While successful, she knew in her heart what she was doing was a job and not a career. She was paying the bills and earning promotions but she did not feel she was playing to her strengths since she had not yet identified her passion.

Good to Great

Friends had always told Robyn that she gave great advice and provided clarity in difficult situations. She was operating a perpetual Lucy Booth giving counsel to friends and colleagues who reported that they always knew what to do next after a conversation with Robyn. The big question remained – how to make a living at it!

The watershed moment happened the day a manager entered Robyn’s office followed by an employee in tears. The manager quickly handed-off the distraught employee since he could not handle the situation. Robyn deftly counseled the female employee about resources, options and next steps after she learned that the employee’s boyfriend held a gun to her head for 2 hours and then walked away.

It was then that Robyn realized that she was truly great at understanding complex and highly charged situations and her ability to break them down into succinct, workable pieces. This opened the door for career investigation and propelled Robyn to attend college with a passion to learn more about the psychology of people and how they interacted with others successfully, or not.

The Empowerment of Education

Growing up in rural central California, the oldest of 8 children, going to college directly after high school was not an option despite the fact that Robyn graduated at the top of her class. After 14 years in the corporate world, Robyn was hungry to continue her education and grow her career playing to her strength of helping people tap their potential even more by communicating well.

A lifelong athlete, Robyn was particularly interested in how sports teams worked together, or didn’t, as she witnessed all too often. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and then fast tracked a combined Masters/Doctorate in the Psychology of Organizations with a concentration in sport and performance. She learned that human communication, conflict, and performance are all intertwined. According to Robyn:

“It doesn’t matter if you are trying to achieve the most from your potential in the corporate world, on a sports field, or in life.  How we communicate (speaking and hearing ideas) and how we deal with differences of opinion is directly linked to performance and the use of our potential.”

An Opportunity Born Out of Frustration

Synthesizing her corporate, academic, and athletic experiences with strategies akin to organizational development and executive coaching, the newly minted Doc Robyn created a life changing message and success strategy for college students. Her company – Champion Performance Development was born out of the frustration that the needs of college athletes and coaches were not being met the same as they were in the corporate sector for team development and leadership coaching.

Robyn wisely understood that leadership and teamwork were skills that young athletes and college students needed to hone early so they could be well prepared and ultimately more successful in the world-of-work. She is now on a mission to empower students with the skills to address a problem, find a solution, implement it, and move on. Why should these emerging professionals have to wait 10-20 years into their career before addressing these crucial leadership and team development skills?

You Go Girls!

Robyn started her business focusing on the demographic she knew best – female athletes. There was a great need for resources and an opportunity for Robyn to distinguish herself and develop a niche. She knew that women athletes had to function in a team setting and that they were passionate about taking advantage of opportunities to give them an edge. Robyn finds it very satisfying to work with these young women who are hungry for the resources she provides and appreciative about the positive difference it makes in their lives. “Work doesn’t get much more rewarding than that.”  Robyn says it also doesn’t feel like work when you are doing what you love.

Stop the Drama

As her speaking and performance development consulting business evolved so did her Stop The Drama! campaign. This platform explains why women engage in backstabbing, gossip, and catty behavior (i.e. drama), and why it was reasonable to communicate that way a few thousand years ago, and why it doesn’t work anymore. Robyn provides the skills individuals and teams need to communicate more successfully and have productive conflict.

She finally discovered what she is really great at and has dedicated her career to make a difference in the lives of as many people that she can. Robyn’s book: Stop The Drama! The Ultimate Guide to Female Teams will be released soon and she has other products in the works to help illustrate her message.

Robyn helped me understand the reality that all teams, even great ones, have conflict. How a team handles conflict determines whether is grows through it or if the conflict ultimately tears the team apart. By teaching individuals how to be proactive and handle conflict, Robyn is empowering this generation of emerging leaders to be successful throughout their adult lives.

A Lifelong Learner

Since her formal college education was something she could not pursue until later in life, Robyn really values education. Always hungry for knowledge she frequently listens to webinars and participates in workshops presented by SCORE and the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) to sharpen her business acumen.

Good old fashioned networking with mentors and business professionals in the know has also been a great resource for Robyn. She sees the classic networking lunch as an investment in herself and her company and also works with a personal coach to help fill the gaps in her business knowledge.

As an entrepreneur, Robyn really enjoys the ability to prioritize what she is most passionate about and strives to make a difference in the world with her business. The ability to set her schedule is also a perk but she says she loves what she does so much that time really does fly and it never feels like work. However, as a solo business owner, Robyn knows the reality of putting in a lot more hours than that of a traditional work environment in a 9-5 setting. Her labor of love takes time and she is committed to making it thrive.

Feeling Lost

Even though Robyn is thriving in her business now and her speaking engagements are ramping up as she anticipates the release of her new book, the beginning was rocky. When she finished graduate school she remembers the excitement she had to make a difference in the lives of people but she knew nothing about starting a business. The fear was daunting at first but it never stopped her from moving forward.

Learning by doing, Robyn is tackling marketing strategies to figure out what model serves her business best. It’s a bit of trial and error and she learns so much from every professional step she takes. She is so eager to get the message out fast that she has been frustrated by the reality of growing a business wisely in order to build a strong foundation and reputation.

Referrals come in regularly from people who have heard Robyn deliver a keynote or participated in one of her workshops. She speaks to students, athletes, parents, coaches, and faculty and has earned rave reviews from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy and the Academy of Athletic Trainers.

Be the Change You Want to See

Robyn is incredibly passionate about paying-it-forward to the next generation of leaders. She is committed to making as big a positive difference in the world as she can. Her message of communication empowerment for the 21^st century will help us deal with conflict and give us the tools for resolution.

A leader by example, Robyn wants to reach every woman (and man who interacts with women) who has a zeal to be more successful. If each person who hears her message takes away only one thing they can implement and use, then she will feel successful.

The reality of running a solvent business is financially scary but Robyn believes that dealing with that fear is worth it since the reward of having a dream and living it is priceless. A competitor and highly motivated and self-directed woman, Robyn is also tackling her fear of making mistakes. She has given herself permission to be human and learning from the mistakes she makes in order to move forward in her business and in life.

Like she tells her clients, “If you stand at a crossroad trying to decide which road to take – you are getting nowhere.  Choose one road!  If it turns out to be the wrong one, change roads!  Then you will know you are moving forward on the right path.  Very rarely in life does making a decision mean you are stuck with it.”

I am confident that Doc Robyn will soon become a household name with her inspirational book and speaking tour. She is on a mission to empower others with valuable tools for success in life and the professional world. Robyn is developing a Stop The Drama! boot camp for athletes and coaches. She hopes this experiential learning opportunity will also carry an accreditation that will carry her message nationally about the importance of effective communication and champion performance development.

Check out Robyn’s social media sites below to follow her progress and learn more about how you can Stop The Drama! on your team!

