All Photos © Zack Bowen
Sara Daigle, Clarity Coach & Strategist
Meet "powerhouse" Sara Daigle, a clarity coach, and success-driven strategist who believes in the power of mindset work. After shadowing corporate millionaires, Sara decided to take the entrepreneurial path and start her own business. She advises us to stop caring so much about what others think. "Stop waiting for something to happen for you. Take the initiative to construct the life you want. You can start today."
You worked several years in corporate marketing and finance environments. What nudged you to build your brand and business?
I worked in the online coaching and marketing industry in a consulting realm and have been in the personal development business for over a decade.
Taking the leap to start my own business was a long time coming. I witnessed the work of entrepreneurs and began taking notes about how they were passionately making millions.
It took me over ten years to start working on my mindset and shifting my belief system to understand I too can be successful and survive without struggle and constant grinding.
"I made the best decision of my life. ❤️❤️❤️I left a situation that was no longer serving me.
I stayed home with my daughter while I slowly made my way back to my career.
I didn't exactly know how to make it work, but it all fell into place perfectly."
“I managed to change my belief systems and even how to identify myself. I recognized myself as a coach and entrepreneur way before my business launched. It made me realize a life without time, freedom, and the ability to make money from your passions was like a jail sentence.”
What does it mean (to you) to be a clarity coach and strategist and what are you most passionate about today?
Being a clarity coach is helping people who may be living an "ok" life but know they aren't living up to their full potential. I identify what clients want in life and how to step into their power to obtain it. I am passionate about mindset work, teaching clients to control life decisions, and shifting belief systems to achieve their goals.
Do you believe you were born with the innate qualities to help others or has this evolved through your work and life experiences?
I believe I was born with a massive fire inside (we all do), but it took work and life experiences to draw out that fire. I do believe, however, if I had learned about mindset work earlier on I could have taken the road to get here much faster. It doesn't take years of experience to step into your real potential; it requires learning how to control your mindset.
“I set out on a mission a couple of years ago. To seek clarity and find what fires me up. It turns out my purpose was there all along and I had to do the work to unearth it.”
Can you explain the difference between growth and fixed mindset? How critical is paying attention to your mindset in daily routine?
A fixed mindset to me is something we have adopted since birth and early childhood (what we learn in our first three years of life shape our perceptions). We tend to think we have a set amount of intelligence, skills and talents, and that's all we have to utilize in life to achieve success.
A growth mindset is becoming aware of possibilities and to continue learning, developing our talents, and even uncovering new ones. By continually educating ourselves we expand with no ceiling to our potential.
Mindset work is important, and I work on it every day. Even when you *uplevel, you will have limiting beliefs to work through. Motivation slumps are common, but if you do the mindset work, you can get out of them quickly and back to creating.
*Uplevel refers to transformation and growth in an area previously stagnant.
Mindbosa (Mind, Body, Save) is a new concept. We are connecting personal gain with personal growth and doing so through mindfulness. When you track goals on our web app, you are not only consciously working towards a better self, but also building motivation and reward by saving money. This is an exercise in mindfulness. We are confident while using Mindbosa you will enhance your overall wellbeing.
What has been an invaluable resource for the growth and development of your brand?
Knowing the possibilities and surrounding myself with people making leaps, bounds and obtaining success. I have to be careful not to compare myself, but by having life coaches, mentors, and internet friends I can follow their journeys and remain in a headspace of knowing I too can achieve my own versions of great success.
"AT TONY ROBBINS - There are 12,000 people here who step out of their comfort zones, are willing to put in the work to grow, and take risks to be extraordinary." 🔥🔥🔥via Sara's Instagram
What is one challenge and lesson learned from your experience?
Not caring what others think. I had a notion (whether real or not) that people were watching me to see if I would fail. I had to stop thinking about other peoples opinions. By no longer acknowledging this notion, I have been able to embrace my purpose, put my truth out there and share my story, which is the crux of connecting with people and building a business.
If you had a magic wand to wave and change one thing in your life, what would it be and why?
I would go back in time and learn about mindset work so that I could’ve begun this journey of life and passion earlier. I believe experiences are necessary to grow and become leaders, but we are BORN with experiences, so there is no need to wait to step into your true potential.
If someone is seeking to make changes in their life, what step in the right direction would you send them first?
The personal development journey is a profound and unique process. To start, sit with yourself for a bit and get introspective. Pull out a journal and write down what your dream life would look like in one year, five years and even ten years. Begin with the statement “wouldn’t it be nice if I had________.” Answers can be freedom, money, travel, a significant relationship, etc.
