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IN: GirlBossing, Lifestyle

10 Lessons From 5 Years of Entrepreneurship

March 10, 2023 By Melanie 1 Comment

Entrepreneurship lessons as a full time wellness content creator

This month marks five years since I left the corporate marketing world and my position as a digital strategist in favor of being a full time content creator. And wow, the world of entrepreneurship has been quite a journey! What started as nothing more than a fun “side hustle” has transformed into a multi-six figure business. Something that my younger self, the girl who grew up without wealth and worked several retail jobs through college, could never have imagined was possible.

Today, I’m sharing some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the course of these last five years. From dealing with loneliness, imposter syndrome, and creative burnouts, to the joys of hiring a team, dream partnerships, beautiful friendships and connecting with over 150K people across multiple platforms.

I know many of you have also chosen a non-traditional career path and I hope by sharing my struggles, successes and learnings, you’ll feel inspired to continue on your own journey. If you trust in yourself and put in the work, I promise you there is nothing you can’t accomplish. So grab yourself a cup of coffee and pull up a chair… this is going to be a long one but I’m excited to be sharing these 10 lessons with you.

10 lessons from 5 years of entrepreneurship as a full time content creator

There Will Be Many Highs and Lows

The beauty of entrepreneurship is that all the feelings of success are amplified because you’re the one responsible. This of course is a double edged sword, because the failures and mistakes made are also felt with an increased intensity since there is no one to blame other than yourself. You’ll learn over time how to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being your own boss but it’s so important to treat yourself with grace and compassion. When the failures happen, as they do for all of us, it’s crucial to treat them as learning opportunities and not allow yourself to wallow in the lows for too long. And when there are high points, celebrate them! Your accomplishments do matter and even though there may not be a promotion track or annual review, I encourage you to find ways to keep track of your “wins” and use them as motivation  to continue on your path.

Diversify Your Streams of Income

There’s an old adage that says “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” and this couldn’t ring more true when you’re an entrepreneur. As a content creator, this means that I should never be relying solely on one source, like brand partnerships, to bring in revenue. My current breakdown of income streams by percentage looks something like this:

  • 80% Partnerships (contracted campaigns with brands)
  • 10% Affiliate Programs (Amazon Storefront, LTK, etc.)
  • 5% Creator Bonuses (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok creator programs)
  • 3% Product Development (Mindful Morning Planner)
  • 2% Other (Yoga teaching, events, etc.)

In order to diversify my streams of income into what you see above, this required me to diversify my own offerings.  For example, you can find me online via this website, e-newsletter, Facebook group, Like To Know It, Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram. This brings my total “following” to over 150K people, something that I can use to my advantage when negotiating brand campaigns. Outside of the digital space, I’m a certified yoga teacher so I can get hired for specific events and I also started my own women’s community group, Denver Fit Friends, which allows me to  host fitness meetups throughout the year.

Even though your business may look very different from  mine, I encourage you to find your own ways to establish multiple income streams and opportunities.

Recognize Signs of Burnout  Before It Happens

Since entrepreneurship allows you the flexibility to create your own hours it can be super easy to find yourself working around the clock. Figuring out how to simultaneously hustle and ride a wave of inspiration while also establishing boundaries around your work/life balance is probably the trickiest thing about having your own business. It has definitely gotten easier over the years and I often feel like I’m in a really good rhythm with what I do. I’ve become very accustomed to certain months or quarters being busier than others pending brand budgets and activations. For example, Q1 (beginning of year) is notoriously slow while Q4 (holiday season) is always the busiest.

On the other hand, the problem with working random hours, weekends, early mornings and sometimes late at night is that you can push yourself to the point of burnout. This is something I usually experience several times a year, mostly from a creative perspective and other times from simply not slowing down when I notice the initial signs. Since content creation comes more easily  to me than it used to, it means that I can find myself “creating” at some level from the second I get up to the minute I go to bed, every day. Like many jobs in the social media space, being an entrepreneur can feel like an “always on” position and I’ve learned time and time again that boundaries and true days off are the only ways to avoid burning out. 

Know Your Worth and Stick To It

When it comes to managing your own business, really knowing what your product (and time!) is worth financially and sticking to that number can be super challenging. At the end of the day, business is business and when opportunities come your way it can be really hard to turn them down, even if you know from experience that they are lowballing you.

I’m a firm believer that when one door closes, another one will open and I’ve seen this happen time and time again. By sticking to my worth as a content creator, I’m setting expectations for how that agency or brand will work with me in the future. I used to be really worried about offending people or super scared that if I came in too high they would just find someone else. However the more I trusted my instinct and stood firm in my rates and offers, it became abundantly clear that it truly is “just business” and rejecting something because it doesn’t match my rate simply opens up my calendar for another opportunity that will.

