Julie Ann Mcpherson was inspired to start The Holistic Shack following her past struggles with endometriosis, depression and anxiety. Passionate about living and embracing a more natural way of life, she set out to bring together a tribe of likeminded people to embrace the holistic lifestyle. Through The Holistic Shack, she shares her love for holistic wellness through coaching, workshops and a range of herbal teas. She offers advice and support through groups, classes and 1:1 services covering a wide range of holistic wellness topics. Through her studies, her goal is to become a Spiritual Empowerment Coach, Holistic Wellness Coach and a Kids’ Life Coach.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
The passion behind The Holistic Shack has come from my own struggles with endometriosis, depression and anxiety. While trying to get help I have not found it very easy – it’s not cheap and I actually felt worse with the help I was getting, so I turned to Holistic Wellness and I’ve always had a strong interest in the spiritual. I decided to do what I can to try and help others in similar situations and raise awareness for mental health and invisible illness.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Honestly, I am still at that starting point working from home blogging about holistic wellness and selling herbal teas online and at markets. Slowly building up my qualifications to become a Spiritual Empowerment Coach, Holistic Wellness Coach and a Kids’ Life Coach – this one is my favourite and can’t wait to get started.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
My ah-ha moment I think was when I came across a Life Coaching for Kids course. Once I spoke to one of the instructors, I knew it was just the direction I wanted to head. It will give me the freedom to combine all my education and background to help kids develop better coping strategies to deal with the struggles in life such as bullying, peer pressure, anxiety, fear and depression. All this without being restricted by rules telling you that you can’t tell a little girl that her dress is pretty or a little boy that his hair looks cool or limiting the way you are allowed to support and comfort a scared or upset child. Depression rates in children and young adults is rising and I truly believe that prevention is better than trying to recover from trauma later on in life.