Next is to find someone who has accomplished or is doing these things that ideally you would love to do. Learn about their journey, and you will see it's attainable and not just for a select few. The first step in shifting limiting beliefs was surrounding myself with people who have done it so I could see it was possible for myself.
What is something not many people know about you?
I was adopted at six weeks old after being born on the streets of Calcutta, India. My adoptive parents had received signs from the universe to adopt a baby girl after already completing their family. I am here for a very distinctive purpose just as we all are. I do not know its entirety as messages are being revealed to me step by step. This truth exists for everyone; we don’t need to know our whole path just the next steps.
I'd like to share a message repeatedly to the world on your behalf. What should I share?
Stop waiting for something to happen for you. Take the initiative to construct the life you want. You can start today.
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
“Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.” - Jim Rohn
In one word describe yourself:
Powerhouse
Did you enjoy this blog?
Please share and help us spread Sara's story. We can use technology and social media for greater good and make a positive impact in the world we coexist.
Thank you for reading!
To Connect with Sara:
www.sarakdaigle.com || www.pinterest.com/sarakdaigle
www.instagram.com/sarakdaigle || www.facebook.com/sarakdaigle
Mindbosa is a free web application. Available on your desktop and any mobile device.
APP.MINDBOSA.COM
CREATING An ACCOUNT IS SIMPLE & FREE!
❶ Sign Up (email & create password)
❷ Create Goals (unlimited & judgement free)
❸ Connect a bank account (when you are ready)
Melanie Redd, Fitness Expert & Owner of Melanie Redd Performance Training
Erin Little, An Every Day Mom, Runner And Photographer
Terry Chiplin, Healthy Living Ambassador, Runner, Ultra Entrepreneur
Terry is a running coach and life coach and is also the owner of Active at Altitude, in addition to, being a director, member, training partner and facilitator for The US Trail Running Conference & the Official Training Partner for Vacation Races. Over the years, Terry has become an ambassador for healthy living. activacuity (his latest development) is not just for runners, but for all performance athletes seeking to enhance their focus, confidence, and experience. Thanks to, LinkedIn, I was able to connect with Terry, who lives in Colorado. We shared personal stories about our history, struggles, and experiences. Terry is a remarkable individual with whom I couldn't be more grateful to connect and share his story. I think the universe is telling me I need to make a trip to The Rockies!
Written on your Facebook:
“Every moment of our lives we have a choice... I choose to be alive and in the present and to be thankful for all that I have been given.”
What does living in the present mean to you and where might you be today, without running in your life?
Living in the present has been a journey with various stopping and learning points along the way. Currently, one of the strongest determining factors for me is to be able to be living in gratitude. If I'm not able to be aware of how grateful I am for this moment, then I am likely being pulled to either the past or the future. Without running I would be somewhere very different. Possibly still in England, and working a corporate job and having my heart broken each day by what I was missing!
Can you give us a bit of your running and entrepreneurial history?
I like to think I have been running all my life... my parents never had a car growing up in London, so I ran or biked everywhere for many many years. I just loved to run, that feeling of letting my legs fly and seeing just how fast I could go...ran shorter distances on grass at primary school (English version of Elementary) and loved the excitement of competition, and the feeling of winning. At grammar school (English equivalent of high school), I ran 100 yards and 220 yards on cinders and grass tracks. I also played football and rugby, and cricket, altho that was soo boring! Up until the age of around 15, I had won every race that I entered. Then the other guys started developing more power, and my lean physique was no match for that in sprints, so I started losing...I still enjoyed running, while competition didn't have the same glow as it used to.
Work - spent many years in the automotive industry in different positions. Love driving, and looking after cars. My last corporate role before we moved to Colorado was a business development executive, a sales guy for a vehicle finance company. Taught me a ton about sales, that has been really useful as an entrepreneur!
My Current Projects:
Active at Altitude - we have five adult running camps scheduled for 2018. I am the Camp Director and main coach for the camps, that all take place in majestic Estes Park, Colorado, with runs from 7,500 feet to over 12,000 feet! Each of our camps includes information on Lydiard training principles, following the guidelines laid down by Arthur Lydiard, the most successful running coach in history. Our beginner women's running camp in June, and co-ed Spring trail running camp in May are both sold out, breaking records by selling out by the beginning of January! We have places available for our advanced women's running camp in July, our intermediate women's running camp in August, and our co-ed Fall trail running camp in September. Our women's running camps have been featured in Runners World, Women's Running, and by Shape Magazine as a "once in a lifetime fitness retreat for women." Our trail running camps have also been featured in Trail Runner Magazine and Competitor, and by CNN as one of the top eleven adult running camps in the US.