This also means being super selective in the offers that I take on. The money might be fantastic short term but if it doesn’t match my business’s core values then it will only hurt in the long run.

Your Work Environment Matters

I recently shared my home office makeover with you all and why it was important to me. When you work from home, finding motivation and a good work flow can be terribly challenging. Being your own boss means you dictate your own hours, oversee your output, establish your own goals and determine how productive you need to be in order to meet your deadlines. Having an established home office space, even if it started as just a small desk shoved in the corner of my 1 bedroom/1 bath NYC apartment, plays such a huge role in my productivity and motivation. Working from the couch or bed can be tempting but I promise that having a separate “work” zone will do wonders for your mental health and overall happiness when working alone.

Lessons learned from entrepreneurship

Learn How To Delegate and Scale Your Business

When it comes to scaling your business, you will eventually have to delegate tasks so that you can focus on your strengths. Learning how to hire and build a team can be one of the toughest things you learn as an entrepreneur but I promise that when you make those right investments your business will reap the rewards.

In 2020 I made the decision to hire a part time marketing assistant who I pay an hourly rate for 10 hours a week. She has now worked with me for 3 years and has played such a huge role in leveling up my offerings and overall brand. By delegating a lot of my graphic design, account & community management and admin tasks to her, I’m able to focus more of my attention on my organic content, brand partnerships, business strategy and community offerings.

In 2022, I joined the IkonicFox Talent Agency in order to have management representation. Having a manager can feel like a huge risk, especially when they take 20% of your partnership earnings and are responsible for communicating with other brands/agencies on your behalf. I was super nervous about it initially but it’s been one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made. They have removed the weight off my shoulders when it comes to negotiating rates, analyzing contracts, tracking payments and establishing a streamlined workflow. Not to mention it makes tax season a whole lot easier.

Find Your Own “Colleagues” and Don’t Be Afraid To Lean On Them

The first few months after venturing into entrepreneurship felt like some of the loneliest months of my life. And truthfully, as an extroverted person, I still struggle all the time with loneliness. I wish I could say you get used to it but the truth is, you never really do.

What has helped me immensely and why many times I miss NYC is because I was able to create so many friendships with other women who are also content creators or within a creative industry. There was a time when I was going to 5-8 “influencer events” a week and I look back on that time with so much fondness because I met some very dear friends at those events.

Surrounding myself with other inspiring women helped get me through some of my deepest bouts of loneliness and entrepreneurial struggles. From co-hosting events and creating content together to supporting each other’s ideas and answering questions, the people I’ve met and friendships I’ve made along the way have been invaluable. And it goes to show that even if you work for yourself, you can still create a large network of “colleagues” to be there beside you through the ups and downs. 

If you’re also struggling with loneliness and isolation as an entrepreneur, I encourage you to seek out your “people.” Find networking events in your area or if there aren’t any, start them yourself! Connect with fellow entrepreneurs through Facebook community groups or privately through DMs on social media. Putting yourself out there is hard but I promise it’ll be worth it.

Give Yourself Goals but Be Flexible

When you’re thinking of venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, some kind of business plan is necessary. It doesn’t always have to be a full-scale 5 year plan but it’s very important to set your sights on specific goals that you’re looking to hit and create a strategy around those goals. Create a process for checking in on the progress you’re making so you can adjust your strategy and output accordingly.

As a content creator, it’s been so important to maintain flexibility with my business goals because the influencer marketing landscape is continuously evolving! When new social media platforms debut (like TikTok’s rise in popularity in 2020) or changes to current platforms are made (like Instagram’s ongoing algorithm shifts) it’s paramount that I learn how to adapt and shift my micro-goals accordingly.

Every industry is so different and perhaps this particular learning is more significant for full-time content creators like myself. But I do believe, no matter what your business is, having a flexible and adaptable business model can be super helpful when you’re an entrepreneur.

Most People Won’t Understand What You Do

Like many entrepreneurs with a non-traditional career path, I still find that most of my family and friends don’t have an understanding of what I do. As influencer marketing has continued to expand, there’s at least a bit more familiarity around content creation than when I first took it full time 5 years ago. However, the number of times people have left comments on my posts or even suggested to my face that I’m bankrolled by my husband or don’t have a “real job” is very unnerving.

I’m not going to lie, this used to really bother me. But as time has gone by, I realized that seeking validation from others will get me nowhere and even if people don’t understand the ins and outs of my business, the ones who matter will at least respect it.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned from trying to explain a non-traditional job to others is that you truly set the standard for how people react. When you speak about your career with respect and passion, most people will reciprocate that response even if they don’t understand it. It’s also crucial to remember that people-pleasing has no place in your business and you don’t need to make people like or understand what you do.

