Cristie's Story
1. Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a life long dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.
I wish I could say being in business for myself was a life-long dream but that would imply I’ve always known what I wanted to be when I grew up! What I’ve always known is what I love, which is working with people, sharing knowledge and doing it as I see fit. I’m not a control freak in most things, but when it comes to how I spend my time, I am most comfortable deciding that on my own. So I guess I’ve always known that I wanted to be my own boss. I just didn’t know how. I started a business years ago in direct sales and learned from the incredible women I was surrounded by how to be successful, work hard, and be happy raising a family. I knew from those women that you needed to be passionate about your work to succeed on your own without being miserable. I knew I wanted what they had, it just took me a while to figure out how to do it. My passion wasn’t sales, so I stumbled around a bit before hitting on the right formula. I was a teacher before I had kids so I knew I liked and was good at talking to groups. I started blogging and freelance writing while I was home with my kids so I knew I loved writing and the online world. I also knew I loved cooking and talking to people about food. I got very into health and wellness when my youngest child had some digestive issues and I had to learn how to shed “baby” weight within the confines of my crazy schedule.
I thought of med-school, personal training or counseling. But I had a Master’s degree already and the financial burden of that much more school for perhaps one subject that wasn’t quite right was daunting. Then I found a school that taught Integrative Nutrition which combines dietary theory and coaching/counseling theory and I knew I found what I was looking for. Now I get to help other women navigate the world of food and nutrition for themselves and their kids. I get to apply all I’ve learned by guiding others toward a better life. And I get to do all of this on my own terms. Finally, I have what those women in Direct Sales demonstrated to me all those years ago; passion for what I do and freedom to do it as it works with my life.
2. Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.
I worked full time for someone else until the birth of my second child. After quitting that job to stay home with kids, I was always sales and freelance writing jobs on my own time. When the kids got older and it was time for more, I couldn’t imagine going back to a job where my hours were set for me. I have gotten very used to designing my own work schedule to optimize the time I can support my kids and build our family. Also, I had truly found what it was to love what you do and work with passion when I started writing and being a mom, so I didn’t want to settle for a plain old job anymore. I was determined to find something that fit the lifestyle I had grown to love.
3. Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments?
High points are always when clients are noticeably happy. I love being the support system for women to find their true greatness. There is no better reward than their joy. As for low points, it’s always money for me. I struggle with balancing my inherent need for security and my desire to take risks in order to grow. Leaving full-time work to stay home with kids presented many financial sacrifices. So, my part time work was always for money that went directly to taking care of our family. It’s been a difficult adjustment back to making financial investments in myself for professional purposes. Of course, my work money is separate from my home money, but whenever I invest in something for my business, I often find I have to remind myself it’s ok to use that money for something other than my family. It’s not necessarily a low point. Rather it’s a constant reminder to now accept myself as the professional that I am.
4. Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.
Man, I know it’s hard. There were days where I was ready to throw in the towel and go back to a 9-5 with a steady paycheck and predictable goals and responsibilities. What got me through those days (and still does-they creep up even now) is the knowledge that I can ALWAYS be here for my kids without having to answer to anyone else and that I’m teaching my kids that you CAN be true to your heart in life and work. I really wanted to model for my kids that you can love what you do for work without it being your whole life. I didn’t want my daughter to identify me only as mom because it is important that she knows there is more to women who have kids than just their role as mother. I also don’t want any of my kids to think they have to settle in life. Whenever I think of going back to a job working for someone else I know that will be settling for me and I don’t want to model that as the only viable option. I want my kids to know that they can reach for what feels like a dream. I want them to see firsthand that hard work doesn’t mean misery and that following your heart isn’t just for artists and dreamers but be for anyone willing to do the work. Being in business for myself, doing something that feels good in my soul, that is a dream come true. I want my kids to see that’s possible-no matter how old you are.
Cristie's Website is www.Reallifewellnessnj.com