"I learned so much that week of camp: The proper way to do speed drills on the track, how to run tempo runs, hill sprints, and proper strengthening exercises (my favorite activity was running in water). I learned about goal setting and doing positive imagery exercises before runs. All of these lessons made me a stronger runner physically and mentally. But the biggest surprise for me that week was a newfound excitement and energy for running. For many years I was tied to a training schedule, and the only thing I focused on was completing my weekly mileage. Although I love building up mileage and seeing my fitness improve, I was tired of that routine and knew I needed to change my methods.
Your camp, your knowledge and positive attitude was just what I needed to invigorate my body and soul. I left camp feeling refreshed, inspired, empowered and energized. Terry, your outlook on life, the love you have for the sport, the knowledge you shared, and the positive way you encouraged all of us, was transforming. Learning from you in breathtaking Estes Park and getting to know the other six amazingly strong women that week exceeded my expectations." -Kim (a runner from Idaho)
US Trail Running Conference - moving outside of Colorado for the first time in its six-year history, this industry-leading Conference connects and empowers race directors, trail runners, and trade leaders, and works to share best practices with the trail running community. I am the Event Director and own the Conference brand. This year's Conference takes place August 29-31 in San Luis Obispo, CA, and registration is open for all trail race directors, trail runners, sponsors, and exhibitors, and includes a discounted entry offer for any of the SLO Ultra races on September 1, 2018. This year the US Trail Running Conference is seeking to be the first sport-related Conference to be awarded a certification from the Council for Responsible Sport for the 2018 event, in partnership with Ragnar Events. The Conference is also held in partnership with the American Trail Running Association, and Race SLO.
activacuity - is about to launch the new website and a targeted marketing campaign!
Vacation Races - 11 half marathon races at some of the nation's most breathtaking destinations, National Parks around North America. I am their Official Training Partner. - See more details at https://vacationraces.com/
Tell us about your latest development, activacuity.
It's a mental training app for athletes. Uses a combination of proven sports science techniques and neural techniques to generate new positive ways of thinking. It's a very powerful tool and one I am super excited about. Have had glowing responses from athletes and coaches so far.
"Terry Chiplin & Melody Fairchild introduce activacuity, the first guided imagery app for athletes. The app gives short daily sessions for enhanced focus, confidence & performance for athletes of all abilities."
How did this idea come about?
My wife and I had been meditating on a regular basis using an app called Headspace. Really enjoyed learning about meditation, and then one day during a meditation, my mind was quiet, absolute peace, nothing happening. Have no idea how long I was in that place... then I heard a voice, and the voice said, you are going to do an app, and you know exactly what to do.... when the meditation finished, it was amazing. I had not thought of creating an app before, yet I did know exactly what to do as if it had been in my mind in some way all the time. It was very surreal, and sublime, at the same time.
"Throwback to a run a couple of weeks back with Jacqueline and Coco." -TC
Do you believe in coincidence and/or cosmic connections?
I believe that we have choices every moment of every day and that there are connections open to us no matter which choice we make.
Do you believe our inner world shapes our outer world? Or, does our outer world shape our inner world?
Inner world comes first. It took me a while to realize it, however, my experiences have taught me that how we see ourselves, and our place in the world has a huge impact on the world we experience. Thoughts become things!
What is one challenge and lesson you've learned from your experience as a founder, owner, and coach?
Challenge - to not be taken off course by every opportunity that is presented. Learned - do not assume you know the best way to move forward, or help someone else to move forward. Be open to moments that show me that we always have choices.
Aside from running, what do you like to do outside of work that directly impacts your career?
I like to be outdoors and connect with mother nature. I always feel energized and connected when I am outdoors. I also love cooking and eating - I once had a teenage female runner ask me what I eat for a treat... I considered, and answered, everything I eat is a treat, as it all nourishes and fuels me.
How important is having a daily routine and setting goals?
Crucial, while it's also good to give space to allow the universe to come in.
What is one invaluable resource that has helped in the growth and development of Active at Altitude, activacuity and your current projects?
Thinking that I matter, that I have a place in this world that only I can fulfill.
"If I'm not able to be aware of how grateful I am for this moment, then I am likely being pulled to either the past or the future." -Terry Chiplin
Can you give a piece of advice for someone who thinks meditation is an impossible practice for them?
“Patience - we are so driven to immediate rewards, and that’s not a good response to things that naturally take time. I love watching nature and how it progresses at a pace that fulfills its own needs, and the needs of the complete environment around it.”
What is your proudest personal and professional accomplishment?
