It’s not every day that a casual conversation in a café leads to the discovery of a unique and inspiring local business. That’s exactly how I found myself sitting down with Pete, one of the partner behind Area 21, a vibrant community space nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire. My introduction to the Pete happened by chance at M&M Café, where a conversation with a friend about sound healing caught the attention of Pete, who happened to be nearby. Intrigued by his enthusiasm and the story of their venture, I accepted an invitation to meet Angie and explore Area 21 in person.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a space that felt both adventurous and inviting. The cozy atmosphere is complemented by an impressive collection of sound equipment, comfortable seating areas for workshops and gatherings, and even a charming little shop filled with unique offerings. It quickly became evident that this isn’t just a business—it’s a hub for creativity, healing, and connection. Their dedication to serving the community, both online through social media and in person, has made a significant impact over the years. I was eager to learn more about their journey, their mission, and how Area 21 has become a beacon of support and inspiration for many. we had a lovely meal at the Lord ted pub Newark.
Lets dive in to the interview and learn more about their journey
Q1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind AREA21? How did the idea for combining sound healing, VR, and wellbeing come about?
A: Angie asks Pete for some lights to compliment her sound bath when she was
running the Sacred Sound Arts Healing Centre. ( SSAHC ). Angie was already working in
this sphere. The VR didn’t come until later.
Q2: What’s the story behind the name AREA21? Is there a special meaning or concept?
A: Area21. The name was thought of by Angie when we were driving around the
country looking for a premises to rent as the 6 year lease on SHACC was coming to an
end. She was actually thinking of space craft, aliens, planets etc and all things
cosmological when we found a unit in Newark on Trent. The premises happened to be
Unit 21 and straight away the Name for the business was born.
Q3. Were there any personal experiences or challenges that led you to start this business?
A: Angie has been specialising in the field of Mental Health, wellbeing and all the
aspects of healing, with sound, with channelling higher order for many years (35+)
Q4: How has the journey been so far? What have been the biggest milestones for AREA21?
A: The journey has been an exciting pinball ride. Being able to think out of the box, do
want we want and experiment with ideas that have never been done anywhere in the
UK before has put us at the leading edge of this field.
Sound Healing
Q5: Sound healing is gaining popularity, but it’s still relatively niche. How would you explain its benefits to someone unfamiliar with it?
A: The benefits of sound healing therapy include, but are not limited to the following:
‘Sound’ will affect all matter due to the effect of sound vibrations in on or around a
medium such as water (the human body). The vibrational energy is transferred by
conductance through a person and this in turn moves, oscillates and vibrates different
areas and as such acts as a massage from within releasing feel good endorphins and
other chemicals that can promote a good and uplifting state. The technical description is
as follows: Sound healing works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Q6: What types of instruments or techniques do you use in your sound healing sessions, and how do they impact the mind and body?
A: Various drums, Mother drums, daddy drums, native drums, shamanic drums, Africa
(continent) drums. Gongs, rattles, bells, Tibetan Singing bowls, flutes, wind instruments,
Rav, tuning pipes, tuning forks…. The list goes on and on.
Q7: Have you noticed any particular types of conditions or issues that respond especially well to sound healing?
A: Most mental health issues respond really well to sound healing, such as depression,
anxiety, self-belief and any situation where a calming, but uplifting environment is
required.
Q8: Do you tailor sound healing experiences for individuals, or are they more effective in group settings?
A: We do both at Area21. We have weekly group sessions, we also do one – one
sessions, closed groups and even take sound baths out to corporate events and
professional venues if required.
VR Healing & Technology
Q9: Integrating virtual reality with healing is a fascinating concept. How does VR enhance the healing process compared to traditional methods?
A: There are many challenges to the VR Technology that we are employing as
there is nothing anywhere in the world like we are trying to birth. THIS IS A
MONUMENTAL CHALLENGE. This is a totally new concept that will envelope the user in
an experience of a wellbeing journey that they control and as such, our software developer has written every line of code personally. As you can imagine, this is an
ongoing process. We have a world being built that the client can travel and experience
interactions with ancient and ascending masters, all this in a bespoke world (Audio +
Visual) that we have constructed from the ground up.
Q10: Can you walk us through a typical VR healing session? What kind of experiences or environments do clients explore?
A: We can’t give you a typical session as the user decides for themselves, talks,
asks questions and interacts with ‘ADA’ the AI program that our programmer has built
for the Area21 World. (The programmer, just happens to be Angie’s son, David, an
extremely talented software programming genius).
