203 ENTREPRENEURS BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN DIFFERENT WAYS
Real talk…in my experience, as a culture we are always (thankfully) positively evolving when discussing/ promoting positive body image, yet now…the broader topic of, well, good ‘ol confidence 101, is really at the forefront of most conversations (whether in the boardroom or kitchen or as a parent or even being social), especially since the pandemic. I know (AND LOVE!!!) the following three local women that are providing services/ products their own unique way to help our community feel their best. Yet more importantly, utilizing their knowledge perspectives by offering both physical and mental morale boosters so others can feel better about a targeted issue(s) they deal with. What a gift. Bespoke business, babies!
Sabita, Jen and Heather are facilitating the best conversations around every facet of confidence and FEELING YOUR BEST, SO YOU CAN REPRESENT YOUR BEST SELF. While we all are human and have “off” days, the state of how we are feeling translates to our bodies and minds and families and work. Meet this trio that I’m proud to call friends and visionary entrepreneurs.
SABITA (THE HOLISTIC GODDESS)
Sabita is a former healthcare executive that created a holistic center 20 years ago addressing everything from heartburn to infertility to depression (BIG fuggin KUDOS on two decades amirite!). She’s built a great team to truly provide a REALISTIC HOLISTIC approach to addressing so many physical and mental issues. Like me, she is always authentic and has worked on herself to always show up as exactly that for her clients. She’s also a three-time cancer survivor and G. proclaimed miracle worker. She also has been nimble, adventurous, and created tailor-made services and workshops. You can get your Zen on AND feel better. A client recently called her a “trigger tamer” and I couldn’t love/ agree with that sentiment more! Check the web site for all the diverse areas that she addresses with her badass team. A true gem in CT. Incorporating her diverse skills into all appointments makes it a real treat. Before personalized care was cool yet was always needed. Her personality and vibe and aura are refreshing AF (and effective AF). Even a brief conversation with her can lead to her providing simple tasks daily to integrate into your life, without an obnoxious list in a large binder lol. She’s a sparkplug yet adjusts to your energy so you both can get the best out of each session. I’ve never seen someone get so many organic referrals! If only she could come to my house daily…
JEN (THE SENSIBLE MOTIVATOR)
A lifelong athlete, she built her home gym quite literally and figuratively by reputation and with a lotta love after years of working for others as a fitness instructor. I worked out with Jen as I was preparing for a marathon and needed some resources and an authentic woman to help me get there. Her personality and bright smile are literally like a drop of sunshine, and she can relate to ANYONE (not an easy feat, folks!). Jen is truly one of those people that whatever is going on, she still gives you her absolute best focus and attention. Her four kids are middle school to college aged, and they’ve also been so encouraging with her relatively new-ish business, since they know first-hand how she’s helped them. Jen’s local reputation MOS DEF precedes her in the fitness arena. She is also super humble regarding her nutrition and overall body knowledge, which is her best asset IMO. One of those people who peppers in education and relatability without skipping a beat. Whether 1:1, group, corporation fitness, my girl is your girl. She has such a proactive (yet not pushy) way of motivating by providing tailored tips to everyone instead of “all or nothing” advice. So many people can proclaim “fitness expert” yet not many have the knowledge of incorporating how YOUR body works at what stage and ask things like how much sunlight and sleep you get to make more informed exercises and appropriate variations. Understanding bloodwork numbers helps too! Gradual goals are important; for example, pounding the hard pavement running miles in the heat in the wrong shoes isn’t good “exercise” for certain people. She’ll call you on that and integrate other more fun, accessible, and interesting ways to utilize what’s in your house to not kill your knees. Jen’s clients praise her approach on the daily.
She’s down to earth and helpful and communicates in an easy, succinct way. She helped me so much with specific encouragement during so many parts of my life since I moved back to CT. All ages welcome.