To be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from DeMontfort University, Bedford, England after three years of study. it was an amazing time to be there as a mature student and felt like a sponge, I just could not get enough!
What do you look forward to the most in 2018?
To growing the brands that I have created and to do my best to make a difference to more lives in this world.
I would LOVE to share repeatedly 1 message to the world, on your behalf, what should I share?
Thoughts become things, and that we are not hardwired, we can create new ways of thinking.
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us." -Marianne Williamson
In one word, describe yourself:
Tiggerish
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To Connect with Terry Chiplin
Email: activeataltitude@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/terrychiplin/
Active At Altitude
Website: activeataltitude.com
FB: facebook.com/activeataltitude
Twitter: twitter.com/activeataltitud
IG: instagram.com/active_at_altitude
US Trail Running Conference
Website: ustrailrunningconference.com
FB: facebook.com/ustrailrunningconference
Twitter: twitter.com/TrailConference
IG: instagram.com/ustrailconference
Activacuity
Website: activacuity.com
Twitter: twitter.com/activacuity
Vacation Races
Website: vacationraces.com
FB: facebook.com/vacationraces
Twitter: twitter.com/vacationraces
Meg Delagrange, Born Amish, Miracle Mom, Artist & Modern Marketer
Chris Marine, Media Planner|Partner MMP & Entrepreneur
After establishing himself at some of the largest media companies in the country, Chris started his own business. He grew up in an entrepreneurial family and dreaming big is in his DNA.
What is Marine Media Partners?
Marine Media Partners (MMP) is an advertising agency specializing in media planning and buying, social media management, and search engine marketing. We’re super proud to be one of the first media buying shops in Maine to adopt using comScore data to help us pinpoint more effective advertising opportunities for our clients. Our goal is to help our clients achieve long term business growth by getting their marketing message in front of the right people. We like to say we’re connecting brand, media and consumer in more meaningful ways.
"MMP MISSION is changing the way brand, media and consumers connect. These three pillars of our culture have an awesome responsibility in helping shape our communities on a local and global scale. Our goal is to help brands connect with their customers in positive and engaging ways for long-term business growth."
Can you tell us about your previous career of working in network & broadcast television?
Working in broadcast news was a dream come true! At my core, I’m a story teller and I take what I learned in that relatively short chapter with me into every aspect of my personal and professional life. I started working at the NBC affiliate in Portland, Maine my junior year of college and started out as an Associate Producer. I worked my way up to being a Multimedia Journalist in a very short time, while being a full time student, where I helped produce newscasts, gather news stories and report live on the air. Being a reporter was by far the most humbling experience. As a reporter you see people at their best and more often worst times and to be invited into people’s homes as a trusted source to share those stories… it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. As rewarding as it was it did take a toll. When you work in news it not only tests your own stamina but it tests all the personal relationships you have around you as well. I’ve never had a job that took me from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows all in one shift. It’s seriously a rollercoaster of emotions! You’re running off adrenaline all day long. I always got engulfed in the stories I was reporting on and carried them with me far after the work day wrapped up - heck, I still carry those stories I reported on with me. I ended up leaving news for my family and for my own health. Even in my short time of two years I feel like it accelerated my personal and professional development by ten years. Working in news is fast paced and every day presents the demand of learning something new. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been able to shake that adrenaline of broadcast news off. I always have to keep moving forward and learning new things. I thank my time working in news for that mentality.
What has led you to build your own business?
I’m fortunate that I’ve grown up in a family full of entrepreneurs, so that drive to build and create something better has always been a part of me. I struggled for a while to come with an idea that would solve a real problem. After working in news I spent the next several years establishing myself in some of the country’s largest and most diversified media companies in the country such as Tegna, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Cox Media Group working as an advertising rep. I was successful because I genuinely cared for every client as if their business were my own. It was my clients that inspired me to start this agency. In today’s flooded information age there’s never been a greater demand for clarity in advertising. My mission to inform and advocate for the brands I work with was the root of me starting MMP.
"Dreaming. The most powerful of motivation. Don't be afraid to dream big, dream often, and never stop the pursuit of achieving them. And most importantly don't let other people limit your dreams." -Chris Marine via Instagram
How do you stay up-to-date with the changes and evolutions in digital/social media marketing and advancing technology?