Robyn’s Advice and Action Steps:

Robyn has developed Nine Secrets to Great Teamwork and Seven No Fail Secrets to Stop The Drama! Here are just a few of her strategies – check out her website for the complete listing.

From: Nine Secrets to Great Teamwork

• Set expectations – you cannot expect someone to meet your needs or the needs of the team if you never tell them what those needs are.
• Hold each other accountable – if someone isn’t pulling their weight ask them what you can do to help them step-up to the responsibilities.

From: Seven No Fail Secrets to Stop The Drama!

• Speak from the “I” – own your stuff. No one can “make” you feel anything. You get to choose.
• Allow yourself space to feel – don’t let a conversation run away with you. Feel your emotions and label them before words are flying out of your mouth.

Quote:

“Have the kind of gusto you see in the eyes of a 7 year old when you ask them what they want to be. That kind of enthusiasm is what will get you through that scary place when you have to let go of one ring in order to reach for the next.” – Doc Robyn

Resources:

Champion Performance Development http://champperformance.com/

Stop The Drama! Campaign www.StopTheDramaNow.com

Champion Performance Topic of the Week Blog http://champperformance.com/topic-of-the-week

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ChampPerformance

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/StopTheDramaNow

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DocRobyn

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard

At 19, Marcy left her native Ohio and moved to Los Angeles to discover the world and landed a job at an upscale home improvement center in Beverly Hills. This career move satisfied her need for hands-on work and soon she became a Buyer for the store and was fully immersed in all aspects of building and home renovation. But it was a flier posted in the store that launched Marcy’s artistic career and turned her hobby into an eventual livelihood.

And So It Began

The flier announced a workshop about learning to throw on a pottery wheel. Marcy immediately found her passion and immersed herself into this new hobby. For $50 a month she got a key to the studio, a shelf for her work, and access to the firing kiln. She was in pottery heaven.

While the newfound avocation was feeding her artistic soul, she still needed a day job to feed herself. She moved on from the home improvement store and put her artistic abilities to work at a landscape design business since she always loved plants. She focused on interior landscape designs for homes, offices, and restaurants and became an expert with succulents, cacti, and orchids in particular, creating art with living specimens.

Choosing the Hobby over the Day Job

While the landscape design work paid the bills and gave her another artistic outlet, it did not satisfy Marcy the same way that her ceramics studio did. In 1991 she made the bold decision that she liked her hobby better than her day job. She decided that she really wanted to go back to school to formalize her education and earn a degree that would empower her with the skills to broaden her career prospects.

In the 1990’s Marcy was able to take advantage of a thriving California college system where she could take course work at the community college level and transfer credits towards a university degree anywhere in the state. She quit the day job with the landscape design firm and went to school full-time, pursuing freelance landscaping gigs on the side. She enhanced her income selling her beloved pottery which began to establish her reputation as a working artist.

After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts – B.F.A. degree from California State University-Long Beach, Marcy was hungry for more education. She applied to several Masters of Fine Arts in Ceramics programs nationally and eventually accepted a full scholarship at Indiana University in Bloomington where she pursued a 3 year degree that gave her teaching experience as well as studio time to develop her ceramic art.

The Hoosier Heartland

The decision to come to Indiana University was easy as far as the MFA program was concerned but in the late 1990’s graduate student housing was very hard to come by in Bloomington and this almost prevented Marcy from accepting the scholarship. With the affordability of the Midwestern cost of living compared to the California economy where everything cost more, Marcy was able to buy a condominium for ½ of what her rent would be in California and her return to the Midwest was a done deal.

And so the journey began to hone her art and gain teaching experience to make her full-time career as an artist a reality. Marcy soon learned that she enjoyed teaching and was good at it but after she minted the MFA, finding a faculty position was very difficult. The classic budget cuts for the arts (then and now) made it hard to find a permanent university appointment. She landed a one year position as a visiting assistant professor at a private college in southern Indiana, and another year was spent working in a hybrid position at a university in Pennsylvania as an art instructor and art gallery director until the next round of budget cuts when her position was eliminated.

Feast or Famine

With a passion for her art and a determination to make this career fly, Marcy decided to move back to Bloomington, IN where she kept her condo (renting it to a roommate while she was away) and set a personal deadline of 4 years to make it work.

With business savvy and marketing experience from her previous home improvement and landscape design jobs, Marcy set out to grow her own ceramic studio business. With patience and fortitude, Marcy has successfully shown and sold her pieces at nationally juried art fairs, exhibitions, and galleries. It’s a laborious administrative process to apply for these opportunities to sell and show your work which makes it challenging to find enough time in the studio. But Marcy is committed to staying positive and channeling her energy to create her art.

The Artist’s Way

Marcy talked about a mental shift she embraced a few years back to help herself think outside of the box and sustain her positivity. She attended a workshop by Esther and Jerry Hicks which revolutionized her thinking and helped her focus on abundance, appreciation, and the law of attraction.

Marcy shared that it’s easy for artists to succumb to self doubt about their work. Will someone like this? Is it good enough? These are frequent questions for artists of all stripes but especially for fine artists who sell their work for a living. Marcy also credits the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron because it liberated her to make art because she loves to – not because she has something to sell.

Giving herself permission to do what she loves when creating her pottery has actually improved her work and Marcy’s buyers/collectors are excited to see what she has in store that’s new. Her body of work is always growing and changing and Marcy finds this intellectually and artistically stimulating.

A Hybrid Approach

Marcy’s own words best describe her hybrid approach:

“Abstractions of plant-life and the microscopic world are represented in the organic forms and surfaces I invent, searching to find a balance between man and nature, and science and nature.  Branches, roots, bones, and microorganisms are some of the ingredients that occupy my imagination.   Biological plant-like forms coming alive, growing, and aging are part of my visual language and serve as inspiration in the creation of my sculptures and functional vessels.  Each new series I create takes on a new title, such as, Organisms, Life-Forms, Hybrids, and Bio-Morphs.  It is the idea of the “history of life forms” – individual as well as universal.  I remember the first time I looked at plant tissues under a microscope.  They were alive, moving, foreign, and intimidating.  I felt uncomfortable and mesmerized in the same instance.  Complex organic forms and unique glazed surfaces are invented from my imagination, but inspired by nature and plant life.”

“My organic clay sculptures and functional vessels incorporate many different ceramic techniques; from paper clay slabs, which enables me to build large pieces that are very lightweight, to pinched coils and wheel thrown and molded parts. I am interested in the repeated layering of glazes, which encrusts the surface with texture, to the extent that it no longer is recognizable as a traditional ceramic surface.  This process includes a layering of custom made glazes, hand painted ceramic pigments, and multiple kiln firings.  The black and white painted surfaces are glaze fired two or three times.  Using ceramic pigments mixed with water, I paint with them over an already glazed surface. The paintings melt and fuse into the glaze in the subsequent glaze firing.”

