I’m excited to announce that my business, Custom Designed Wellness, turned ONE on 10/12/24! I can’t believe how fast time has flown!
When I look back on this past year of growing a business, I’m amazed at all I’ve learned and how much I’ve managed to get off the ground! If you’d asked me last October where I thought my business would be now, I probably wouldn’t have had an answer that reflected total faith in myself, at least from a commitment standpoint. I’ve always had loads of gumption and tons of ideas (those who know me well know I’m never shy about sharing them). But let’s be real—those same people probably also think of me as that Gemini type who does get shit done but also has a tendency to let things peter out.
Saying OUT LOUD that I was going to “hang a shingle” was a huge deal for me. It literally meant I had to put my money where my mouth was, but even more, it meant proving to everyone—including myself—that I could bring this project to life and keep it going. Why? Because while I may sometimes question my ability to stick with things, I have nothing but absolute faith in my desire to make a difference in people’s lives, and in my abilities to do so.
From Ideas to Action
So, while I may have started off flying by the seat of my yoga pants from a business standpoint a year ago, my lack of business acumen didn’t really factor into my decision making. Years ago, a good friend gifted bracelets to our friend group, each with a different saying. Mine said, “I think I can.” She explained to her, I am the Little Engine that Could! I always seem to figure things out, no matter what I put my mind to. I was so touched by her gift because she saw in me what I often take for granted in myself.
The truth is, I do go after what I want, and I forget that not everyone does, not everyone can, and not everyone just figures it out. But I do! So when I decided to create a website where I could share what I want, create programming, write blog posts about whatever inspires me, and launch a podcast with topics I love, featuring experts and friends I adore—there was no question. I was going to do it. My goal was to elevate consciousness, inspire others to understand themselves and the world a bit better, and support the people around me who are doing what they love. And I knew, without a doubt, that I was all in for all of that and whatever was to come.
But this wasn’t an overnight transformation. Over the course of more than a year before launching my business, I filled journals with ideas, text messages, notes, doodles of logos, and outlines for programs I wanted to offer, book titles, podcast episodes and blog posts. I explored certifications, potential collaborations, retreat locations, and wellness center concepts. Some of these ideas were intuitive downloads, others came from readings I had with various experts—mediums, astrologers, numerologists, human design experts, reiki practitioners.
Every reading was consistent in its message: I’m meant to own my own business, collaborate with others, write books, be on stages, travel, teach and play big in the world. And I’m meant to do it NOW!
Navigating Impatience, Fear, and Anger
Hearing this was exciting but also overwhelming. I felt impatience—“I want to do this already!” Fear—“Can I really do this? How?” And anger—“Why didn’t I start this sooner?”
At times, I found myself asking the universe, “If I’m supposed to be doing all this, then please help me pick a path!” Should I write a book first? Build a website? Launch a podcast? Thankfully, one piece of advise I received during a reading with Spiritual Medium Kellee White was: “Just start. Say yes to one thing, and everything else will follow.” So, I embraced this approach, knowing that I didn’t need to have all the answers right away, but not without some fear.
Doubt was a formidable obstacle, especially at the age of 58. Could I really start a new venture at this stage of life? Could I manage the financial and logistical challenges? The answer was a resounding "yes." Every time fear tried to hold me back, I trusted in my ability to be resourceful and figure out the next step. I also knew unequivicably I was divinely supported and being guided. I used my daily meditation practice as my board meeting where I would ask my spirit team for guidance. Asking them to help me find the right people when I needed them and they showed up every single time, and still do!
Reflecting on the Journey
The anger I felt about waiting so long to start? It softened when I realized that I’d chosen to dedicate the first part of my life to building the most important business of all: my family. I wasn’t delaying my purpose; I was laying the foundation for it. Without the years of being a wife and mother, I wouldn’t have gained the experience or skills I need now—tenacity, communication, collaboration, realism—all of it.
In many ways, my past roles have prepared me for this stage of my life. I’ve come to embrace my wisdom (I prefer “Sage” over “Crone,” thank you very much!) and use my life experience to relate to others. Now, I can confidently offer my knowledge to people—both those I know and those I haven’t met yet.
The Joys and Challenges of Year One
Starting this business has allowed me to focus, plan, create, and learn. I’ve loved teaching yoga, offering energetic wellness sessions, coaching, and podcasting. But one thing I’ve had to learn—something I can’t say I love—is promoting. Promotion today means social media, newsletters, business cards, and more. While I’m okay with some of it, I’m not a fan of hustling.
Someday, I hope my tagline will be, “Trust me, I’ve got you, let’s do this!” For now, though, I’m still navigating how to market myself authentically. I won’t scare people into buying what I offer. If fear comes up, we’ll chat about which chakra is off balance, but I’m not here to exploit anyone’s fears.
In the meantime, I’m learning to stop and smell the roses. Yes, I have big goals. But I’ve also learned to appreciate where I am right now—creating consistent content, enjoying teaching, playing pickleball, walking my dog, and living a balanced life with my family and friends.
Celebrating the Wins
When I look back on where I started—spiral notebooks and phone notes to myself full of ideas—to where I am now, with a working website, consistent clients, and a business I’m proud of, I feel so grateful. I’ve built this along with my trusted team of experts who came into my life at the exact right time, of course! Without their help I wouldn’t have a website, a logo, a way to create content or a podcast.
Sure, I still have moments of impatience, where I feel like I’m not “there” yet. But where exactly is “there”? I’ve come to realize that comparing myself to others isn’t helpful. Everyone’s journey is different. Some people may look like they have it all figured out, but who knows what’s really going on behind the scenes?
So, I’m celebrating this moment. My joy this week has been creating my first anniversary special (with its own coupon code!) and figuring it all out on my own. I did that! So head to my website and the services tab: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/services-page There you’ll see the Special Anniversary Bundle which lets you purchase 2 Custom Wellness Sessions to receive a 3rd one for FREE!! Use the coupon code: B2G3
Thank you for your vibes, your good wishes, and your continued support. I can’t wait to keep growing, collaborating, and making a difference every day!
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