Never Stop Investing In Yourself

No matter what your business is, the only way you can get better at what you do is through practice and some kind of continued education.

Social media is ever changing and as a content creator it’s my job to adapt and adapt quickly. Since taking my business full time 5 years ago the landscape of influencer marketing has changed drastically. On the downside, it’s incredibly saturated and increasingly difficult to stay relevant. On the positive side, the budget brands have dedicated for influencers has gone through the roof since back when I first started my blog.

This makes continuous learning and finding ways to invest in myself and my craft SO important. In 2017 I got my yoga teacher certification just 8 months before I decided to take H&H full time. Since then, I’ve watched countless YouTube tutorials and attended workshops on the ins and outs of content creation. And currently, I decided to enroll in a holistic nutritionist program so I can get a deeper understanding of how nutrition plays a role in our overall health and well-being. 

Whether you decide to hire a business coach, attend workshops, or further your education, investing in yourself will always pay off.

Entrepreneurship Lessons

As I wrap up this blog post, I just want to say thank you so much for being here. Whether you’re new to my page or have been here since my “melyoga1” Instagram days, your support means the world to me. My only hope is that my little corner of the internet has brought you something of value or added a tiny bit of joy to your days.

Truthfully, I have no idea what the next 5 years will bring and that’s okay. In the meantime, I’m grateful to take things day-by-day and am grateful to be sharing it with you.

Filed Under: GirlBossing, Lifestyle

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  1. MAYA says

    March 12, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    LOVE YOUR CONTENT. GREAT POST 🙂

    Reply

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New Meet Melanie

New Meet Melanie

Hi and welcome to Headstands & Heels! I’m Melanie — a Digital Strategist turned Wellness Entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), dog mama, and content creator based in Denver. I hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle filled with mindfulness and positivity. 💕 Send me a note at: mel@headstandsandheels.com or Read More

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Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I ca
Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I can’t believe we only have a few more to go! In case you’re new here, I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices that you can incorporate your routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 12: Focus on Hydration 💧

I’m not going to laundry list all of the benefits of drinking more water because this is one habit we all KNOW we need to do — however if you find yourself struggling with this one, here are some tips that may help: 

✨ Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning 
✨ Jazz up your water with lemon 🍋 
✨ Add electrolytes to your water post-workout 
✨ Make homemade juices from hydrating veggies and fruit (this one is celery, cucumber + apple) 
✨ Fill an extra large water bottle to keep track of how much you’re drinking through the day 
✨ Serve water with every meal
✨ Drink unsweetened iced or hot tea
✨ Set reminders on your phone or use a tracker (like the one in my Mindful Morning Planner) 

I used to struggle with this habit but ever since moving to Denver a couple years ago, the dry climate has forced me to focus on hydration daily and now I feel like I’m constantly drinking water and using all the hydrating skincare products 😅

Stay tuned for the final 3 healthy habits of the series coming soon! 

#wellness #mindfulroutines #morningroutine #healthyandhappy #morningvibes #wellnesslifestyle #colorfulaesthetic #mindfulroutine #happyandhealthy #morninghabits #healthylifestyle #iamwellandgood

“Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are n
“Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are never alone.” 🌻 Swipe for more healing words. Save, share and take what you need 🤎

#selfcompassion #selflove #dailyreminders #positivemindset #littlereminders #wellbeing #mindfulness #findthelight #selfgrowth #wellnesswednesday


Can you count how many plants are in this video? 🪴🤪 Welcome back to my Healthy Habit series, where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 11: Bring Nature Indoors 

There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the power of keeping houseplants in your home. Emotionally, the presence of plants help to decrease anxiety and stress. The act of caring for them requires patience and watching them grow provides a feeling of accomplishment. 🪴🫶🏼

Some houseplants help to purify the air and if you plant a small herb garden in your kitchen, you’ll reap the benefits of fresh herbs all year round.

Other simple ways to invite nature indoors are:

🪟 open your windows on a cool day
🤎 choose earth tones for your decor
🌊 play soothing sounds like ocean waves or rain 🕯️ light candles or a fireplace
☀️ set up a reading nook in a very sunny corner of your home

Is this a habit you’re already putting into practice? And if so, what is your favorite way to invite nature indoors? 

{well-being, wellness, self care, biophilia, healthy lifestyle, positive mindset, healthy tips, self growth} 

#wellbeing #healthyhabits #plantcare #houseplantlove #romanticizeyourlife #healthyathome #wellnesstips #wellnessblogger #healthyandhappy #mindfulhabits #morningroutine #mindfulroutine #selfcaretips

Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty
Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty and playfulness 🌲💗

Dressed in head to toe @fpmovement including all the cozy layers for when hot, golden afternoons transition to crisp, chilly evenings. I for one am so ready to see these leaves start to change colors, are you? 