Ideas such as transformation and mutation are important in the creation of her visual language.  Marcy wants the layers of the form and the surface to create an edgy tension within each piece, and imply life and history.  She is interested in portraying odd, quirky, foreign, and alien life forms; suggesting breathing living organisms, and transforming them into cultivated forms about life.

Since Marcy is a true hybrid artist combining sculpture and pottery, her work is very unique. She doesn’t plan most of her creations – she just let’s them evolve and happen. It’s the act of going into the studio and creating that still brings her great joy.

Wearing Multiple Hats

But the reality of a working artist is that she has to balance making art with making a living. So, Marcy teaches art classes at the Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning and is a member of the Local Clay Potter’s Guild as well as the Visual Arts Guild-Arts Alliance in Bloomington. She was commissioned to work on a mural project with a local school and created a relief sculpture celebrating student diversity and what they loved about their school.

Future plans include growing her inventory since she has been very successful recently at art shows and exhibitions and must get back into her studio to create new pieces for upcoming shows. Her website is a work-in-progress and Marcy chips away at finishing the site when she has the time and inclination since she has a full schedule with teaching and making art. She has learned to prioritize so she can maintain her creative energy and a positive outlook.

An Artful Life

The internet has changed Marcy’s life as a working artist. She relies on referrals from satisfied customers and collectors but the internet has empowered her to network effectively beyond her client base. Marcy credits her mentors for their support and enthusiasm and believes in paying-it-forward to other emerging artists. She built a house a few years ago and shares her studio basement with several local artists to help them move forward on their artistic journey.

Marcy has a mantra of doing the best that she can each day – if it doesn’t get done, that’s ok. She is committed to being happy with what she does accomplish and is grateful for the opportunity to earn a living making art.

Marcy’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Give yourself permission to change.
• Work is always growth.
• Make choices and be confident.
• Know what you want to say to the world and make it work.
• Reward yourself for your accomplishments.

Quote:

“If you want to make art, just make it. It’s not about selling – it’s about making what you love.”

Marcy Neiditz

Resources:

Marcy’s website: http://www.marcyneiditz.com

But the struggle for PhDs who want to go in a different career direction is as old as the ivy on the hallowed university buildings where they minted their degrees. While the basics of selling your skills in research, writing, advanced analysis, and teaching are a given – don’t ignore the personality trait that empowered you to earn the highest degree in the land in the first place. Resilience and your tremendous work ethic can be the special sauce that you use to distinguish yourself in the job market.

Think about it – you have spent 7+ years of your life becoming an expert in a very particular, often esoteric, slice of an academic discipline that may not play into your future career goals at all now. According to an article in Selloutyoursoul “a work-horse, a smart work horse, a curious person willing to put in the time to become an expert in a new industry…that is something worth a second interview.” Help prospective employers understand that you are eager to put this incredible work ethic to use in their company.

Think about your ability to break down a massive project into small steps, an excellent exercise in creativity and high-level thinking according to Selloutyoursoul. Be ready to convince the hiring manager that you are approachable and a team player. The fear for many HR managers is that with a PhD comes a big ego which will upset the existing team dynamic.  While you want to highlight your passion, drive, and ambition – it’s also important to show them that you are a good colleague and able to play in the sandbox with others.

“So don’t be a genius. Have a single purpose: to attack the study of a new industry just as you attacked your study of literature. And then actually do it.”  - says Selloutyoursoul. But remember, you also need to figure out what makes you tick, what you value, and how you can play to your strengths in a career field that makes you excited to go to work each day.

PhD holders that do not want a career in academia must focus on selling themselves and not their degree when searching for work. Don’t lead with your PhD – lead with the fact that you can be indispensable. Show your employer what you can do, not what skills you theoretically honed in academia.

Before long – “If You’re Happy and You Know It” became “If You’re Hannah and You Know It” and the idea of Name Your Tune was born. Candace’s husband, Eric works in the music industry and he supported the idea of the new business venture and also brought significant skills and expertise to the table. From the beginning, the focus has been on making music fun for children and parents alike. By customizing songs with a child’s name, this wife and husband team has been able to take classic children’s songs to a new place.

Sing a New Song

Candace admittedly has no experience in the music industry but her background in liberal arts and education has provided her with a cadre of transferable skills that help her run the business. Directly after college, Candace hoped to pursue teaching but the lack of opportunities in the education field led her to a position in the retail industry. She was working her way up the management ladder when she became pregnant with Hannah. The plan was to go back right after her maternity leave but Name Your Tune happily took her life in a different direction.

Candace has been active with children and youth in her community through social programs, summer camps and trips abroad so creating a new business about kids was an ideal fit. They started with 9 songs and 800 recorded names. Candace and Eric invented the technology to personalize the songs with a child’s name in the recording process.

Eric’s music background came in very handy with this new business venture. As the company co-founder, he has been active in the Canadian music scene for 15+ years and has experience with media relations and acquisitions for Koch Entertainment which proved extremely valuable for Name Your Tune.

Bringing Home the Bacon and Cooking It

In the beginning, Candace admits she was useless around computers as technology was not her forte. But, she is now the company’s one-woman IT department and coordinates the efforts of 4 amazing singers, producers, and a West Coast office, handling most of the day-to-day tasks herself.

Being a mompreneur and a WAHM (work at home mom) means that Candace can be her own boss. She sets her own hours, which lends itself to a flexible schedule so she can balance her varying roles as a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and business owner. While Candace admits to accepting a certain amount of imbalance as a reality to her day, she feels fortunate to be able to work from home and enjoy the little things that she couldn’t do if she worked off site.

While juggling Name Your Tune responsibilities she usually does a few loads of laundry and gets her daughter to and from school daily. She has become the queen of multi-tasking. On an ambitious day this might also include cooking a batch of homemade spaghetti sauce because these are things that she is able to fit in during her work day now.

A Hard Day’s Night

While the work day might sound idyllic, prioritizing her family during the day means that Candace often works at the computer well into the night. Eric is often at her side since this business is truly a joint venture and a family affair. She has his total support and kid coverage when the job requires her working weekends away for promotional events to brand their product. They have developed a partnership and have each other’s backs to cover things on the work and home front.

Since the company launch, Name Your Tune has become the leading personalized CD in the world. Children will hear their name more than 80 times throughout 14 treasured songs and they now have over 4500 names to choose from!

People Magazine called Name Your Tune CDs “This year’s most coveted item.” in 2009.  NBC’s The Today Show calls the CD “Must have baby gear – now that’s something to sing about!” Celebrity parents sporting customized CDs include: Patrick Dempsey, Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, Debra Messing, Tori Spelling, Denise Richards and many more.

Reality Check

The business is thriving now and going better than Candace and Eric ever expected. But, the start-up costs were significant. Family was very supportive and Candace’s dad is an accountant who shared his financial wisdom and backing for the new company.

With 4 performers and a full studio assembled to record the customized songs, Name Your Tune cost $25,000 to become functional in the very beginning. Candace and Eric also have West Coast partners that manage and grow the business in the states. They see it as a 4-way partnership and each person has a specific job that makes the engine run.