Q11: What challenges did you face when developing or incorporating VR into your wellbeing programs?
A: Many, many various challenges
Q12: Is there any scientific research or evidence that supports the effectiveness of VR in wellbeing practices?
A: We would be surprised if there have been any scientific studies as nothing like
this exists yet. We are the first to attempt it.
Wellbeing & Holistic Health
Q13: How do AREA21’s services contribute to overall wellbeing? Do you focus more on mental, emotional, or physical health—or all three?
A: We cover all aspects of wellbeing. Whatever is required at the time. Angie is
also a qualified councillor and has a deep understanding of the human psych.
Q14: In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with stress and burnout. How does AREA21 help individuals restore balance in their lives?
A: Area21 is a safe space: When you enter the safe space, you leave the
outside world and the problems at the door. It is a respite from the fast paced,
controlled environment we all exist in during our day to day lives. This is probably
the best benefit our customers tell us about, and the one they value the most.
Q15: Are there any specific wellbeing programs or events you’re particularly proud of? What makes them unique?
A: All our events are tailored to a specific theme and they are never the same.
Q16: How do you ensure clients leave your sessions with lasting benefits rather than just a temporary sense of calm?
A: That is the $50 thousand dollar question and the only honest answer can be
that nothing lasts forever, even life……..
Community & Impact
Q17: How has the Lincolnshire community responded to your work? Have you seen growing interest in alternative healing methods here?
A: The Lincolnshire catchment area does not really know we exist at the
moment. This is something we need to rectify.
Q18: Do you collaborate with other local businesses, practitioners, or organisation’s to promote wellbeing in the area?
A: Not many at the moment, but we are working on that. We have been
focused on getting Area12 up and running and honing our craft.
Q19: What kind of feedback have you received from clients? Are there any memorable success stories or transformations you can share?
A: To answer that. Since we have been offering the Patreon Membership to our
customers we have never lost a client. It has grown month on month. This is the
best form of feedback and a testament to the work we do and services we offer.
People spending their hard-earned money with us and wanting to come every week
speaks volumes. We also have a number of Angie’s students that are practicing
lessons in the community.
Future of AREA21
Q20: What’s next for AREA21? Are there any new technologies, events, or partnerships you’re excited about?
A: We are always thinking “Out of the Box”. We try to stay ahead of the curve
and we are always pushing the envelope on the events we offer. We will use all
technologies at our disposal to provide the best experience possible.
Q21: Do you have plans to expand beyond Lincolnshire, or do you see AREA21 as a community-focused initiative?
A: Our long-term plan is to have numerous venues around the UK as well
as offering venues that have retreat options where people can stay and experience
something sublime. We also have a few other ideas up our sleeve regarding high
profile people. This would involve an airport transfer service, hotel booking facility
and other high-end user benefits…. To be continued….
Q22: How do you stay ahead of the curve in such a rapidly evolving space that combines technology and wellness?
A: With difficulty.
Personal Insights
Q23: What are your personal favourite ways to unwind and practice self-care?
A: Pete: playing Guitar, Angie: working.
Q24: If you could offer one piece of advice to someone looking to improve their wellbeing, what would it be?
A: Start by looking within.
Q25: Who or what inspires you in the fields of healing, technology, and wellbeing?
A: Angie: A Canadian scientist called Nasseem. Pete: Angie
Fun Questions
Q26: If you could design a dream VR healing experience, what would it look like?
A: We are working on that VR at the moment.
Q27: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about human wellbeing since starting AREA21?
A: Pete: that it is a thing and real. Angie: You can’t help people that don’t want help.
Q28: If AREA21 could collaborate with any global wellness or technology leader, who would it be and why?
A: Angie: Elon Musk, J.K.Rowling, Richard Branson. Pete: Anyone with vision that’s not afraid to be a maverick, step out of the box and strive for something. But most importantly, be a finisher of projects.
Their commitment to fostering a sense of community and well-being is evident in every aspect of Area 21. It’s a place where creativity thrives, connections are made, and individuals can find support on their personal journeys. As they continue to grow and reach more people through their events and online presence, it’s exciting to imagine the positive impact they will continue to have. Angie and Pete are not just running a business—they’re building a community, one event at a time, and Lincolnshire is fortunate to have them.
Area 21, Pete & Angie Interview by Hakan Nurhak
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