When it comes to women’s health – particularly the often-overlooked postpartum period – naturopath and mother Kristie Moyle is on a quiet mission to change the narrative. Founder of Sun & Soul Naturopathy, she blends evidence-based natural medicine with lived experience, offering a deeply supportive space for women prior to conception, through pregnancy and the often long road of postpartum recovery. She offers a compassionate approach that empowers you with the knowledge and natural solutions to take charge of your wellness journey and support lasting health. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about what inspired her to build her business, how she balances work and family life, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
This is actually a tricky question as I was kind of thrown into it! My profession – naturopathy – actually has limited opportunities for anything other than self-employment if you are wanting to see clients in person as well as online. After some initial struggles, I was inspired by a few business owners close to me, which really got me to just take the plunge. I was driven by the underlying belief that I had something to offer to the community, particularly women and the support required prior to conception, during pregnancy and especially postpartum. I really felt like that postpartum period for women (which can actually last 8-10 years if not properly supported at the time) was grossly under supported and culturally not a focus.
As a business owner, I knew I would have some flexibility around family time, which was very important to me as a mother. I wanted my working professional life to align with my values around holistic and as natural as possible health care and I felt that starting my own naturopathic business was the way to do this.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
It was a little chaotic, definitely challenging and quite messy, but I got there! Starting a business is difficult for anyone, but add into the challenge a young family and I knew it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride. Making the decision to run my own business was the first stage. I decided to go step by step and find my feet rather than go all in quickly. This allowed me to get a feel for the administrative and financial parts of running a business.
If I had a crystal ball that told me all the things that would be thrown my way initially, I am not sure whether I would have gone through with it! However, it was worth the hard work because now things are smoother and I have made many valuable connections. It’s a great feeling knowing you are working in an authentic way and are able to offer support to those seeking it.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I think the biggest breakthrough was confidence – feeling settled enough in the business to further my learning and focus on seeing more clients. This is a common story for many I think. Once I was familiar with all the systems and there were less hiccups, it gave me the confidence to be myself and feel more prepared.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I have come to better understand and accept the seasons of life. There are times when I will be busier and times when there is more free space. My children are no longer tiny now, so are spreading their wings and adventurous. Spending quality time with my husband and children is an absolute priority for me so weekends are sacred time with family at the moment. This doesn’t mean that in the future this won’t change or look a bit different though. Accepting the flow and movement has been a shift that has helped us navigate the inevitable busyness of life with 2 working parents. I am open with our children about what our family goals are and how we will work towards them. They love getting involved in future planning and especially now as we plan to visit family overseas.
As a naturopath, I prioritise nutritious meals, movement and proper rest where possible during the week, however don’t subscribe to a never ending list of what I need to do to be healthy, as I feel this creates more stress and defeats the purpose! I choose 3 non-negotiables each week to nurture myself so that I can be more present and healthy.