PS: linked this whole fit in my stories for ya 💌

#FPmovementPartner #healthylifestyle #outdoorsygals #denverblogger #hikingclub #hikingoutfit #summertofall #outdoorfitness #happyandhealthy #wellnesslifestyle

“Try not to think about what could have or shoul
“Try not to think about what could have or should have been. What’s done is done.” ✨❤️

It’s day ten of my Healthy Habit series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits that you can incorporate daily to help you feel your best and I recommend turning the audio up for this one 🥹

DAY 10: Live In The Present 

The beauty of practicing daily mindfulness is that it helps us shift our mindset to the only thing that is guaranteed — this very moment. Each day we are alive is such a blessing and by channeling that gratitude, we can learn to cultivate more joy in the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. 

Mindfulness allows us to regulate our emotions and is a reminder that everything in life is temporary. We will all face challenges and difficult seasons throughout our lifetime — but cultivating this mindful habit of living in the present is a helpful tool as you wait for the hard times to pass. 🤍

 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PS: if you want to make this pumpkin spice oatmeal here is the recipe: 

✨ 1/2 cup rolled oats 
✨ 1 cup almond milk 
✨ 1/4 cup water 
✨ 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 
✨ 1 tbsp maple syrup 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
✨ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
✨ pinch of salt 

Bring almond milk and water to a boil and then add in all additional ingredients. Simmer for 8-10 min and top with bananas, chopped nuts, almond butter and a little drizzle of maple syrup 

{wellness, mindful living, intentional living, healthy mindset, positive thinking, self growth} 

#wellnesstips #mindfulhabit #mindfulroutine #morningroutine #cookwithme #romanticizeyourlife #liveinthepresent #selflove #selfgrowth #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #positivemindset #mindsetmatters #makebreakfastwithme #healthyroutines


✨ 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠: 𝟓 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 (link in bio) ✨
 #ad I’ve been struggling with motivation lately and wanted to share some of my tried and true tips that help me find joy in my fitness routine. 

One thing I know makes a difference for me is dressing the part and wearing activewear that is cute, fits like a dream and makes me feel confident. That’s why I’m excited to share my newest activewear obsession – @neiwaiofficial 🤍

This Asian female-founded brand has some of the dreamiest, matching sets and these two from their Mousse Active Collection (swipe for a peep) are perfect for low-impact workouts like pilates, yoga and barre. I love the soft micro-suede material and know I’ll be wearing them all through Fall and Winter with some cozy layers. 

𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐋𝐓𝐊 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝟐𝟎% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞: 𝐦𝐞𝐢
{only valid through 9/15 so get yours quick!} 

Which is your fav: the emerald green or neutral mushroom? 👇

#NEIWAI  #Active  #InhaleExhale  #MadeToLiveIn  #NEIWAIfriends #liketkit #LTKfitness #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4iwFl

Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy
Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy Habit Series 🤍

DAY 9: Clean your space 🧹🫧🧺🧽

I wish I was one of those people that found cleaning to be enjoyable buuuut unfortunately that’s not usually the case. 😅 I do however get very stressed out when there’s too much clutter or things start to feel like they’re piling up. So in reality, keeping my space organized and tidy is probably the most helpful mental health habit that I turn to over and over again 🫧 

We’ve all heard the phrase “clear space, clear mind” and I 💯% believe that to be true. Eliminating clutter and keeping things tidy do wonders for mental clarity, creativity, and in my case — a greater sense of ease. 

I find that even 10-15 min of cleaning/decluttering a day can really make a big difference but for when life happens and things build up a bit more, having a dedicated “reset day” honestly is so worth it. 💕

Stay tuned for six more simple, realistic habits into your routine to help you feel your best

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self discipline, self growth, wellbeing, reset routine} 

#healthyhabits #wellnesstips #mindfulroutine #cleanwithme #resetroutine #iamwellandgood #morningroutine #wellnessblogger #cleaningroutine #healthymotivation

Stepping into the weekend 👟 and this shift of
Stepping into the weekend 👟 and  this shift of seasons is making me more excited to spend time outside. Which brings us to day 8/15 of my Healthy Habits series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best 🤍

DAY 8: GO ON A WALK 

Something about getting outside for even 15 min of fresh air and movement is so healing and lately I’ve been doing a lot of “walk and talks” where I put on headphones and chat with friends as I get my steps in. 

Sometimes I listen to music or a podcast but many times I just walk without any distractions. There are so many mental and physical benefits of taking time to go on a walk, and right now, it’s been an important tool for me to get out of the house and help reduce stress. 

