The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Apart from the sickness drama I mentioned, I have battled with myself for years: questioning if I am doing enough, if I’m spending enough time with my children, if my services are supportive enough, worrying if I should be offering more of me. I have started to understand and value my time, energy and expertise. I know what I do changes lives, I know by having this wonderful job, I can be home with my children. I know that every single client is happy and has access to support whenever they need it. I am proud of this little business I have created. I love that my clients get me as their specialist. No one works for me, so if they reach out, I am the one who replies. Will I still overthink all my new and exciting projects? Yes, probably! But I am much more confident in myself now.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are that I get to see the most incredible transformations in my clients. Families come to me in a very vulnerable place. They can’t imagine their child having the ability to sleep well. They are exhausted and really struggling to see how they will ever get to that end goal. But every time they do, I get to be a part of their journey. I see the change in them – the amazing confidence and joy in their faces when they start to make progress and witness their child thrive with their new patterns.
I am also at home with my children every day. I can be at every school play, every pick up and drop off, and I can put them to bed every night.
As for cons, I am constantly in work mode, on call for my one-to-one clients, waiting for updates, ready to provide support. Sometimes it’s a lot to manage. I struggle to switch off. Now, I am working any spare moment I have. It’s a good job I love it, but I am working on setting some boundaries so I can have some time just for me.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My immediate dream:
I am working on a very exciting, brand new program. It is something I have been planning for over a year. It will be game changing to hundreds of families all over the world. It’s the missing piece in my current program offerings.
Long term:
I want to end the stigma around sleep training. It is a controversial subject, and everyone automatically assumes I teach a controlled crying approach. I want parents to feel confident with sleep. I want their memories of improving their child’s sleep to be associated with love, connection, trust and encouragement.
Check out Jess’ Sleep Secrets welcome page to find out about the support she offers. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