Candace warns other aspiring entrepreneurs to protect themselves legally early on and seek out expert advice from a lawyer. She and Eric sought out the counsel of many specialists to make up for skills they did not possess.  Defining their unique brand in the marketplace has been incredibly important as well as the research required to figure out the nuance of supply and demand in the kid’s music industry.

At the end of the day, Candace is happy as a WAHM but warns other moms to be realistic about what you can commit to while raising your family. “Sometimes you have to learn to live with the fact that the beds aren’t made and the dirty dishes in the sink because you are working and growing your business while raising your kids. And that’s ok!” Candace is still figuring out the delicate balancing act and no two days are alike. She wants her daughter to know that there is more to life than work even though as a WAHM she is never off duty.

Play it Forward

A portion of company proceeds are donated to Hear Here, the non-profit, charitable organization that purchases hearing aids for children through the Hospital for Sick Children. In 2007, Candace also launched a campaign called Play it Forward, a new initiative to support the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. This effort collects new and pre-loved CDs to be distributed across Canada in support of Music Therapy. With the support and generosity of her customers, friends and colleagues, over 20,000 CDs were collected and distributed last year.

The accolades keep rolling in since Name Your Tune CDs have been named as an iParenting Award winner, the Parent to Parent Award, and in 2010, was nominated for both a Nickelodeon Parent Pick Award and Candace was herself nominated for an RBC Entrepreneur Award.

Out of a great idea, a song or two, and a lot of hard work and enthusiasm, Candace Alper changed her tune and reinvented her career from retail management in waiting to record label entrepreneur.

Candace’s Advice and Action Steps:

• To the WAHMs – don’t underestimate how hard it is to work at home.
• Empower yourself with information and seek help from others who do what you can’t.
• Don’t take things personally, business is business.
• Research the market you want to enter and find out what the needs are. Plan your transition according to what you love and what is needed.

Quote:

“It’s only a good idea if you do it – so do it fully!” Candace Alper

Resources:

Name Your Tune www.nameyourtune.com

Wanderlust Leads to a New Career

This “recovering attorney” has stellar credentials that have empowered her with a myriad of transferable skills. Tonya graduated from the London School of Economics, East China University of Law and Politics, and Wayne State University Law School.  She is also a student of the arts and previously worked at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and the Globe Theatre (under the late Sam Wannamaker) in London.   According to Tonya, her greatest education has come through traveling—discovering different cultures, learning about the history, and meeting the beautiful citizens of the world.  This is how she transitioned into her new role as a travel broadcast journalist, multi-media producer, and global citizen.

But how does one make the break from a secure legal career to make a livelihood traveling? According to Tonya, you honor your passion and the rest will follow.  Tonya and her husband, Ian, also an attorney, left their law practices behind to create a unique global community through their travel radio show – World Footprints (formerly Travel’n On). Their decision to grow a community of fellow responsible travelers was affirmed when they were awarded the 2009 First Place Travel Broadcast from North American Travel Journalists Association.  Since forming Travel’n On Media Productions, LLC, the producer of World Footprints Radio, they have expanded their broadcast platform to include additional multimedia digital platforms including internet, TV, and multiple social media platforms. This allows them to stay connected with their fellow travelers and grow their audience, even while on the road.

In addition to her role as Executive Producer of World Footprints and CEO of Travel’n On Media Productions, LLC, Tonya is also an author and speaker.  She and Ian are currently writing a chapter in a book with Stephen Covey and they are producing new travel video content for major online media companies.  Tonya also frequents and covers travel-related legislation at the White House and Congress.

Planning for Change

Every move Tonya has made in life she has planned for and her exit from the legal profession was no exception. Her legal training helped her hone her research skills and she performs due diligence on every project she pursues. While she admits to being a risk taker, she also knows the importance of staying afloat financially. Tonya worked with a life/career coach to help her reinvent her passion for travel and turn it into a viable career. She also saved money to live on for a full year since she knew it would take time to turn a profit with the show and her new company.

The radio show makes money from investors, paid sponsors and advertisers but securing those has been a challenge in this tough economy. Tonya and Ian are now expanding their broadcast platforms and growing their audience by tapping into new markets like university students who travel, study, and work abroad, and providing them with resources and a venue to share their experiences.

While Tonya is always using her transferable skills in contracts, negotiations, and communication & writing for the show and her company, she found it tough at first to “sell” her ideas and thought it would be easier to market someone else’s product. But, she has since overcome that feeling of insecurity and embraced her humble confidence in this project and the company that she truly believes in.

Celebrity Power on the Show

Prominent personalities and celebrity interviews on the radio show have given the program extra cache and increased the listening audience. Those special guests include actress and wildlife advocate Stefanie Powers, NASCAR icon Kyle Petty, philanthropist David Rockefeller, Jr., Rajmohan Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Travel Channel hosts Samantha Brown, Andrew Zimmern and Kirsten Gum, and many more celebrities and newsmakers.

World Footprints was recently granted accreditation to cover the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.  Although some sporting events were covered like the Luge, Bobsled and Biathlon, the broadcast focus was on the cultural stories behind the Games, i.e., how the First Nations people were represented, Vancouver’s sustainable/green development legacy and animal conservation efforts of the Olympic mascots.  Tonya and Ian hope to travel to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup where, in addition to covering events and unique attractions, they will also volunteer for a South African-based charitable organization that supports disadvantaged children.

An influential commentator, journalist, and thought leader in the travel space, Tonya has been heard or seen on MSNBC.com, NPR, Retirement Living, AllAfrica.com, local CBS and NBC affiliate stations and others.  Tonya is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, the National Press Club, the North American Travel Journalist Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists.  Both Tonya and Ian are members of the International Speakers Network.

Tonya and Ian are currently writing a chapter in a book entitled, Success Simplified, with Stephen Covey, Patricia Fripp and Tony Alessandra.  This book is expected to be released in December 2010.

The Joy of Being Your Own Boss

The reality of being an entrepreneur is that you have total control over your business and that you are solely responsible for your success or failure. Tonya has always had a strong work ethic and she believes it is now even stronger because she has taken ownership of her career future and her business. According to Tonya, she relies on her spiritual strength, prays a lot, and has created a work environment with Ian that puts value on integrity, work ethic, and authenticity.

While Tonya’s life has consisted of many exciting travel experiences, she has learned to take calculated risks and plan for them.  She has lived, studied, and worked abroad in England, China, Russia and Romania and her many travels have taken her through many regions of the world including a 5-week backpacking trip through Asia where she returned to China and visited eight other countries in the region.  As an avid scuba diver, she gravitates to coastal areas.  She loves adventure and wants to trek through Nepal and climb Kilimanjaro someday soon.

But, this adventurist has made a conscious effort to grow her business wisely instead of quickly honoring the vision she and her husband have created.