HEATHER (THE PRAGMATIC GAME CHANGER)
A former RIDICULOUSLY KNOWLEDGABLE physical therapist (all hail!!!!), most organized person ever, amazing mama to three, athletic AF, and positive Midwesterner was in search of a swimsuit that made HER feel good as a small cup size gal (after years of searching), so she QUITE LITERALLY invented one! This patent pending labor of love, sweat and tears line just launched two weeks ago and caters to those who have struggled with ill-fitting bathing suits due to a small chest. Thus, ATwoSea (A to C, get it?!?!?) was born! She’s learned so much about everything, including herself. Read: if you’ve never started a true tangible product launch FROM THE GROUND UP, then you’ve no idea the rollercoaster she’s been on since early development a few years back. It takes tenacity, patience, MAD research skills and relentless passion to create a true innovation. So, applying what you know to a ton of new areas like distribution, sowing, testing, labeling, product specs, components, technology. Not for the faint of heart.
Her husband and daughters are her biggest fans, and I admire her spunk to take on this immense project. She’s quite literally showing her family how to go for it, and they are witnessing all the behind-the-scenes as she moves forward. I remember working with her early in with some marketing and she was like “I’ll learn how to do that; I have to”. And she’s taken on every challenge. Even though her successful career as a PT prepared her in some ways for ATwoSea, she’s had to dig deep to create her brand. Look for pop-up’s around the state and follow her online. Making cup sizes grow AND growing a company! Brava!
SYNERGY
What I adore is that all three women know anatomy, how the body works, nutrition, posture, etc. due to their backgrounds in healthcare. They also know that one size does NOT fit all so approached their businesses that way. I’ve worked with / been a client of all three of these rockstars and adore the WAY they help.
They also work with/ cater to all ages. It’s all about the goal of helping others feel their best. Another point to reinforce…when we met up, we all talked about how stress (TRUST ME, I KNOW LOLOLOL!!!) compounds physical and mental pain. A point to always remember so if something can help our confidence, we’ll be able to walk/ speak/ talk/ eat/ present/ sleep/ parent better.
They all know that word of mouth is still incredibly important to brand, reputation, and vision. When self-assurance needs attention, these gurus are one click away. We all don’t “follow the rules” and chase followers…we are on a mission to educate and provide options. We thrive on bringing quality and efficiency to our clients.
We all agreed on less judgment, more collaboration, having each other’s back and reuniting regularly to share a coffee or drink to help each other out and cheer each other on.
SOUNDBITES FROM THE LADIES
“If you give out realistic goals that are small and are added to a daily activity, that resonates more than a pre-planned schedule”.
“Generational issues, evolution, beliefs and behavior has a great deal to do with confidence; it’s our job to assist any way that we can”.
“The emotion isn’t talked about enough with what we do. Empathy, understanding, and knowing how to communicate with people is a huge part of what we do”.
“My clients aren’t always talking about pounds; it’s about bloodwork numbers getting better, feeling stronger, other bit-by-bit goals”.
“I speak about bone health and being strong in my fitness classes, which are tailored to each specific person and not focused exclusively on what clients eat”.
“Being able to have a community that refers so many to me because of how I approach care is humbling”.
“Our work is not based on trying to change people or their views; it’s giving them a boost of reality, options and pride”.
“If I can make someone feel more like themselves and confident walking into a meeting or event or even down the street, I’ve done my job”.
“Shoving complicated goals down someone’s throat doesn’t work for my clients”.
“Enhancing your appearance to boost confidence and perfect the fit of a swimsuit is something that everyone deserves”.
I feel blessed to know them and now it’s your turn to.
Sabita Holistic Care
Sabita Holistic Center – REALISTIC HOLISTIC
IG: @realisticholisticchick
FB: @sabitaholisticcenter
https://www.sabitaholisticcenter.com
Jen McGowan
Jen24Fit- KEEP MOVING WITH JEN
FB/ IG: @Jen24Fit
Heather DeGregorio
ATwoSea Swimwear- BEAUTIFULLY ADD TWO CUP SIZES
IG: @atwoseaclothing
TikTok/ FB: @ATwoSea