It’s not easy to keep up with the current media landscape, that’s for sure. It’s a really exciting time though to be a part of the industry because in many ways it’s going through an incredible renaissance. The word “digital” use to mean online media channels, now digital components are applied to nearly every medium. I have chosen to invest significantly into the same technology and data sources that the national media companies have their hands on to measure even traditional media like broadcast television. Even television which most people consider “traditional” is anything but traditional! It’s measured daily in thousands of households, we can see everything from when someone changes the channel in a program to where they change the channel to. Data is a key indicator today in how we study people’s behaviors and consumption patterns and I pay close attention to that. I treat every day like a class. Along with aggregating and analyzing data I spend at least two hours a day just reading. Reading trade journals, advertising news sties, competitor’s works, and most importantly getting out and hearing from business owners. Business owners will always have the best pulse on the consumer. Meeting and learning from them is the best education.
What do you like to do outside of work that directly impacts your career?
A recent endeavor I’ve taken on which has been instrumental to my personal and professional development has been to teach. I went back to my alma mater at the University of Southern Maine to help students in the media studies program learn more about the advertising industry and the impact it has in our culture and media landscape. I learn so much from all of the students, it’s incredible! So while this class is technically work, like everything else I do, it sure doesn’t feel like it.
What has been the biggest challenge and lesson you've faced so far?
The biggest challenge for me has been learning how to let go of some control in my business. Being a perfectionist isn’t always all that healthy. I like to have my hand in every part of the business from the strategy, media planning and buying, to the campaign management and reporting, but in order to maintain the absolute best service at the rate of growth we’re currently at I know it isn’t sustainable as a one or two person shop. My Italian grandmother always used to say the old adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day”… I have to remind myself of that frequently. And the perfectionist side of me has a challenge with that sometimes.
What are your top 2 most memorable client experiences?
Only two! There have been so many! One of my favorite experiences would have to be when I was working with a local client in Southern Maine and they invited my wife and I down to visit them in Pennsylvania for a weekend where they run their other business. When my client offered it to me, I don’t think he was expecting me to take him up on it and his reaction when I shook his hand with enthusiasm was priceless! I love when I get to dive deep into the story behind a business and the entrepreneurs that bring it to life. It’s inspiring!
If you could work with any brand in the world, what would it be and why?
It’s funny, when I think about who I want to work with I’m not so much dazzled by a particular brand as I am with an actual person and purpose. Sure there are brands that when I see their advertising and try to understand their strategy it totally rocks me and I just fall in love with their message and I think, “dang, that would be awesome to be able and help share that story” but I approach business in reverse. I can literally get just as excited about a project with a local mom and pop shop as I am with the idea of working with a national brand as long as the story is there. When I meet with new clients I’m focused on one thing, finding their WHY. When we stop pitching products in ads and move towards why we’re actually in business… those are the stories that not only resonate with people and move businesses forward, but they move our culture forward. Those are the inspiring brands I want work with.
What is one "I couldn't live without it" App you use?
I have grown dependent on my Apple News app, it’s like my Pandora playlist for news… I finally have it tailored perfectly to my liking.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment?
It has to be my own personal growth. I’ve always been driven to push myself outside of my comfort zone and through doing that I have learned so much about myself, my field of studies and most importantly what I feel is a well-rounded perspective and appreciation for life. When I think about my own personal accomplishment I can’t help but be grateful for my family, friends, colleagues, and everyone that has believed in me along the way. Putting up with a big dreamer like myself is definitely not easy… my wife is a saint! A lot of people -even myself sometimes- think I’m crazy for leaving a very successful and safe corporate job to start my own business, but Elise is always picking me up and dusting me off whenever I start to doubt myself. She never questions it. You need someone like that. What I’ve learned is that life is a team sport and I am so grateful to be surrounded by the best!
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Walt Disney
In one word, describe yourself:
Passionate
To Connect with Chris & MMP:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinemediapartners/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmp_mediapros/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MMP_MediaPros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10987296/
MMP Website: marinemediapartners.com
Shannon Bryan - Founder of Fit Maine
What is Fit Maine?
Fit Maine is a website dedicated to cool ways to work out and fun, active things to do in Maine. (There's no shortage of either of those things, which means I'm always hearing about and discovering new stuff to check out, write about, and tell others about. And this makes me happy!). There is also a newsletter and an events calendar, plus Fit Maine Facebook and Instagram, all for the purpose of letting other people know about lively weekend activities, running groups, races, moonlight paddles, circus arts classes, easy hikes, etc. That's the whole point - to tell people about this really fun stuff (and encourage them to go check it out for themselves).
What inspired you to create Fit Maine?