From the beginning responsible travel, culture and heritage were values that Tonya and Ian brought to their show.  World Footprints is unique in that its entire focus is about leaving positive footprints by fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendships, encouraging positive impacts on local people and their environments, supporting local trade and fair markets and promoting authentic travel experiences that respect cultural heritage.

Tonya is on a quest to help others respect the natural environment and eco-balance of the planet by encouraging travel choices that minimize negative environmental impacts. One trip and one radio show or media product at a time, she and Ian are spreading their message, fulfilling their purpose and living their dream.

Tonya’s Advice and Action Steps

• Honor your “red flags” and trust your gut.
• Grow your business wisely and not just quickly.
• Utilize your mentors and personal resource team.
• Be ready to pay-it-forward and help others.
• Be aware of your total skill set and tap into your strengths.

Mantra: Honor Your SELF and the rest will follow.

Resources

World Footprints Media www.WorldFootprints.com

International Speakers Network: www.bookaspeaker.net

Facebook World Footprints community http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/WORLD-FOOTPRINTS-Media/272337714084

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/WorldFootprints

A Transitional “Fun Job” That Turned Into a Career

As a way to generate income while she figured out her next career move, Kari took a part time job at a winery in a small tasting room earning just pennies above minimum wage.

“After I left teaching, I found the wine business by asking myself, ‘If I have to get a job while I figure out what I want to do with my life, what menial job sounds like the most fun?’ I believe I found something I enjoyed because I took the pressure off myself to find the right job.”

Kari learned a lot in her first job in the winery tasting room by asking many questions and absorbing information from her co-workers. It was like learning a new language in the beginning and visiting other vineyards expanded her industry acumen. While some family and friends thought she had jumped off the solid career bridge, Kari remained positive and enjoyed her new work experience in the winery. She loved the blend of science and art, intellect and creativity and even though this was not a long term job, Kari discovered it was a starting point and had tremendous growth potential.  She moved on to sell wine to key accounts as a distributor in Los Angeles for several years.

“I realized early on after I left teaching how many skills I had that I considered transferable. As a teacher, I was managing a team of 20-40 people (albeit “little” people) and had daily tasks that included sales, communications, PR (parents), staff management, and teaching. I decided I was just as equipped for the business world as anyone. So, during my first wine sales interview, the manager interviewed me. He was an old-timer of the business and looked it, kind of like an old cowboy who could eat you up and spit you out at breakfast. He looked over my resume and said almost with a sneer, “So you were a teacher. What makes you think you can sell wine?” I looked at him and replied without blinking, “I use to sell algebra to eight year-olds. Do you really think selling wine is going to be hard for me?” I got the job.”

As with any new career transition, Kari faced a lot of challenges. It was financially difficult since her first sales job was 100% commission in the lowest producing territory and the thought of not being able to pay the rent was terrifying to her. Her grandmother always served as a mentor and inspiration and she encouraged Kari to persevere and ignore the naysayers.

The Power of Self Reflection

As she progressed through different jobs in the wine industry, Kari moved to Napa and pursued a thoughtful self reflection of her values, interests, personality, and skills to find a more meaningful position that was a good fit for her in the industry.  She considered what a dream day would look like at work and started a list that included: working for someone she respected, working in a beautiful environment, being allowed to use all of her talents and abilities in one position, not being micromanaged, and having an opportunity to work from home.

On a whim, she logged onto a Wine Jobs website and found her current position at Sodaro Estate Winery. Her employer shared: “We knew immediately that Kari was the right fit for the position.” and the rest is history.

Although Kari has autonomy over her entire work day, self motivation is essential. “The good part is that you are all by yourself, the bad part is also that you are all by yourself!” Sometimes she misses having an office environment to bounce ideas around and although the winery staff works independently, they are definitely a team.

With the world of social networking, Kari is learning to become adept at utilizing Twitter and Facebook to keep Sodaro Estate’s wine in the limelight of a competitive industry. You have to be a jack-of-all-trades in a smaller company. She’s now a tech person, a marketing person, a sales person, a hospitality person, a VP business person, an accounting department, and an office manager all-in-one. Way to multi task, Kari – although she does have a part-time assistant who helps greatly.

Dare to Design Your Dream Job

She got all of the dream job wishes on her list and now works from home as well as at the beautiful Sodaro Winery – a breathtaking landscape that reflects the stunning beauty and individuality of this estate. Working with renowned winemakers Bill and Dawnine Dyer and Don Sodaro, Kari is thrilled to have colleagues she respects.

Kari sees life as a continual journey and hopes to own her own business someday. For now, she is thrilled to hone her skills and work in this dream job at Sodaro Estate Winery and thankful that she had the courage to admit that teaching was not a good fit. It’s liberating to know that we can change our career minds as often as we wish and teaches us all to trust our gut instincts. Cheers to Kari on her self assessment and reinvention!

Kari’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Follow your intuition no matter how quietly it speaks; follow what calls to you – no matter how crazy it sounds.
• Get specific about what you want – make a list and make it happen.
• Test drive different jobs/ideas until you find what suits you best.
• Make excellent mistakes – that is how you learn and life is a journey.

Quote: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what this world needs are people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman

Resources:

Sodaro Estate Winery www.sodarowines.com

Savor the Success – www.savorthesuccess.com

Breath Mint Maven

Working as in-house counsel for an event an interior design company, Jacqui found herself longing to be her own boss, to take charge of her own career destiny and start her own company. Her idea was unique, an all-natural breath freshener that would really eliminate your garlic laden lunch breath and not simply mask it temporarily like so many other products on the market.

Jacqui enjoyed a similar breath mint product she found in Australia (and could never find state side) and used that as a point of departure for her new and improved breathalicious concoction. To distinguish herself and her mint, she was on a mission to make her product, fun, cute, and trendy. And so, eatwhatever breath fresheners were born.

Her vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free product is filled with organic oils. Jacqui’s two steps to kissable breath regimen is very simple. First, you swallow a vegan gel cap which freshens your breath from the inside, filled with organic parsley and peppermint oil. Step two – suck on one of the little white mints for a bit of instant freshness. Bring on the garlic, onions, and all your favorite stinky foods since this product really eliminates odors for hours. The spine of her packaged mints reads: Suck and Swallow – a glimpse of the sexy marketing that helped identify her brand.

Learn the Ropes

So how does a first time entrepreneur make her breath-of-fresh-air product a reality? Jacqui started going to trade shows looking for vegan gel caps to fill with her organic essential oils. Learning the ropes was tough since she didn’t have the vocabulary to describe what she wanted and feared that people would find her crazy and inexperienced. She mustered her courage to ask questions and eventually found a company that would do a small run of her recipe so she could test the market and see if her product filled a niche.

Financially it’s been tough. After investing her own money to make this dream a reality, Jacqui is at a point where she is looking for investors to take her business to the next level. But, Jacqui and her husband, Dean Bialek are the quintessential cosmopolitan, intellectual dream team. Both lawyers with a creative and international edge, they share a passion for food, wine, the arts and fashion that serves them well into their new business venture.