And now with sweater weather approaching I’m so excited to get out for more morning walks with a hot cup of coffee in hand. ☕️ 

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self growth, self discipline, daily movement} 

#wellnessblogger #healthyhabits #morningroutine #morninghabits #dailyroutine #healthymotivation #iamwellandgood #morningwalk #hotgirlwalk #movementismedicine #mindfulroutine

#AD September is officially here and with it bring
#AD September is officially here and with it brings the promise of pumpkin spice and Fall vibes (which tbh I’m SO excited for!). 🍁🎃🧡 I figure there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a Pumpkin Cold Brew Smoothie featuring @silk Almondmilk! I picked up all these ingredients at my local @Target and think you all are going to LOVE this recipe.

Be sure to SAVE this to try later:

✨ 1 frozen banana
✨ ½ cup organic pumpkin puree
✨ ¼ cup greek yogurt 
✨ 1 medjool date
✨ 1 tbsp almond butter
✨ 1 tbsp flax seeds
✨ ½ cup cold brew 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
✨ ½ cup SILK Unsweetened Almondmilk 
✨ ice

Blend all ingredients and pour into your fav glass! I love how smooth and creamy SILK Almondmilk is and it’s such an easy, plant-based swap for any of your smoothies. Get 10% off Silk Almondmilk with the Target Circle app from 9/3-9/9! 🎯 

Be sure to tag us if you recreate this pumpkin smoothie at home! 

#silkalmondmilk #silktarget #pumpkincoldbrew #pumpkinsmoothie #smoothierecipe #smoothietime #fallsmoothie #pumpkinrecipe

My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but
My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but I’m ready to finish what I started 🫶🏼. In many ways, these little habits are exactly what I need right now and have become “healing habits” that I always turn to when I need a mental or physical boost. 

My hope is that by the end of this 15 part series you’ll be inspired to incorporate more of these simple, realistic habits into your own daily routines 

DAY 7: WRITE IN A JOURNAL ✏️

I’ve been keeping some form of diary or journal on and off since 2nd grade, which is kind of wild when I think about all the notebooks filled with memories stacked in my closet. Writing is such a therapeutic exercise and a great introspective tool to help work through different feelings and emotions. 

There are plenty of guided journals if free writing is intimidating and I share plenty of prompts on my blog and @mindfulmorningclub page 📖

I always suggest starting with just 5-10 min of writing time in the morning or evening and expanding if/when your schedule allows. ✨

Do you keep a journal? 

#healthyhabits #morningroutine #wellnesstips #journaling #iamwellandgood #healthylifestyle #healthymindset #morningrituals #selfcaretips #morningvibes #autumnmorning #wellnesslifestyle #mindfulroutine #smallmoments #fallvibes

Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫

Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫 

🐶 mountain views with my lil family 
🌸 writing everything out in my journal 
🦋 starting to ease back into workouts I enjoy 
💐 beautiful flowers & plants from friends 
🍦 sushi followed by ube ice cream 
💇🏻‍♀️ much needed hair color refresh 
☕️ matcha & a new book 
💅🏻 treating myself to a pedicure 

Healing is not a linear process and I’m giving myself grace to feel all the feelings as they come. Through every challenge, there’s beauty in knowing the heart has a capacity for holding space for it all — for moments of small joys, pain and sorrow, and perhaps most importantly, so much space for hope. 

✨Hope that by sharing my story, other women will feel less alone 

✨Hope that it helps shines a light on how painful, emotionally and physically, pregnancy loss can be 

✨Hope that God will give us our rainbow baby soon 

To the hundreds of you who had the kindness and courage to share your own miscarriage stories with me and others who shared words of love, thank you. We have felt so supported this past week and it has given us a lot of strength. 

I am craving normalcy again, and that means I’m ready to dive back into work with branded content going live this week and continuing my Healthy Habits series. Life moves forward and even though this experience will stay with me forever, 
I am ready to leave the pain behind 🤍

#lifelately #miscarriageawareness #newbeginnings #cameraroll

This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We we
This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We were so excited to welcome our little baby into this world. Instead we gained an angel. 👼 

Last Friday, at 11 weeks and 2 days pregnant, we checked into the OB for an emergency ultrasound. We were just a week shy of our official 12 week appt— the one where we would find out the gender and prepare to share the news with family and friends. Instead, they couldn’t find a heartbeat. 💔 

The first trimester hadn’t been easy. At 6 weeks I ended up in the ER but heard the baby’s heartbeat and left feeling hopeful. We saw the baby officially at our 8 week ultrasound and felt more assured that things would progress as we hoped. 