I love doing active things in Maine, whether it's taking a kickboxing class, sweating it out at an outdoor boot camp, or finding a stunning new hike or easy-going paddle. I'd go do these things with a few friends and post about them on Facebook (that's what Facebook is for, right? Posting our wonderous adventures?) and I'd get questions from other people wanting to know more: "Where was this class? How much was it? Was it hard? Is it beginner friendly?" I realized there was no resource for this kind of stuff - a single place where you could find about new workouts or running groups or get tips on places to hike or paddle or trail run. So, two years ago, I decided to create it. Add to that the fact that I get a huge kick out of getting other people to go try new things. It makes my heart swell to hear someone say, "I read about that class/hike/group on Fit Maine and went and tried it and had a great time!" That's why I keep writing. These kinds of experiences are life-enhancing. They get people out of their comfort zones. On top of being a ton of fun, this stuff is good for our bods. Sure, some folks prefer to run on a treadmill at the gym, but for folks who'd rather paddleboard or do aerial trapeze, I've got you covered! (I also have a penchant for the kinds-weird stuff, like kitten yoga and goat hikes!)
What are one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as FM founder?
One challenge I face is figuring out how to support the site financially. For the first couple of years, I've funded the site myself (I do make some money by selling "Maine is my gym" tanks and tees). And that worked because I believe so much in what I'm doing that I didn't mind spending money to do it. But it also means that a good chunk of my time is spent doing work elsewhere that does make money (and I've been supremely lucky to have work that I also really love doing). So my ability to focus on Fit Maine is limited, although my dream is to be able to do it full time. And I have little experience with sales and monetizing websites, so it's been a challenge to adopt a new skill set that'll help me talk to businesses about Fit Maine and why it's so fantastic and why supporting it has value for everyone (those who read it and the events/studios/gyms/trainers I write about). But I'm embracing the chance to learn new things!
One lesson I've learned is to know my audience. Early on, I wrote a piece about beginner yoga classes and workshops (I know a lot of women and men who are curious about yoga but are hesitant to show up to a class), so this story was one I believed would be really useful. But I included a photo of a woman in crow pose, which is a fairly advanced hand balancing pose. And that clouded the message I was trying to convey - that these classes were for beginners. The photo wasn't of a beginner, so it was confusing, and a dumb move on my part. But that's the kind of thing I think about a lot now: Who am I talking to? What am I talking about? Do the words and images align?
What are your top 2 favorite FM memories?
Just this spring, I went on a hike at Ovens Mouth Preserve in Boothbay and posted a photo on Instagram of a super-cool spot on the trail, where there's a wooden bench overlooking the tidal waters. Someone posted a comment to the photo asking if the trail was kid and dog-friendly, and I said "Yes! Saw kids and dogs on the trail today!" The very next day, that same woman posted a photo on Instagram of the same spot and tagged me in it, saying "thanks for the tip, we had a great time today!" Thinking about that still, makes me grin. I'm overjoyed that I got to help someone find a neat new adventure (it's even better when I get a report back that they liked it!).
Another favorite memory is from last summer when I attended a Bike & Brews event in Gorham. These events have guided mountain bike rides for all levels and end at a brewery. I'd joined the beginner group for a ride on the Gorham trails, and afterward was talking with fellow riders at Sebago Brewing. One woman, I was chatting with found out I wrote about active things to do in Maine and mentioned a speed skating club she's in. My response? SPEED SKATING?! Tell me more! A couple months later I was on the ice in a pair of loaned skates, learning proper form and having a grand time. I love that Fit Maine is an excuse to go do cool things, but it also allows me to meet new people all the time AND learn about other cool stuff I didn't even know about. It's the circle of Fit Maine life!
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
"Do epic shit." I saw it on a Facebook meme, with a kid in a superhero cape. And while "epic" might conjure visions of base-jumpers or Everest climbers for some people, I think epic is relative. Taking a surf lesson, trying paddleboard yoga for the first time, mountain biking in the woods all afternoon or hiking in some stunning, new-to-you place can be pretty epic, too. The point is to welcome new adventures, to be open to trying new things and even being kinda bad at them. How expert you are isn't the point. Learning something new is thrilling. Exploring Maine, doing things that make you feel strong, engaging in something that's worth talking about over dinner is what matters.
In one word, describe yourself:
Loud!
For more information on Fit Maine please visit:
or follow on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/fitmaine/
and Instagram
Shauna Armitage, Founder of Making Moxie
Neil Kinner - Owner/Founder of Maine BayCycle
Profile Photo © KATIE JOHNSON via Island Institute Article: Going Footloose on CascoBay
Photos © Maine BayCycle
LK Weiss - Founder of Portland Design Co.
Erica Rose Dionne - Owner/Chef of The Muthah Truckah
What is The Muthah Truckah?
