The path to launching Birch & Wilde has by no means been a straight one.
I’ve always been happiest when helping others. I love finding solutions and empowering friends to be strong, healthy and happy.
Like many of us, in my 20s, I lost my way. Unsure of my true calling, I worked in a series of well-paid jobs, travelled a lot and even ran my own start-up. I waited for a deep sense of purpose to magically materialise.
Yes, on the outside I was successful and happy, and don't get me wrong I had some great times! However, something just didn’t feel right, I didn't quite feel whole.
When I look back I was overworked, stressed, sleep deprived and increasingly anxious. Yet, I didn't see this and felt unable to stop.
I thought if I just kept going, tried harder, things would get better. As a result, I saw friends less and worked more. Hobbies and interests drifted, and I turned to props outside of me, like a nice glass of wine, for that welcome relief.
I’m a country girl at heart, and the exciting city life I once loved had now engulfed me. I was rapidly heading for burnout.