Time continued to move forward and by the 11 week mark, we were picking potential names, reading parenting books, and starting to take bump photos. 

They say the odds of a miscarriage at 11 weeks is so small… yet here we are. I know we are not alone in this but it doesn’t make the pain and heartbreak any easier.

We’ve been taking time to work through our grief and process this loss together. We are grateful to have such an incredible support system and I thank you all for providing a safe space to share my story. I kindly ask that you do not share any unsolicited medical advice or ask questions. 

I know there will be brighter days ahead and this experience has made me very aware of just how much we look forward to having a family. It’s not our time, but I know it will happen someday.

For now, this is goodbye, little one. You are forever in our hearts 👼❤️ ~ M & B


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  • Cuadro con texto de inspiración Esta moderna lámina decorativa muestra el siguiente texto: "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new". En la categoría "cuadros con textos y frases" encontrarás otras obras del mismo estilo.

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  • Just like any other routine, our workouts need a shake up every now and then. Whether you're feeling bored with your routine or you're coming back from a long break, here are my top tips for falling back in love with your workout routine and finding ways to move that feel good for your body.
  • - Poster with a text in orange on a beige backgroundText print with the quote "Health begins with self care" written in orange on a light beige background. Inspiring poster with modern colours.
  • Starting the morning with self care is what keeps me feeling my best throughout the day. What does your mindful morning routine look like?

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Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I ca Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I can’t believe we only have a few more to go! In case you’re new here, I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices that you can incorporate your routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 12: Focus on Hydration 💧

I’m not going to laundry list all of the benefits of drinking more water because this is one habit we all KNOW we need to do — however if you find yourself struggling with this one, here are some tips that may help: 

✨ Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning 
✨ Jazz up your water with lemon 🍋 
✨ Add electrolytes to your water post-workout 
✨ Make homemade juices from hydrating veggies and fruit (this one is celery, cucumber + apple) 
✨ Fill an extra large water bottle to keep track of how much you’re drinking through the day 
✨ Serve water with every meal
✨ Drink unsweetened iced or hot tea
✨ Set reminders on your phone or use a tracker (like the one in my Mindful Morning Planner) 

I used to struggle with this habit but ever since moving to Denver a couple years ago, the dry climate has forced me to focus on hydration daily and now I feel like I’m constantly drinking water and using all the hydrating skincare products 😅

Stay tuned for the final 3 healthy habits of the series coming soon! 

#wellness #mindfulroutines #morningroutine #healthyandhappy #morningvibes #wellnesslifestyle #colorfulaesthetic #mindfulroutine #happyandhealthy #morninghabits #healthylifestyle #iamwellandgood
“Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are n “Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are never alone.” 🌻 Swipe for more healing words. Save, share and take what you need 🤎

#selfcompassion #selflove #dailyreminders #positivemindset #littlereminders #wellbeing #mindfulness #findthelight #selfgrowth #wellnesswednesday
Can you count how many plants are in this video? 🪴🤪 Welcome back to my Healthy Habit series, where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 11: Bring Nature Indoors 

There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the power of keeping houseplants in your home. Emotionally, the presence of plants help to decrease anxiety and stress. The act of caring for them requires patience and watching them grow provides a feeling of accomplishment. 🪴🫶🏼

Some houseplants help to purify the air and if you plant a small herb garden in your kitchen, you’ll reap the benefits of fresh herbs all year round.

Other simple ways to invite nature indoors are:

🪟 open your windows on a cool day
🤎 choose earth tones for your decor
🌊 play soothing sounds like ocean waves or rain 🕯️ light candles or a fireplace
☀️ set up a reading nook in a very sunny corner of your home

Is this a habit you’re already putting into practice? And if so, what is your favorite way to invite nature indoors? 

{well-being, wellness, self care, biophilia, healthy lifestyle, positive mindset, healthy tips, self growth} 

#wellbeing #healthyhabits #plantcare #houseplantlove #romanticizeyourlife #healthyathome #wellnesstips #wellnessblogger #healthyandhappy #mindfulhabits #morningroutine #mindfulroutine #selfcaretips
Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty and playfulness 🌲💗

Dressed in head to toe @fpmovement including all the cozy layers for when hot, golden afternoons transition to crisp, chilly evenings. I for one am so ready to see these leaves start to change colors, are you? 

PS: linked this whole fit in my stories for ya 💌

#FPmovementPartner #healthylifestyle #outdoorsygals #denverblogger #hikingclub #hikingoutfit #summertofall #outdoorfitness #happyandhealthy #wellnesslifestyle
“Try not to think about what could have or shoul “Try not to think about what could have or should have been. What’s done is done.” ✨❤️

It’s day ten of my Healthy Habit series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits that you can incorporate daily to help you feel your best and I recommend turning the audio up for this one 🥹

DAY 10: Live In The Present 

The beauty of practicing daily mindfulness is that it helps us shift our mindset to the only thing that is guaranteed — this very moment. Each day we are alive is such a blessing and by channeling that gratitude, we can learn to cultivate more joy in the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. 

