a full-time job that doesn’t clock out. And now that my “little ones” are pre-teens, I can confidently say the challenges don’t go away; they just get more…interesting. I’m in the middle of navigating perimenopause while raising three pre-teen girls. Some days, the hormones in our house feel like a science experiment I definitely didn’t sign up for. If you sense an underlying competition to see who has the most mood swings, I’d put my bet on our household winning, hands down.
What makes life even more of a juggling act is the fact that I’m still deeply passionate about my work. My businesses, my podcast, my dedication to helping people—I’ve never lost sight of that dream, and now I’m sweeping those passions back into my life alongside my family. It’s a lot. I’ll be honest—I don’t have this magic system for keeping everything balanced because the truth is, balance is a myth. It’s about doing the best you can each day and giving yourself grace when things fall short.
What’s not negotiable, though, is my health. I’ve spent three decades building strength and maintaining my body because if I don’t, I regress, and I regress fast. But it’s not just about the physical side anymore. Now, as I approach 50, it’s about maintaining everything. Physical, mental, emotional—I need all cylinders firing to keep up with three daughters who probably think I was born yesterday, multiple businesses, and my own well-being. Some days I nail it; other days, I crawl into bed and pray for energy to do it all again tomorrow. But no matter how hectic life gets, I find joy and purpose in every part of it.
Do I still face obstacles? Absolutely. But here’s the beautiful part—I’ve been down so many rough roads before that now, when things get rocky, I know how to handle the bumps. My life is messy, chaotic, and full, but it’s also so deeply fulfilling because I’m doing the things I love, for the people I love, while still finding ways to give back and lift others up. And that’s worth every challenge I’ve faced.
As you know, we’re big fans of Awakenings Online. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
When it comes to my businesses, each one has been born from my personal experiences and my passion for helping others achieve total wellness. At the heart of what I do is a dedication to empowering people to take control of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and I’m so proud of the different ways I’m able to provide that through my work.
First, I’d love to talk about awakeningsonline.net. Awakenings Online is my vision for accessible wellness come to life. It’s a dynamic, interactive platform where people can find tools and resources to prioritize their health and well-being from anywhere in the world. We specialize in combining practices like yoga, meditation, conscious breathing, and more to guide people on a holistic path of healing and growth. But what truly sets Awakenings Online apart is the sense of community we’ve built. It’s more than just a wellness program; it’s a safe, supportive space where people gather to support and inspire one another through life’s challenges. Seeing members connect, thrive, and transform—that’s what fuels me. If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that this platform is for everyone, no matter where you are in your health or wellness journey. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your connection with yourself, Awakenings Online is here to meet you exactly where you are.
Then there’s Awakenings Health, the Chinese and Ayurvedic wellness clinic my husband and I co-founded right here in Raleigh. This clinic is deeply rooted in centuries-old healing traditions, and what makes it special is the way we integrate these approaches with modern wellness practices. At Awakenings Health, we focus on treating each person as a whole—not just addressing symptoms, but getting to the root of health challenges and supporting our clients with personalized care. Whether it’s through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary guidance, or other integrative treatments, we work to harmonize and balance the mind, body, and spirit. What makes me most proud of this clinic is how we’ve been able to blend ancient practices with a modern touch, creating a sanctuary for our clients to heal and rebuild. It’s a place where people feel heard, cared for, and empowered to take an active role in their health.
And then there’s my podcast, Magic Seeds. This is where I get to plant little seeds of inspiration, knowledge, and encouragement each week. I created Magic Seeds as a way to reach people in a different way, sharing not only my personal experiences but also practical tips and insights that help listeners make meaningful changes in their everyday lives. Whether I’m talking about overcoming obstacles, finding balance, or building resilience, my goal is always to spark new ideas and empower my audience to grow. I think of it as an extension of my other ventures, amplifying the message that’s at the core of everything I do—that we all have the strength to overcome challenges and live happier, healthier lives.
What ties all these pieces together is the heart behind them. Whether it’s through Awakenings Online, Awakenings Health, or Magic Seeds, my mission is to create spaces where people feel supported, where they can find the tools they need, and where they can connect with others on a shared path of healing and growth. What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the authenticity and passion that underpins everything we offer. These aren’t just businesses to me; they’re deeply personal. They’re born from my own challenges, my own growth, and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
If I could leave your readers with one thing to know about my work, it’s this—we’re here to meet you where you are. Whether you’re navigating a physical challenge, working through emotional or mental blocks, or just looking for a community that lifts you up, we’re here to help you thrive. You don’t have to walk your wellness journey alone. My businesses and I are here to walk it with you.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I had an incredible childhood, filled with so much love and joy. I was the youngest and the only girl, with two older brothers who were way too good to me. They spoiled me just enough to make being the “baby” of the family something special. I’ll admit, I was slightly spoiled in general—but in the most pleasant way, of course! I had the most carefree, happy, and athletic personality. I wasn’t girly at all, but I absolutely loved boys, so there was always a fun, adventurous balance in my life.
I was always making friends and connecting with people. I loved being around others, and I think that’s why I ended up winning the “Friendliest” senior superlative and being crowned homecoming queen in my small hometown of Kutztown, PA. Growing up in a place like Kutztown was magical in its own way. It was one of those small towns where everybody knows everybody, and I loved every bit of it. It shaped so much of who I am today, and I hold so much gratitude for the simplicity and charm of that community.
What I cared about most growing up was being happy and free. I wanted to have fun, laugh until my sides hurt, and spend as much time as possible surrounded by friends. I also had such a deep love for animals and always felt this natural connection with them. Animals brought me so much joy and were a huge part of my happiness then (and still are today).
None of this would’ve been possible without my parents, though. Truly, I had the best parents on the face of this planet. They created a home full of warmth, love, and support that made me feel like I could do and be anything. They were my foundation, my biggest cheerleaders, and the reason I grew up embraced by such happiness and security.
Growing up this way gave me a strong sense of who I am and what I want to carry forward into my own family and work. I’m so thankful for every laugh, every lesson, and every memory that made my childhood as beautiful as it was.
Pricing:
- Free
- $29/month
- $49/month
- $97/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awakeningsonline.net/
