The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
It was a slow start, but with where I was at it was necessary. My chiro had been encouraging me to start writing, so I knew there’d be a blog. InnerOrigin had not launched yet, so there was no online store and no products available. I looked to other ethical companies that I’d had experience with who had safe, healthy products that I could share. I loathe greenwashing, so I am super picky about the products I’ll promote. I built my website & blog, set up the social media pages and in November 2016, InnerOrigin opened their curated marketplace with just 42 products. Two years later, they opened in New Zealand and there are now around 2000 products from Australian and NZ businesses across both countries, with the USA Marketplace opening soon. It’s been great to watch it evolve from the start.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
It may sound corny but I think the personal growth I’ve experienced in the last three years is the biggest breakthrough. To be honest, much of that has happened very recently, with many energetic shifts occurring – all those subconscious programmes that keep us “safe”. I attended a conference in Perth earlier this year and it was the first time I’d been away from both my kids since becoming a mum. Very emotional, but much needed. I’m ready to grow my business internationally so I can help more people live healthier lives in a world that’s changing faster than ever, with more chronic illness than ever.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I’ll get back to you when I figure that out! Unschooling does give us plenty of flexibility, but whether I’m working or spending time with the girls, I feel guilty for neglecting the other. Pretty standard stuff for most working mums, I think. The lack of a “village” means we end up taking on so much ourselves and we forget to put on our own oxygen mask first. Most of our friends are also unschooling/home schooling and/or running home businesses, so we tend to be like ships passing in the night. I really cherish those moments I can do some quiet yoga or meditation to fill my own cup.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I’m an introvert by nature and struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations. When I do have something to say, I often blank or stumble on words. I love sharing my business online because I can communicate more easily in writing. There’s also the lifetime of health issues, but I like to look at those as teaching tools that help me better understand the challenges others may be facing so I can better help them to find what works.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Flexibility and freedom are fantastic. I can take my kids to dance classes, gymnastics, volunteering or whatever else they’re into at the time or go on holidays without having to ask anyone for permission. I can choose how I want to run my business and help other people to start their own or add an additional stream of income to an existing business.
The cons are not getting a regular paycheque with super, plus the record keeping.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My youngest turned 5 this year and is becoming more independent, freeing up my time to reach more people. My 14-year-old is a natural healer, brilliant with both massage and energy work and she’s seriously considering qualifications in that area. I’ve also been contemplating further practitioner training, but won’t give away too many secrets just yet. My teen and I were talking the other night about creating a wellness centre together, which left us both buzzing.
In the meantime, I have a friend who’s recently opened a Wellness Hub in Hobart, where I’ll be doing various workshops. I really want to build a multidisciplinary team of professionals in Naturopathy, Nutrition, Yoga, Massage, Energy Healing, Fitness, Natural Beauty Therapy and such to collaborate and provide education to the public, both here in Tasmania and around the world. I’d also love to help more parents become financially independent, with legislation coming in around the country that unfairly discriminates against those families who choose a more natural way of living.
As individuals, our reach is limited. By creating supportive communities, giving people practical information and supporting the businesses doing the right thing by people and the planet, we can change health on a global level.
To learn more, check out the Unity Wellness website/blog and the InnerOrigin Online Store. You can also join the supportive communities on the Unity Wellness Facebook Page and The Healthy Household FB Group and follow Unity Wellness on Instagram.