Mindfulness allows us to regulate our emotions and is a reminder that everything in life is temporary. We will all face challenges and difficult seasons throughout our lifetime — but cultivating this mindful habit of living in the present is a helpful tool as you wait for the hard times to pass. 🤍

 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PS: if you want to make this pumpkin spice oatmeal here is the recipe: 

✨ 1/2 cup rolled oats 
✨ 1 cup almond milk 
✨ 1/4 cup water 
✨ 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 
✨ 1 tbsp maple syrup 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
✨ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
✨ pinch of salt 

Bring almond milk and water to a boil and then add in all additional ingredients. Simmer for 8-10 min and top with bananas, chopped nuts, almond butter and a little drizzle of maple syrup 

{wellness, mindful living, intentional living, healthy mindset, positive thinking, self growth} 

#wellnesstips #mindfulhabit #mindfulroutine #morningroutine #cookwithme #romanticizeyourlife #liveinthepresent #selflove #selfgrowth #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #positivemindset #mindsetmatters #makebreakfastwithme #healthyroutines
✨ 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠: 𝟓 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 (link in bio) ✨
 #ad I’ve been struggling with motivation lately and wanted to share some of my tried and true tips that help me find joy in my fitness routine. 

One thing I know makes a difference for me is dressing the part and wearing activewear that is cute, fits like a dream and makes me feel confident. That’s why I’m excited to share my newest activewear obsession – @neiwaiofficial 🤍

This Asian female-founded brand has some of the dreamiest, matching sets and these two from their Mousse Active Collection (swipe for a peep) are perfect for low-impact workouts like pilates, yoga and barre. I love the soft micro-suede material and know I’ll be wearing them all through Fall and Winter with some cozy layers. 

𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐋𝐓𝐊 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝟐𝟎% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞: 𝐦𝐞𝐢
{only valid through 9/15 so get yours quick!} 

Which is your fav: the emerald green or neutral mushroom? 👇

#NEIWAI  #Active  #InhaleExhale  #MadeToLiveIn  #NEIWAIfriends #liketkit #LTKfitness #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4iwFl
Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy Habit Series 🤍

DAY 9: Clean your space 🧹🫧🧺🧽

I wish I was one of those people that found cleaning to be enjoyable buuuut unfortunately that’s not usually the case. 😅 I do however get very stressed out when there’s too much clutter or things start to feel like they’re piling up. So in reality, keeping my space organized and tidy is probably the most helpful mental health habit that I turn to over and over again 🫧 

We’ve all heard the phrase “clear space, clear mind” and I 💯% believe that to be true. Eliminating clutter and keeping things tidy do wonders for mental clarity, creativity, and in my case — a greater sense of ease. 

I find that even 10-15 min of cleaning/decluttering a day can really make a big difference but for when life happens and things build up a bit more, having a dedicated “reset day” honestly is so worth it. 💕

Stay tuned for six more simple, realistic habits into your routine to help you feel your best

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self discipline, self growth, wellbeing, reset routine} 

#healthyhabits #wellnesstips #mindfulroutine #cleanwithme #resetroutine #iamwellandgood #morningroutine #wellnessblogger #cleaningroutine #healthymotivation
Stepping into the weekend 👟 and this shift of Stepping into the weekend 👟 and  this shift of seasons is making me more excited to spend time outside. Which brings us to day 8/15 of my Healthy Habits series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best 🤍

DAY 8: GO ON A WALK 

Something about getting outside for even 15 min of fresh air and movement is so healing and lately I’ve been doing a lot of “walk and talks” where I put on headphones and chat with friends as I get my steps in. 

Sometimes I listen to music or a podcast but many times I just walk without any distractions. There are so many mental and physical benefits of taking time to go on a walk, and right now, it’s been an important tool for me to get out of the house and help reduce stress. 

And now with sweater weather approaching I’m so excited to get out for more morning walks with a hot cup of coffee in hand. ☕️ 

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self growth, self discipline, daily movement} 

#wellnessblogger #healthyhabits #morningroutine #morninghabits #dailyroutine #healthymotivation #iamwellandgood #morningwalk #hotgirlwalk #movementismedicine #mindfulroutine
#AD September is officially here and with it bring #AD September is officially here and with it brings the promise of pumpkin spice and Fall vibes (which tbh I’m SO excited for!). 🍁🎃🧡 I figure there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a Pumpkin Cold Brew Smoothie featuring @silk Almondmilk! I picked up all these ingredients at my local @Target and think you all are going to LOVE this recipe.

