Life & Work with Ari Hunniford of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ari Hunniford

Hi Ari, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the unseen, the whispers of intuition, and the deep knowing that there is more to this world than what meets the eye. My journey into the metaphysical wasn’t a straight path—it was a winding road filled with doubt, discovery, and moments of undeniable magic. Like so many others, I spent years searching for clarity, for balance, for the freedom to live authentically in my own skin. I wanted to feel at home in both my mind and my body, to step fully into my gifts without fear, and to create a life that was abundant—not just financially, but in joy, connection, and meaning.

That calling led me to build Awkwardly Zen, a space where spiritual seekers can explore their gifts in a safe, ethical, and welcoming community. I never wanted spirituality to feel exclusive or out of reach—I wanted it to be accessible, real, and infused with laughter. Because, let’s be honest, this journey can be messy, awkward, and even ridiculous at times. But it can also be deeply transformative. Over time, my work evolved beyond community building—I stepped into my role as a psychic and spiritual coach, guiding others to trust their intuition, embrace their own unique path, and step into their power with confidence.

Now, my vision is bigger than ever. I dream of bringing people together in ways that inspire, uplift, and ignite something powerful within them—whether it’s through events, workshops, or even a comedic psychic-themed podcast that reminds us all to lighten up on this wild human ride. I want to help thousands (if not millions) of people awaken their gifts, trust their inner wisdom, and build a life that feels expansive and free.

I’m still on my own journey, always learning, always growing. But what I know for sure is this: magic happens when we embrace who we truly are—without shame, without fear, and with a whole lot of heart. And if I can help others do the same, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to where I am now wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t a straight line. For years, I wrestled with self-doubt, questioning whether I was truly meant to walk this metaphysical path or if I was just chasing something intangible. I had built a successful career outside of the spiritual world, one that was stable, respected, and made sense to everyone around me. Stepping away from that felt like stepping off a cliff. I worried about what people would think, whether I would fail, and if I was making the biggest mistake of my life. It wasn’t just about changing careers—it was about changing how I saw myself, from someone who followed the expected path to someone who embraced the unknown, trusting that my intuition would lead me somewhere greater.

But change is never just a one-time decision; it’s a constant process of becoming. Every time I thought I had figured things out, I realized there was another layer to shed, another fear to face, another part of me that had to evolve. I had to release old patterns of people-pleasing, self-sabotage, and the belief that I wasn’t enough. I had to learn to trust my gifts, even when they didn’t come with a roadmap. And I still have to remind myself, over and over, that growth isn’t comfortable—it demands transformation, risk, and a willingness to step into uncertainty. I’m not the same person I was when I started this journey, and I won’t be the same person a year from now. But that’s the beauty of it. I’m becoming who I was always meant to be, and in doing so, I hope to help others do the same.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I help people explore, trust, and develop their own intuitive and psychic abilities in a way that feels safe, ethical, and empowering. My work is deeply rooted in both personal readings and community-building. I have conducted thousands of psychic and tarot readings, guiding people through life’s biggest questions—relationships, careers, spiritual awakenings, and personal growth. Every reading is an opportunity to help someone tap into their own wisdom, giving them the confidence to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Beyond one-on-one readings, I am also a spiritual coach, working with individuals and groups to develop and refine their intuitive abilities. I believe that everyone has intuitive gifts, and I love helping people uncover and trust theirs in a way that feels natural and aligned. Whether someone is just starting to explore their spirituality or looking to deepen their existing practice, I create personalized coaching experiences that meet them where they are and help them grow at their own pace.

I’m also the founder of Awkwardly Zen, a global spiritual community with over 20,000 members that is dedicated to making spiritual exploration approachable, ethical, and judgment-free. I created Awkwardly Zen because I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to step into spiritual work, especially when you’re unsure where you fit in. Through events, discussions, and workshops, we provide a space where people can ask questions, connect with like-minded seekers, and grow in a way that feels authentic to them.

I am most proud of the shift I’ve made in my own wellbeing and how that has allowed me to hold space for so many people—not just through individual readings, but through building a supportive space where people feel safe enough to be themselves and explore who they want to become. Seeing people step into their power, embrace their gifts, and trust their intuition is what drives everything I do.

I hope that my commitment to keeping spirituality real, accessible, and fun is what sets me apart. I don’t believe in gatekeeping or making metaphysical work feel exclusive or out of reach. I blend deep spiritual insight with humor, honesty, and a down-to-earth approach, ensuring that people feel both supported and empowered—never dependent. Whether through personal readings, coaching, or large-scale community events, my mission is to help people trust themselves, embrace their unique gifts, and create a spiritual practice that truly works for them.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck—both good and bad—has absolutely played a role in my life and business, but I’ve come to see it as more of a reflection of alignment than pure chance. When I’m in flow, when I’m trusting my intuition and taking inspired action, things tend to fall into place effortlessly. The right people show up, the perfect opportunities present themselves, and momentum builds in ways I couldn’t have planned if I tried. Awkwardly Zen, for example, started as a small idea but quickly took on a life of its own, growing into a global community. Some might call that luck, but I also know that it came from following my intuition, staying open, and allowing things to unfold naturally rather than forcing them.

Of course, there have been challenges too—unexpected setbacks, tough decisions, and moments when it felt like everything was working against me. But every instance of “bad luck” has pushed me to adapt, shift my perspective, and grow in ways I never would have otherwise. When I resist change or try to control outcomes, things feel stuck, and that’s usually when life throws me a curveball. I’ve had to learn that being in flow doesn’t mean everything is easy—it means trusting that even the hard moments are leading me somewhere important. The times when I’ve let go of rigid expectations and allowed myself to move with the energy around me have been the times when the best things have happened.

Ultimately, I don’t believe in sitting around and waiting for luck to show up. I believe in creating opportunities, trusting intuition, and staying open to the unexpected. Luck may play a role, but it’s what we do with it that truly shapes our path. When I’m in alignment, when I’m allowing myself to flow rather than force, that’s when the magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://snipfeed.co/arihunniford
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arihunniford/