Connection as a Driving Force to Wellbeing
Featuring Caitlin Iseler
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Caitlin Iseler, founder and CEO of Happyly, a platform that brings together wellness and connection through purposeful activities. During our conversation, she shared some powerful insights about balancing work and motherhood, prioritizing self-care, and building a business.
My journey to creating Happyly started when I was working in the corporate world and feeling burnt out. I realized that I needed to make a change and started looking for something that allowed me to bring together my skills in event planning and my passion for wellness and connection.
Make it stand out
Balance being a CEO and a mom is definitely a challenge, but Itry to be intentional about how I spend my time. I prioritize my time with my family and schedule my work around that time as much as possible.
I also have a supportive team and have set boundaries to make sure that I have time for both my work and my family.
One piece of advice that I would give to working moms is to prioritize self-care. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work and home life, but taking time for yourself is important for your mental and physical health. It doesn't have to be a big thing, just taking a few minutes to go for a walk or do something you enjoy can make a big difference.
There are a variety of wellness activities that busy working moms can do, but I recommend finding activities that are easily accessible and don’t require a lot of preparation. Walking or doing some gentile movement exercises at home are great options, as well as activities like meditation or journaling.
The key is to find something that you enjoy and that works for your schedule.
Being a mom has definitely influenced my leadership style. It has given me a different perspective on the importance of work-life balance and has made me more aware of the challenges that parents face when trying to balance work and family. I try to be understanding and supportive of my team members who are parents, and I prioritize creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. That being said, it's important to set boundaries and create routines that work for you and your family to ensure that you're not neglecting either aspect of your life.
One think I wish I had known before starting Happyly is how much time and energy it takes to start a business. It’s not just about having a good idea and executing it but about building a team, setting up the infrastructure, and dealing with all of the unexpected challenges that come up along the way.
It’s definitely been a learning experience, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
As a fellow working mother, I found Caitlin’s advice incredibly valuable. Here are some of the key lessons I learned from our conversation:
Prioritize self-care.
It can be easy to get caught up in the demands of work and family life, but taking care of yourself is essential for your mental and physical health. Whether it’s going for a walk or doing something you enjoy, make time for yourself every day.
Find activities that work for your schedule.
Wellness doesn’t have to be a big production. Look for activities that are easily accessible and fit into your busy schedule. Walking or doing gentle movement exercises at home are great options.
Find your balance.
As working mothers, we often feel pressure to do it all. But it’s important to remember that we can’t be perfect at everything all the time. Set boundaries and prioritize your time with your family.
Build a supportive team.
Starting a business is not easy, but having a supportive team can make all the difference. Hire people who share your values and vision, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Starting a business comes with its fair share of challenges, so it’s important to stay flexible and adaptable in the face of unexpected obstacles.
I hope these lessons learned from my conversation with Caitlin are helpful as you navigate your own journey as a working mother. Remember to prioritize self-care, embrace work-life balance, build a supportive team, find activities that work for your schedule, and stay adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges.
We can lead proud, purposeful, and unapologetic lives as grown women, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from inspiring leaders like Caitlin Iseler.
Until next time, live boldly, showcase your brilliance, and be a badass.