The Muthah Truckah is a unique food truck serving up Darn Good Sandwiches on the streets of Portland, Maine. Serving up Golden Griddled Artisanal Sandwiches utilizing locally sourced ingredients. Taking familiar flavors and adding a uniquely delicious twist!
What inspired you to create Muthah Truckah?
I started my life in a small, 'down home cookin' restaurant, owned by my mother. I grew up in Wells/Ogunquit, working for our family-owned businesses. I Made my way from a young age, working in the kitchen making things like hummus and mayo and pesto, all while doing dishes to general manager. The restaurant business is in my blood. So, coming up on 30, I had been working In kitchens and waiting tables and had that moment of 'what the hell am I gonna do with my life?!' I had always wanted to start a food truck and at that point decided, it's time! I purchased my truck April 2014, which was an old linen truck. It took 5 months to build it as The Muthah Truckah. I opened the window in October 2014 and ran straight through the winter and have just kept on Truckin'!
"Located on the streets of Portland and various Local Breweries! Check our Weekly Schedule for specific locations & hours. The Muthah Truckah is available for any event! Celebrations, Gatherings, Company Events, Family & Friends. Give us a buzz, we're here to please! Specializing in Deliciously Unique Grilled Sandwiches sure to satisfy your pallet."
What do you do outside of work that directly impacts your career?
Living in Portland, there are no shortages of new restaurants, new flavors, new talent that can inspire new items on my own menu for the truck. Experimenting with different flavor profiles and cooking techniques continue to keep the menu fresh & new. Of course, we have those Fan Favorites that are staples on the menu that can never be replaced! However, I believe it to be very important to try new things, whether it be experiences, food, friends. All of that comes into play not only in my personal life but also professionally.
At what point did you realize your passion for food would become a career path?
Growing up in the restaurant environment, I suppose I never really saw my path as anything different. Over the years, my Focus has changed, however, creating delicious food has always been a passion. Watching my mother cook as a little girl and eventually creating in my own kitchen, I've always LOVED to taste that final product. So fulfilling & satisfying to know that my own two hands created THAT.
How important is having a daily routine?
Operating as a single owner/operator, a daily routine is vital to the daily operations of The Muthah Truckah. Not only am I responsible for everything that the general public sees but also everything behind the scenes. Everything from whipping up our Famous Bacon Jam to making sure the propane tank is full & generators have gas for our daily service. The routine is simply ingrained in my mind at this point. In order to ensure that I don't forget anything! There isn't anyone else there to make sure I've got it all, it comes down solely to me.
What are one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as a food truck owner?
One challenge for me is balance. Balancing my personal life & my professional life. Not allowing for my professional life to consume my personal. With so much work to be done, it's all about staying organized and ahead. After 3 years of operating The Muthah Truckah, I feel pretty good about having that balance dialed in.
One lesson I've learned would be gratitude and how important that is, not only personally, professionally as well. I am SO grateful for my experiences, for the wonderful people I get to meet every day, for my own personal support system. I couldn't do it with out them.
Can you give us one invaluable resource that has helped you in the development and growth of The Muthah Truckah?
Some may say money, some may say some professional resource. However, I owe it all to my family, my mother. Holy moly, she's my rock. The one that I call when I'm ecstatic, when I'm exhausted and when I just need someone to bounce my ideas off of. She's been my number one supporter since the very first time I called her and asked if she was up for a six-hour road trip to buy a soon-to-be 'food truck.' I couldn't do it without her.
"My Person, My Rock, My Best. THIS Mum. She's the GREATEST & I love her with every FIBER of my being." -ERD
What are your top two MT memories thus far?
Oh boy, there a quite a few, as it's always an adventure on that rig! My first would be the night I drove the truck home from Presque Isle. I had never driven anything as big as that in my life! I was nervous, I was so excited & all I could think about was where I was gonna begin in building the truck the very next day.
My second would be a day that I was set up at Rising Tide Brewery. A very nice woman came up to the truck asking what our number one seller was. I proceeded to tell her about the Lola, which one of the main ingredients is that famous Bacon Jam. She quickly scoffed and told me she 'Hadn't eaten bacon in 40 years!' I told her my process, how it was cooked and ended up as this deliciousness in your mouth. In the end, she tried it! After 40 years of not eating bacon, that same lovely woman came back and ordered TWO of those sandwiches! At that point, I figured I must be doing something right!
"THE LOLA," the original showgirl, ROCKIN' Roasted Turkey, Cheddah, Housemade Bacon Jam, Pickles, BBQ Chips & BBQ Aioli, Golden Griddled
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
Never underestimate all the good a simple Smile can do.
