I know our readers are looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I have two missions! One is to educate movement professionals with how to use neurology in their practice with ease. The second is helping movement pros build powerful brands that allow them to create a reliable income while also creating a huge impact. My WHY for this is DEEP! I am obsessed with my colleagues and know they care more about their clients than anyone. These people research, study, practice, learn, and think about their clients well-being day in and day out and they are completely under represented. So I am here to take stand for the population that is overlooked and underrated.
Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I come from a very small town called Lompoc in California. I shopped at the thrift store; our groceries were from the dollar store. My dad died of health issues, then my mom and my only sibling had brain surgery. I am THE person that held my family together, not by choice but by necessity and God's will. I knew dance wouldn't take me through life, so I went into fitness. During that journey I met someone who took a course called "Z-Health" and my life changed forever. It was my introduction to neurology and movement. Then I did everything I could to teach this to others which has led me down a path to "success" (whatever that means) due to my willingness to fail and fail and fail and fail some more.
Being completely transparent, because we all have been there, do you have any stories of times when you've had experiences in your business that could have been catastrophic?
I have had to make some super tough decisions in my life. I don't think any I would consider catastrophic, because to me, at the end of the day I am not above anything. I will do whatever work necessary to provide for my family. I think that if I played small and let others dictate my life, that would have been and could be catastrophic. Since we now live in a time where someone who knows NOTHING about you or your business has the freedom to make a judgement and say things to you that come from knowing nothing at all and internet bullies can be very damaging. Just remember "no one doing better than you would ever criticize you, it is always someone who doesn't put themselves out there that has something bad to say."
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I was much younger and dating a narcissist/sociopath (of course I did not know it at the time) I became a very weird version of myself. Being manipulated year after year does something weird to you. I was at a cross fit competition rooting for our members that were participating, and I made a comment about one of the judges, "she needs to do some squats." She heard me, turned around and looked straight at me. I was SO embarrassed and couldn't believe that I had just done that. THAT is not me. It is a moment in my life I will forever regret and still think about. I was surrounded by people that talked like that, and it slipped out like I was a puppet and NOT ME. I had to learn (or unlearn) that behavior as I left that relationship, grew into a woman, and surrounded myself with the right people. You really are the sum of the 5 people you interact with the most, whether you believe that or not, it is true. Changing your peer group is one of the fastest ways to change your life. I wish I could apologize to that woman. I have had to learn to forgive myself and have prayed about it many times. OOF that was a tough one. We NEVER know what anyone is growing through, especially a woman. Now that I have had 2 babies and been inside of a body I barely recognize, I have grown into a different person since that very awkward and dark time.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Creek Side Tacos! The entire floor is sand, so it feels like transporting to Mexico and my kids are SO happy there. When your kids are happy, that is the best thing ever. My husband and I can actually have a conversation and watch our kids get messy :) Other than that I will go anywhere where they have ceremonial grade Matcha!