The Ladies Who Launch series gives members of the Ladies Who Launch Incubator a platform for sharing their stories of giving back and doing good through their businesses.
Wake up calls come in many forms. This Ladies Who Launch member from Ventura, California, changed her destiny after a roll of carpet fell off a shelf and ambushed her head and neck without warning. Ambition had been her religion until her injury inspired a life-altering shift in focus. See how Vicky Rathje's circumstances took her from sales-hound to lavender mogul, and why it's never (ever) too late to make an about face.
Amy Swift, Editor in Chief, www.ladieswholaunch.com
By Vicky Rathje
In September 2001, we were making bank! My successful career in medical sales and my husband's finance career were affording us a very comfortable lifestyle. But, the daily grind was taking its toll. As we hit our 40s, we couldn't work all day and pull an all-nighter (after shuttling the kids to practice, helping with homework, having quality time and tucking them into bed), without dragging for days afterward.
We decided to bring peace and tranquility to our lives by moving our family a few miles down the road to our dream home, a sprawling 20-acre property with views of mountains and valleys. Surely, this was the answer to the constant anxiety we felt in our guts.
While shopping for carpet for our newly acquired palace, a roll fell from an overhead rack, striking me on the head and neck. The diagnosis: mild brain injury and fibromyalgia (a pain and fatigue condition). I tried to race through my pain and recovery and get back to work since our expenses had just doubled with the house. Ironically, the harder I worked at my rehabilitation, the more slowly it went.
My epiphany came on an airplane around that time. The flight attendant's instructions that I had heard 100 times before suddenly rang true: "Secure your own oxygen mask before you attempt to help others." We've been so conditioned not to help ourselves first. So I hadn't put my health above anything else and saw it as something to get out of the way rather than nourish.
Several practitioners recommended alternative therapies like yoga, meditation and aromatherapy to support my recovery, which I explored, but aromatherapy in particular was the critical component on my path to healing. I was especially intrigued with lavender oil which scientific studies are documenting for its effect on improving mood, reducing stress, supporting immune functions as well as an effective antibacterial that hastens the healing of wounds. I began using it regularly. Whether it helped me sleep, relax muscle tension or buoy my spirits, to my amazement, it really worked.
In 2003 I combined my exuberance for lavender with my quest for a new career and planted 10,000 lavender plants, became an organic farmer and developed aromatherapy and comfort products. I created a revenue stream from this passion through my business Aromas for Living and through a sister business called Aromas for Giving to bring organic and natural aromatic gifts to the promotional products industry.
I like to say I had the "scents" knocked into me. My accident reminded me that life is about more than chasing the next big sale, or accumulating things; it's about loving what you do everyday and building a life that isn't enslaved to something outside of your belief system or life goals.
For me the most difficult part of starting my business was that it was lonely. I would have ideas I thought were great, but did not have a sounding board, someone to talk with who could confirm that it was a fabulous idea, (or that it wouldn't fly). One organization who helped me through the isolated times was Ladies Who Launch, a platform for women seeking to move their business or creative projects forward. I am now a leader in Ventura County and excited to bring the magic of Ladies Who Launch Incubators to the area, while using my own start-up wisdom to help other women.
The best part about being in business for myself is the freedom it affords. Our boys Lars (19) and Hans (15) will be on their own before I know it. I relish any opportunity to spend time with them. When Lars suggested we go on a surf and scuba trip to Fiji for our summer vacation, we were free to take off in a moment's notice. Hans checked the conditions online and determined the surf was ideal. We booked our flight and left a few days later. The boys were riding the waves, I was able to keep in touch with business as necessary, but the greatest part was knowing that as the boss of my life and work -- being on the beach with my family was the best "employee" retreat I could ask for. Had we not jumped ship to live the life we wanted, had I not taken a deep breath and redirected my story, a trip like this could happen only "every once in a while." Now I love my vacations as much as my day-to-day and I never want it to be any other way.
Follow Amy Swift on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SMARTYAmy
Thank you for your story. I'd love to interview you for a Family Wealth, Health and Happiness call - email support@familywealthmatters.com so we can get you on the schedule.
Much love,
Alexis
--
----------------------------------------------
Alexis Neely
Personal Family Lawyer
Family Wealth Planning Institute
www.familywealthmatters.com
866-999-3974
Get Wealth-Building Tips From America's #1 Personal Family Lawyer. www.familywealthmatters.com