Being in Control

While Jacqui admits that she was terrible with numbers, taxes, and financial statements she had to learn enough to be a well informed consumer when she hired an accountant to help with these tasks. “You must be in control with distributors, brokers and the business people who will help you with all aspects of your business so you are not taken advantage of.”

Jacqui also shared that the food industry is still very male driven so as a woman entrepreneur she has to be on her toes to get the attention of her male counterparts and to keep it! Self motivation is also a must for this breath freshener queen. She loves having control over her own schedule but also knows the realities of having to do it all yourself, at least in the early stages of the business. If the mail has to be taken to the post office, Jacqui does it since she is the staff, the CEO and Co-Founder.

Fake it Till You Make It!

Clearly some of the transferable skills from her legal career and performing arts background have helped her run the business, but Jacqui says she learns a lot just by doing. From the law she learned how to read the fine print and knows why it is crucial for her business. She suggests that you do your homework on potential business contacts before you meet them because as an attorney, she knows how expensive litigation is and warns to avoid it at all costs.

As a former performing artist, Jacqui knows the importance of exuding confidence in front of her audience. She says that eloquence and professionalism are essential and her private tip is “Fake it until you make it – they’ll never know!” In the beginning, she devoured a myriad of books and magazines on entrepreneurship and relied on friends in the beverage and packaging industry to learn the ropes from the inside out. Learning the lingo was essential to be recognized and respected by the professionals in the industry with whom she would be working with to market and distribute eatwhatever.

The Value of a Strong Brand

Each day brings valuable lessons and Jacqui says that it is always a learning experience. She now realizes the importance of making her branding message clear, clean, and strong. While she originally loved the idea of the sexy factor with a kissable breath product, she now understands that in certain markets the sex appeal needs to be toned down to a flirt factor. She continues to tinker with packaging and now realizes the importance of investing money in PR during a product’s launch.

At the end of the day eatwhatever is about confidence. Everyone needs fresh breath. Whether we are kissing a loved one or interviewing for a new position, fresh breath empowers you with the confidence to feel good about yourself. Jacqui never leaves home without packs of her amazing product.  A walking and talking billboard for her product, her samples are sure to make a believer out of you.

I can now add my name to her list of positive testimonials. The product is fantastic – it really works and for a breath freshener to empower us with that kind of self confidence is a beautiful thing!

Jacqui’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Really take the time to think through your ideas and plan your strategy.
• Be realistic about how much time (24/7) is takes to launch a new business.
• Avoid negativity and develop a thick skin; everyone has an opinion – sift through those you really want to consider.
• Trust yourself – you are your best asset.
• Great things happen through networking.

Quote: “Failure is not an option!” Jacqui Rosshandler

Resources:

eatwhatever  www.eat-whatever.com

Savor the Success www.savorthesuccess.com

Ladies Who Launch  http://www.ladieswholaunch.com

During what she describes as the crazy eighties, an earlier recession rocked the economy and the big money went away in the corporate sector so “…M&A was not as fun as it used to be.” according to Nancy.

Making the Deal

Nancy had always served on Boards for arts organizations so when it was time to transition from the financial sector, an opportunity presented itself in an off-Broadway non-profit theatre company. Serving as the Executive Director, Nancy learned quickly to use her business savvy in a new way, frugally navigating the realities of the non-profit world where both sides of each piece of paper were always used and waste was not an option.

She took pride in keeping her company in the black and always had her eyes on the realities of their profit and loss. Nancy says her guerilla business instincts were really honed in the non-profit world where she appreciated every dollar earned and cultivated audience members, donors, and sponsors since fundraising was also part of her position.

At age 38 Nancy was aching for something more.  Still involved with her beloved arts organizations as a volunteer, she left the theatre company and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premiere culinary college in upstate New York.

Metamorphosis

Nancy remembers fondly the intensive course work that really tapped her creative side and the internships that allowed her to get experience in the industry before completing her curriculum. One such internship was not only a fabulous professional experience – it also introduced her to James Laird, a Sous Chef at the time who later became her husband.

Growing up, Nancy’s family entertained a lot and she worked many a restaurant job during the summers she spent on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. The hospitality industry was a refreshing homecoming and part of her full scale metamorphosis from the corporate sector.

Nancy and James have been married for 15 years and this husband and wife dynamic duo opened their own fine dining Restaurant Serenade in the New Jersey suburbs as newlyweds. Nancy’s skills and talents are found everywhere at Serenade and she is a force behind the success of the restaurant. Serving as front of house, General Manager and Chief of Operations, her sound business background and good judgment, coupled with her culinary training and natural charm have propelled her to the forefront of today’s successful restaurateurs.

Working with your husband can be a challenge for many, but Nancy and James make an ideal professional couple. With James as Chef of Serenade, he has earned numerous accolades including a NY Times mention as “…one of the best classically trained chefs in New Jersey.”

Cleanse Your Palate

Restaurant Serenade is known for its active Bar and signature contemporary French cuisine. The ever changing tasting menus are to be savored and paired with selections from their extensive and carefully assembled wine collection.

When I asked Nancy about her career transition she offers others the advice to get your nerves in check and know that risk is ok and to have faith in your abilities. She and James took a great financial risk opening their own restaurant and she admits to “…not sleeping for a few years.” until things really became solid.

Even so, the restaurant business is a constant fight for loyal clientele and Nancy holds her breath when a new restaurant opens within her geographic region since new establishments can be a vacuum suck on existing restaurants.

But Restaurant Serenade has earned its rave review in the Zagat Restaurant Guide since they have a loyal following and consistently exceptional food and service. Nancy and James have also been reviewed favorably in New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Life and Yoga Journal magazine.

A Love Song

Nancy and James bought the existing restaurant 15 years ago from a previous owner. They closed the deal on a Tuesday and re-opened under Laird management on Thursday. They soon learned the importance of renaming the restaurant and putting their brand and signature on the establishment. Nancy calls James’ cooking a love song to her (and the customers) but Serenade is also the name of the first George Balanchine Ballet ever produced in America.

James’ cuisine is similar to Balanchine’s choreography – a deconstruction of simple ingredients, refined and presented in an elegant manner. And so, Restaurant Serenade was named.

While it may sound like personal and professional bliss (and it is) Nancy and James work around the clock on their labor of love. She keeps the same hours as Wall Street but is happy to be in charge of the business decisions and enjoys the total autonomy and accountability of being an entrepreneur.

Nancy and James have assembled an excellent staff that they treasure. The house rules require that everybody greets each other by name and all kvetching is to be left at the door. They keep the atmosphere fun and challenging and the energy is palpable and appreciated by the customers.

Future plans include writing a book and maybe even opening up another restaurant – when the time is right, according to Nancy. For now – life is very busy and very nice. Nancy always strives to expand the reach of new customers and she hopes to get James more visibility on TV shows and in-print reviews. They work with a Publicist to spend their advertizing dollars most wisely and staffed their team with trusted experts like their Sommelier and Maitre ‘D from their culinary network.

