Stephanie turned her passion for health and wellness into a business, Your Fertile Self, where she helps men and women struggling with infertility to build their families by helping build their health. Her interview inspires us to take our business one step at a time and to make and prioritize our to-do lists each and every day.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
I have long had an interest in holistic health and wellness and have often been a go-to source on matters health and wellness related for my friends and family. I found that I could talk about health and wellness for hours on end and decided to make it my career!
I never dreamed I’d focus my practice on fertility and women’s health, until I found myself on my own fertility journey in my early 40s. I began trying to have my first baby when I was 42 years old. I had 2 miscarriages, abysmal fertility test results, and a doctor who predicted I had less than a 2% chance of getting pregnant and taking home a baby.
But I did get pregnant, 3 weeks before my 43rd birthday, after just a year of trying and with no major medical intervention. I know unequivocally that my years of living the clean life enabled me to conceive my son.
After my successful journey on the fertility roller-coaster, it was obvious to me that I was called to share what I know about fertility, health, wellness and nutrition to help others prepare physically, mentally and spiritually for motherhood. I trained to become a fertility counselor and holistic health coach, and founded Your Fertile Self.
Tell us about your business or practice.
Your Fertile Self helps women (and men) create the family of their dreams and a life they love. I offer individual and group coaching programs where I help my clients develop a conception plan tailored to their unique fertility and health issues. I also offer meal plans, healthy eating and lifestyle tips, encouragement and inspiration.
What is your current business model?
I provide virtual 1:1 and group coaching programs. I’m currently developing other products, including cleanses, and online courses/webinars on fertility and health-realted topics of interest to my audience.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?
Seeing my clients make positive changes to their lifestyle, because their health and well-being is a gift they can give themselves that they will always have, regardless of what happens on their fertility journey.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?
As the mom of a toddler, staying focused and managing my limited time are huge challenges!
How have you overcome those challenges?
Taking things one step at a time. Keeping an eye on my long-term goal and what I’m striving for while breaking tasks up into manageable sized pieces and slowly and steadily moving forward. I make a lot of lists!
How do you find new clients?
Social media, word of mouth
As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?
Make and prioritize a to-do list at the beginning of each month, which drives a weekly plan/to-do list, which affects what’s on my daily to-do list. This really helps me plan my time and make sure I’m keeping consistent with longer-term goals and strategies.
I also take time every day for self-care. I purposely do not eat lunch at the computer, so I can really focus on enjoying my meal and giving myself a mental break. I often go out for a walk just after lunch to clear my head and get ready for the afternoon.
If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?
Get very clear on my “why” I’m in business – why I’m doing what I do – before making major decisions and investments.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
I think it’s inevitable that a new holistic entrepreneur is going to make mistakes, and what didn’t work for me might work for somebody else, so I don’t think I can give advice like that. The advice I would give to anybody just starting out is to listen to and follow your heart – she knows where to guide you.
What are the top three business tools or resources you couldn’t live without?
My computer (!), website, and a good graphic designer!
What has been your most effective method for growing your business?
Networking via social media has been very effective for me.
What is your favorite indulgence?
A session with my reflexologist
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
Cui (guinea pig), a delicacy in South America, in 1989 (I didn’t care for it).
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
Machu Picchu, Peru, in 2002. I realized a dream I’d had for 15 years with that trip and I cried when I got to the top of Machu Picchu.
Last book you read?
“It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF” by Rebecca Fett
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
Really, really good sushi (which you’re not supposed to eat while pregnant and my business is all about fertility – go figure!)
What is your go-to breakfast?
A green smoothie and lemon water
What do you find most fascinating about the human body?
How she always knows just what we need at the right time. How unconditional her love is for us when she’s often treated so poorly by unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. She breaths for us, pumps blood for us, she’s a sacred temple.
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Being in control of my destiny and sharing my unique gifts on my own terms.