Be sure to SAVE this to try later:

✨ 1 frozen banana
✨ ½ cup organic pumpkin puree
✨ ¼ cup greek yogurt 
✨ 1 medjool date
✨ 1 tbsp almond butter
✨ 1 tbsp flax seeds
✨ ½ cup cold brew 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
✨ ½ cup SILK Unsweetened Almondmilk 
✨ ice

Blend all ingredients and pour into your fav glass! I love how smooth and creamy SILK Almondmilk is and it’s such an easy, plant-based swap for any of your smoothies. Get 10% off Silk Almondmilk with the Target Circle app from 9/3-9/9! 🎯 

Be sure to tag us if you recreate this pumpkin smoothie at home! 

#silkalmondmilk #silktarget #pumpkincoldbrew #pumpkinsmoothie #smoothierecipe #smoothietime #fallsmoothie #pumpkinrecipe
My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but I’m ready to finish what I started 🫶🏼. In many ways, these little habits are exactly what I need right now and have become “healing habits” that I always turn to when I need a mental or physical boost. 

My hope is that by the end of this 15 part series you’ll be inspired to incorporate more of these simple, realistic habits into your own daily routines 

DAY 7: WRITE IN A JOURNAL ✏️

I’ve been keeping some form of diary or journal on and off since 2nd grade, which is kind of wild when I think about all the notebooks filled with memories stacked in my closet. Writing is such a therapeutic exercise and a great introspective tool to help work through different feelings and emotions. 

There are plenty of guided journals if free writing is intimidating and I share plenty of prompts on my blog and @mindfulmorningclub page 📖

I always suggest starting with just 5-10 min of writing time in the morning or evening and expanding if/when your schedule allows. ✨

Do you keep a journal? 

#healthyhabits #morningroutine #wellnesstips #journaling #iamwellandgood #healthylifestyle #healthymindset #morningrituals #selfcaretips #morningvibes #autumnmorning #wellnesslifestyle #mindfulroutine #smallmoments #fallvibes
Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫 Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫 

🐶 mountain views with my lil family 
🌸 writing everything out in my journal 
🦋 starting to ease back into workouts I enjoy 
💐 beautiful flowers & plants from friends 
🍦 sushi followed by ube ice cream 
💇🏻‍♀️ much needed hair color refresh 
☕️ matcha & a new book 
💅🏻 treating myself to a pedicure 

Healing is not a linear process and I’m giving myself grace to feel all the feelings as they come. Through every challenge, there’s beauty in knowing the heart has a capacity for holding space for it all — for moments of small joys, pain and sorrow, and perhaps most importantly, so much space for hope. 

✨Hope that by sharing my story, other women will feel less alone 

✨Hope that it helps shines a light on how painful, emotionally and physically, pregnancy loss can be 

✨Hope that God will give us our rainbow baby soon 

To the hundreds of you who had the kindness and courage to share your own miscarriage stories with me and others who shared words of love, thank you. We have felt so supported this past week and it has given us a lot of strength. 

I am craving normalcy again, and that means I’m ready to dive back into work with branded content going live this week and continuing my Healthy Habits series. Life moves forward and even though this experience will stay with me forever, 
I am ready to leave the pain behind 🤍

#lifelately #miscarriageawareness #newbeginnings #cameraroll
This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We we This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We were so excited to welcome our little baby into this world. Instead we gained an angel. 👼 

Last Friday, at 11 weeks and 2 days pregnant, we checked into the OB for an emergency ultrasound. We were just a week shy of our official 12 week appt— the one where we would find out the gender and prepare to share the news with family and friends. Instead, they couldn’t find a heartbeat. 💔 

The first trimester hadn’t been easy. At 6 weeks I ended up in the ER but heard the baby’s heartbeat and left feeling hopeful. We saw the baby officially at our 8 week ultrasound and felt more assured that things would progress as we hoped. 

Time continued to move forward and by the 11 week mark, we were picking potential names, reading parenting books, and starting to take bump photos. 

They say the odds of a miscarriage at 11 weeks is so small… yet here we are. I know we are not alone in this but it doesn’t make the pain and heartbreak any easier.

We’ve been taking time to work through our grief and process this loss together. We are grateful to have such an incredible support system and I thank you all for providing a safe space to share my story. I kindly ask that you do not share any unsolicited medical advice or ask questions. 

I know there will be brighter days ahead and this experience has made me very aware of just how much we look forward to having a family. It’s not our time, but I know it will happen someday.

For now, this is goodbye, little one. You are forever in our hearts 👼❤️ ~ M & B
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