While the restaurant business is no place for the faint of heart, Nancy and James are thriving. James has an organic mini farm at home which produces fresh herbs and vegetables for the restaurant and their personal kitchen. At home, Nancy does the cooking and enjoys the quiet moments she and James can share together.

So the next time you are in the tri-state area, consider a worthwhile stop in Chatham, New Jersey to enjoy Restaurant Serenade. You will be glad you did!

Nancy’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Have faith in yourself and your abilities.
• Risks can be scary but they are also well worth it.
• Network until you find the right opportunity – jobs will find you if you put yourself out there.
• Throw away your safety net and just do it.

Quote:

“You need to be well capitalized – or naive.” Nancy Sheridan Laird

Resources:

Restaurant Serenade: www.restaurantserenade.com

CIA: http://www.ciachef.edu

A Shift in Values

“It always felt like something was wrong with me.  How could I have such incredible opportunities and be so miserable at the same time? Only after I started doing some work on myself did I realize that my values were in opposition to what I was doing.” And so Starla’s career reinvention journey began.”

Like so many women, she started out fully intending to follow her passions but over time doubted that she could really make a living doing what she loved. Starla found her choices becoming more and more practical – her heart gave way to her head. Looking back, Starla was able to admit: “I convinced myself that a successful career was more about stability and financial security, not challenge and passion.”

Getting Your House in Order

Taking the plunge from a secure and high paying career to a new adventure was a journey and a leap of faith. Ever practical, Starla first took steps to get her financial house in order. She earned a coaching certification to add to her business know-how and financial expertise.

While the additional credentialing was helpful and important for the new career path, the inner work and rearranging of mental furniture was what made the most difference. Starla talked about her need to shed some of the hard edges of the corporate sector before she could move forward in the new direction of becoming a coach and a trainer.

“When you are working so intimately with people, you have to clear your own energy.  I spent a lot of time reminding myself of who I was, at the core, before I was in finance.  I did all of the things that gave me joy – my family, nature and animals, adventure and that feeling of being free.”

Secret Weapons

It was now time for Starla to identify her personal return on investment strategy knowing that she was the human capital at stake.  She identified two secret weapons that helped her move forward to achieve her ROI. The book Get Clients Now by C.J. Hayden provided concrete action steps and revealed secret weapon number one – the quickest way to build visibility and credibility was by speaking to groups of people.  The only problem was that Starla was deathly afraid of public speaking! She feared being judged each time she stood in front of a room – a feeling shared my many.

Known to be tenacious (and maybe even stubborn to those close to her), Starla mustered her courage and decided that it was the fastest way to what she wanted. According to Starla- “I just sucked it up.  For almost 2 years, I spoke almost every week.  It was exhausting, but finally it became ingrained in me.” 

The second secret weapon isn’t as easy to replicate.  It’s her amazing husband, David Greco who has always been Starla’s rock.  “I can talk endlessly, cry, celebrate or ask for strategic advice and he is ALWAYS there.  He is never tied to an outcome – he just wants me to be truly, authentically me. Because of his unconditional support, I know that no matter what choices I make, he will support me.”

The lesson here is to find your unconditional support system and tap it – regularly.

A new Career is Born

Armed with secret weapons and a commitment to honor her values, Starla founded Fearlessness, Inc., an executive coaching, training, and consulting company that specializes in business communications and leadership development.

Founded on the principle that business metrics alone are not enough to guarantee a successful company, Fearlessness, Inc. focuses on the people that comprise the business. From team dynamics down to individual contributors, Fearlessness, Inc. creates customized solutions to foster more effective communication and productivity. Training programs cover leadership communication, teambuilding, presentation skills, time management and proper office etiquette.

The name of the company is inspiring and gives you some insight into Starla and what makes her tick. Based on her real world experience in high pressure, high risk environments, Starla has taken her lessons learned and keys to success to develop customized programs for executives and their teams. As an executive coach, speaker and trainer, Starla helps individuals leverage their skills through personal branding, effective communication and leadership development. She also works with teams to overcome obstacles, communicate across differences and agree on intended outcomes.

When it Rains it Pours

As an entrepreneur, Starla now enjoys the creativity of setting her own strategic mission. She enjoys meeting inspirational people and doing interesting things every day that help people improve in their professions and she is thrilled not to have to deal with office politics.

But the new career path did not come without challenges. During the first year of the business, Starla was flying to San Diego every week tending to her ailing father. While she was very grateful to have the flexibility to spend time with her family, it also meant that she was not growing her business and essentially put it on hold for a year.

The financial strain was tougher than she expected, even with savings, but Starla never envisioned that her husband would lose his job. Within the same 2 week period of David’s lay-off, Starla’s father passed away. They had exhausted their savings and amassed significant debt with the company start up fees. The outlook was bleak.

Starla candidly shared:

“There have been the sleepless nights, feelings of panic and a sense of futility.  But I never once considered going back to work for someone else.  How do I overcome the challenges?  I cry until I’m exhausted.  I laugh at the absurdity of my life.  I complain to my husband.  And I rely on the wisdom of other women business owners who have gone through it and come out better and stronger.”

A Hero’s Journey

And as the old adage goes, that which does not kill us does make us stronger. Starla came away from the adversity stronger and more focused. She created her own Queen-dom with 3 partners and co-founded the Fearless Women Entrepreneur Network (FWEN) to empower other women on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Starla is forever grateful to entrepreneurship – she been known to say that the starting a business is a personal evolution that saved her from herself.  Starla wants to bring that same sense of purpose and possibility to other women who are tired of living separated from who they are meant to be. Fearless Women Entrepreneur Network is an organization dedicated to fostering emerging women entrepreneurs through education and community-building. Starla is passionate about providing the programs, tools, resources and connections that she wishes she had when she first started out. 

While the goal is to take FWEN national, most of the programs happen in the California Bay Area. Starla believes becoming an entrepreneur is a hero’s journey that takes you to the deepest pits of darkness to the highs unlike any other.  The journey doesn’t take the entrepreneur on a straight line and the journey never ends.  Instead it is a constantly changing cycle of challenges, victories and emotions.

The fears, doubts and uncertainties of being an entrepreneur never really go away.  That is why Starla and her team have created a community of women fearless enough to be honest about the hardships and perils of the journey and who support and celebrate each other’s successes.  FWEN aims to be a sigh of relief for women who feel alone and who wonder if they’re crazy to being on this journey. 

Starla is hard at work growing her coaching business, empowering women entrepreneurs, and writing a book. While her plate is full, so is her heart since she is living an authentic life with a career she adores. The ultimate relationship builder, this corporate maven left cubicle land to help hero’s find their way and she has created a sacred space for women entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.

