At Wide Island Studio, we believe creativity, connection with nature, and mindfulness can support a more intentional and meaningful way of living towards greater wellbeing. Rooted in the art of ikebana, we create accessible experiences that help people incorporate these ideas into daily life.
How It Began
Wide Island Studio was born in Hiroshima, Japan, where I lived from 2013–2017 while teaching English at a local high school through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. During that time, I began graduate studies in coaching psychology and was introduced to the art of ikebana through my school's after-school club. These experiences would ultimately begin to shape the philosophy behind Wide Island Studio.
Living in Japan transformed the way I thought about creativity, mindfulness, and intentional living. Through ikebana, I discovered that creativity wasn't an innate talent but a practice that could be cultivated through curiosity, observation, and experimentation. My experiences living in Japan also encouraged me to slow down, pay closer attention to the natural world, and find meaning in everyday moments. Together with my studies in coaching psychology, these experiences sparked a deep interest in the connections between creativity, nature, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Today, I share the art of ikebana while drawing inspiration from its philosophy and honoring its cultural roots. Through ikebana and other creative, nature-based, and mindful practices, I create opportunities for others to cultivate a more intentional way of living towards greater wellbeing.
Why 'Wide Island'?
The name Wide Island comes from the English translation of Hiroshima, literally meaning “wide island.” It is where my ikebana journey first began and where I developed a deeper appreciation for the connections between creativity, nature, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Beyond its personal significance, Wide Island represents an open and welcoming space where people can explore these ideas toward a more intentional way of living, grounded in respect for the Japanese cultural traditions that have inspired this journey.
About Leslie
I currently hold the rank of Third Grade Teacher in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. The Sogetsu approach, which emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and the idea that ikebana can be practiced “anytime, anywhere, using any materials,” deeply influences my work and creative philosophy.
My work is informed not only by my ongoing study and practice of ikebana, but also by 18 years of professional experience across education and wellness, including graduate degrees in education and psychology, as well as professional certification as an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (ICF PCC) and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Together, these experiences shape the way I design, teach, and facilitate experiences that are thoughtful, accessible, and grounded in mindful creative practice.
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