In one word, describe yourself:
Gregarious
You can connect with Erica & The Mutha Truckah Via
Facebook/MuthahTruckah || Instagram/themuthatruckah || Twitter/MuthaTruckah
Email: gspeed23@yahoo.com
Call (207) 251-2045
Jessica Champagne, National Vice President of Arbonne International
What is Arbonne International?
Arbonne is a 37 year old botanically based skincare, personal care, and nutrition company with strict ingredient policies being Pure, Safe, Beneficial! Arbonne represents Pure Products, A Pure Lifestyle, And the Pure Joy of helping others.
What inspired you to become an owner of Arbonne?
I joined Arbonne because it offered both time and financial freedoms a traditional career couldn't offer me.
What is one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as an owner?
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that life is full of disappointments but discouragement is a choice! With any endeavor, you'll encounter challenges and obstacles but how you press on and push through them is all that matters.
What are your top two AI memories?
Top 2 memories in my business would be my first incentive trip earned and my promotion to the top level! Arbonne is so generous in their compensation and incentives... they never cease to amaze me! Now I get to enjoy watching those I mentor receive all the generosity this company offers.
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
One of my favorite quotes "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life"!
In one word, describe yourself:
Driven
I would describe myself as someone who is driven to succeed and help others succeed but also someone that doesn't sweat the small stuff. Having had lots of life happen, I've learned to enjoy each day and live it like it's the last day of my life. My latest pure joy is my son. Because of my business, my husband and I can raise our son together and it's pure joy being present with him and having our income coming in at same time. I only wish for others to have the same. That's my hearts desire. To help thousands of people experience the Pure Joy Lifestyle Arbonne offers.
Jaime Messina - Star Diamond Beachbody Coach
What is Beachbody?
Beachbody is the creator of the nation's most popular fitness and weight-loss solutions including programs like P90X Series, INSANITY, T25, 21 Day Fix, Body Beast, PiYo, and Hip Hop Abs. We have an extensive library that includes a variety of programs to help people to reach their health and fitness goals at home, whether they want to lose weight, learn to dance, build muscle, or just live healthier a healthier lifestyle.
What inspired you to become a Beachbody Coach?
I became a coach after going through a Beachbody challenge group. For 90 days I committed to one of their fitness programs, drinking shakeology, and eating right with the support of a coach and accountability of a group. The changes that I saw within myself were not just physical, they were mental as well. The way I was transformed from the inside out absolutely baffled me. I had suffered from anxiety and depression my entire life. It wasn't until I implemented health, fitness, and personal development into my life through Beachbody that I actually felt like I could deal with my health issues. I was happier, healthier, more positive, and actually smiling. Within a month of starting the program, other people could see the changes within me. It changed me so much that I wanted to pay that forward to others. I wanted people to see that they were not confined or defined by past issues. I do that now by coaching other people the way my coach did for me.
"I felt that my social anxiety and shyness defined me and that they would never change. Through making myself uncomfortable and stepping outside of my comfort zone I created a whole new me." -JM
What are one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your experience as a Coach?
One challenge that I have learned from my experience as a coach is that you are going to have people that sometimes hate on what you are doing. Putting myself out there and sharing a message of positivity, health, and fitness aggravates some people. I think that sometimes if we aren't ready or wanting to make changes within ourselves we can lash out at others who are so public about it. A lesson that I learned is that 9 times out of 10 it is never about you. You can't take things personally in life. More often than not the interactions you have in life are never about you, but about the other person. For example, if someone lashes out at you, it is most likely because of something going on within themselves vs. something that you did. I have also learned that it is never too late to go after what you want in life. The only time it is too late is the day you die!
What are your top two BB memories?
This is a fun one. Hands down my top BB memory is when I was given the opportunity to surprise my coach at the top coach celebration in Nashville on stage by performing a rap that I wrote for her. For someone who dealt with social anxiety their entire lives, getting on stage in front of 25,000 people and performing something you wrote was scary as hell, but absolutely amazing. The second best memory I have is from our last Beachbody success club trip. I got to go to Punta Cana with hundreds of other coaches and just hang out and chill. The sense of community and family that we have as coaches is something I had been missing in my life. I am so happy to have found it!
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
I'd have to go with "Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself". I like this one because in the past I thought the way things were was how they would be forever. I felt that my social anxiety and shyness defined me and that they would never change. Through making myself uncomfortable and stepping outside of my comfort zone I created a whole new me. If I had just wandered around "finding myself" that would have never happened.
In one word, describe yourself:
Grateful
To connect with Jaime Messina & To Learn More About Beachbody:
Website: www.jaimemessina.com
IG: @jaimemessina
FB: fb.com/JMessinaShapeYourLife