Starla’s Advice and Action Steps:

To be a Fearless Entrepreneur, you need to possess the 3 P’s:

1. Passion.  Love what you do so strongly that you would do it for free (because chances are you will be working harder than you’ve ever worked for less than you’ve ever made).
2. Preparation.  Having an idea that you’re passionate about won’t sustain a business.  You have to back the passion up with a viable business model, solid market research and enough flexibility that you can pivot if the market tells you that it wants something different.
3. Persistence.  Every entrepreneur I’ve ever met is overly optimistic about when they will have the product finished, will reach scalability, or hit a certain revenue target.  It always takes longer than you imagine it will.  Stay the course and take time to acknowledge how far you’ve come. 

Quote:

Starla is has learned that the only way she can make a positive impact is by being absolutely true to who she is. She is inspired by this quote from an e.e. cummings poem:

“To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting.”

Resources:

Fearlessness Inc. www.FearlessnessInc.com

Fearless Women Entrepreneur Network – http://www.fearlesswomennetwork.com/

 A Toxic Environment Was the Deal Breaker

Jane was trained in the old school of doing layouts and mechanicals on a drawing table and shared – “By the time I was working from a computer, I was bored out of mind and needed a change.” Working in the corporate culture left her feeling unhappy and misaligned with her work ethics.

As a freelancer she was still close enough to the action to absorb the high stress level that was palpable all the time in corporate America. She longed for a non-toxic work environment that would make her feel good at the end of the day. Tapping into the advice of a dear friend, Jane contemplated reflexology and other hands-on wellness practices where she could connect with people and make a difference.

The beauty of New York City is that you have access to everything and anything. Jane easily found the Laura Norman Reflexology Center right in the heart of Manhattan. She devoured the training brochure and knew right then and there that this was what she wanted to learn to do.

Clarity of Focus

Hungry for her new reinvention, Jane immediately signed up for reflexology courses and began her new journey on nights and weekends. By day she was working as a freelance graphic designer and by night she was working towards her certification in reflexology.

With four levels of required training under her belt, Jane traveled the island of Manhattan documenting hours of client sessions, attending workshops and health fairs, and reading every book, article, and piece of information she could find on her new passion – reflexology.

So what is reflexology, anyway? Jane describes reflexology based on research and principles that are most widely used to define the practice today.

“Reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are reflex areas on the feet, hands and outer ears which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction, which causes a physiological change in the body.

Many people call reflexology massage, but reflexology and massage are two different modalities. Reflexology has its own history, vocabulary, techniques and research studies separate from any other profession. It works primarily with reflexes through the nervous system versus the musculature. The intent is not to change the soft tissue of the body, but to bring the body into balance through the relaxation process.”

After two full years of course requirements, hands-on practical hours, and a three-part test, Jane earned her national certification in reflexology. Armed with clarity of purpose, Jane was now a Reflexologist on a mission towards a new career.

Putting Her Best Foot Forward

Jane was ready to take her new certification on the road since she faced a serious career hurdle in her New York City home base. Each state has different laws governing bodywork and in NY State, to practice reflexology legally, Jane was also required to earn a license in massage therapy. Always clear, Jane shared: “Well, I didn’t want to be a massage therapist. I wanted to be a Reflexologist. Period!” And so the journey to find a new home to fulfill her career dream began.

Reflecting on where she might land, Jane focused on Bloomington, IN – a place she had visited often and also one with no restrictive laws governing reflexology. After 19 years in her beloved Big Apple, Jane left and headed west to start a new chapter in her life and her career.

Setting out Her Shingle

Jane had a support group of friends in Bloomington which helped in her cross country relocation. With her work history in graphic design, Jane was able to produce her own fliers, cards, ads and marketing materials. She had the added challenge of educating a new population about reflexology so they would understand the practice and take advantage of her services.

Jane’s materials include user-friendly descriptions about reflexology and its health benefits. For example:

“Many health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repair damage caused by injury. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax. Reflexology gently nudges the body toward better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage, venous circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation.”

 With the availability of the internet, reflexology resources are plentiful now. A myriad of reflexology associations on a state, national and international level provide a wealth of information to keep Jane and her clients updated on studies, workshops and conferences.

Foot Loose and Fancy Free

Jane is quick to thank her teachers and mentors, Sande Rosen and Laura Norman who continue to serve as inspirational resources for her practice today. She values their personal commitment to her career and in return, Jane pays-it-forward by teaching an introductory reflexology course at Associates for Integrative Health in Bloomington.

While being a solo-preneur has its challenges, Jane is thrilled to be in charge of her own career destiny. She most appreciates not having others tell her what to do or how to dress in a work environment, and sets her own schedule in a time frame that suits her lifestyle. Jane relishes being comfortable in her work environment, creating a space that focuses on calm and relaxation for herself and her clients.

You’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Or, in this case – Jane’s not in New York City anymore. For her, moving to a small Midwestern city has also created some challenges. Although a progressive university town, Bloomington doesn’t have any other nationally certified Reflexologists. That may seem like a no brainer for steering all the clients to Jane but in reality, competition breeds good business. Jane longs for a community of Reflexologists with whom she can collaborate and a little competition never hurts either!

With Bloomington as her home for 10+ years, Jane has come to love this little oasis in Indiana. She is active in the community and has a network of friends and clients that frequent her practice regularly. Her client base continues to grow from strong referrals and she was recently featured in the city’s premiere periodical – Bloom Magazine.

Dream Big

Jane has learned a lot over the years and still has future plans and a passionate new dream. Recently, she was introduced to what is called a Reflexology Path. It’s a path or walkway made of stones, designed with the intent to stimulate points on the feet. “I’d love to see one built in Bloomington. What a great way to bring health and community together.” 

And that’s what makes Jane special, her commitment to bringing people together in community. For years she had her own studio, but recently discovered that she enjoys working with like-minded people in a group environment. Jane has set up her reflexology table in Bloomington’s Massage on the Square. It’s a co-op of massage therapists and Jane is the sole certified Reflexologist. She is enjoying the camaraderie of other professionals dedicated to the wellness practice of bodywork. “There’s always someone to listen, and give advice or best of all, give you a massage. I love how we take care of each other.”

So if you live Bloomington, IN or find yourself passing through, be sure to look up Jane Bradley and treat yourself to a reflexology session. Once you start, you’ll never stop. I’ve been a client of Jane’s for many years and I treat my feet, and my entire body to an hour of reflexology with Jane regularly. She really can clear your nose through your toes!

Jane’s Advice and Action Steps:

• Have a plan and visualize your future.
• Stay positive, believe in yourself, and always strive for what you want.
• Build a community of people who also do what you do. They will be a great support system and serve as a resource.
• Never sacrifice your sanity or suffer through a stressful career you don’t like – you deserve the best.

Quote:

“You live the life you choose.” – Jane is inspired by this quote that has been used and adapted in countless motivational books.

Resources:

Massage on the Square: http://www.btownmassage.com/

Reflexology Research Project www.reflexology-research.com

Reflexology Association of America www.reflexology-usa.org

American Reflexology Certification Board www.arcb.net