Meet Billie Topa Tate and Monique Leiser from MSI Wellness Center

Monique Leiser and Billie Topa Tate. Photo credit: Becca Heuer

Meet Billie Topa Tate and Monique Leiser of MSI Wellness Center! Their healing and meditation center has been in Evanston's Ashland Arts business district for nearly 30 years, and is dedicated to being of service to anyone who is seeking wellness, spiritual growth, mindfulness, and training to build on current healing practices. See the full interview below!

KB: MSI Wellness Center has a long history in Evanston. Can you share some of that history?

ML: It begins with our first precious experience of stepping into the Old Vintage Peacock Ice Cream Factory, located in the 5th ward, which was being transformed into “The Peacock Lofts”  by well-known architect John Leineweber and his wife Muffy. Their wonderful architectural work inspired many, and stepping into the courtyard you could see the great potential of the beautiful healing space. Our friendship and love of the land developed our new relationship and MSI Wellness Center was born. Endowing the space with beautiful ceiling sky light windows and breathtaking spiral staircases, this is where we launched the first Native American Woman-owned center, sharing indigenous wisdom, earth-friendly knowledge and free community meditation every Friday for our community and the general public, launched 29 years ago.

KB: How does the community around the Ashland Arts district support your business?

ML: Our camaraderie with our fellow business owners has been most inspiring and we do our best to help each other and support each other. I especially like the meetings generated by our 5th ward councilmember Bobby Burns and many other Evanston teams who have taken the time to listen to our needs and help support our efforts.

KB: What can folks expect if they come to MSI for services?

ML: Firstly, a welcoming smile and an offer to enjoy a fresh cup of organic tea and healthy snacks. We offer a free weekly meditation every Friday at 6:30 p.m. to help introduce the general public to meditation. Our services offer one-on-one native mentoring for stress management using indigenous practices, such as connecting with nature and other natural practices to de-stress the body, mind, and spirit. 

KB: How do you set yourself apart?

ML: Our goal is to create a sacred space one person at a time, through sharing native knowledge, stories, techniques, and practices that help the body become more in a state of balance, which helps promote a happier and more relaxing life.

KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?

ML: Yes, our classes are both online and in-person and range from teaching and sharing our native knowledge about healthy wellness, building healing gardens, learning meditation, developing healthy stress management skills, introductions to simple practices of self-care and much more.

KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?

ML: My favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston is that you are not alone. It’s a wonderful community of people helping and learning from each other. I know we are all busy but I have always seen people in Evanston, especially our 5th ward councilmember Bobby Burns, the Evanston Economic Development Committee, and our new “Enjoy Evanston” effort to explore the nine unique districts of Evanston, taking time to hear what we have to say and make every effort to help and support us.