The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The main challenge I have overcome is managing my own mindset to actually start the business. Going from excitement and enthusiasm to fear and anxiety in regular intervals has been a pattern initially. I realise this itself mirrors the mind of the pregnant mum. There is a lot of joy and excitement with having a baby and also fear and anxiety too. Mindfulness enables you to be in the here and now and be able to manage stressors as they arise.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are definitely freedom: time freedom as well as the creative freedom to shape the business my own way. Working on your own can also be one of the cons as I love working with people and sharing ideas with others. Initially, learning how to navigate social media, technology and marketing was daunting but it became a positive to be able to promote mental health and well-being to a wider audience. It has been a steep learning curve but being able to deliver a service to help mums and babies is so worth it.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would like to maintain regular workshops and courses to keep getting the message out there and support as many mums as I can. Collaborating with others and providing training in this area would be also be ideal to reach a wider number of parents.
I have so much content and developing a course may be another way for mums to easily access information about having a mindful pregnancy and nurturing their mindset.
Visit the Calm Beginnings website to find out more, and follow them on Facebook. You can also send Julie an email at Julie@calm-beginnings.com.
