Tell us in a few sentences how your brand helps others?

The WellNest is on online directory for professionals in the holistic wellness field. We connect people with wellness experts! We publishing consumer facing content to help the public find credible experts in the holistic field, but behind the scenes we work with clients in the holistic wellness field to help them market their program.

What was your initial inspiration that got you to where you are today?

As a mother to three young children, I became quite frustrated with the solutions offered by my healthcare providers. Like many, my children had bouts of sleeplessness, ear infections, rashes, and allergies. Intuitively, I was hesitant to administer all of the suggested remedies prescribed by our pediatrician. It was so difficult for me to find reliable, credible, holistic resources and professionals back then. I didn't know it then, but when a friend connected me with my first line of holistic products, it set off a series of events that led to me leaving my career in education administration and starting my own business to help others.

When you started your most recent path, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

At first, I thought I would just start by having one conversation at a time--mom to mom. I began with a network marketing company and shared every chance I could get. That led to me offering classes at a local conference center and then to opening our brick-and-mortar. Now, we're preparing to launch a global directory! No, I had no idea that I would be putting myself in such a visible and vulnerable position as to share my story with millions, but I am thrilled to do it!

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?

Being an entrepreneur has been full of challenges. I'm self-taught in many ways. I have a formal education in teaching and administration, so that has been very helpful in organizing systems, communicating effectively, and managing multiple projects. The biggest learning curve has come in the form of interacting with so many unique individuals. Professionals in the holistic wellness industry are wonderful. They are full of heart and passion. Sometimes, they aren't so eager to do the things they don't like, such as marketing, publicity, and the sometimes boring aspects like bookkeeping and scheduling. It's been a roller coaster ride to work alongside so many brilliant, yet often (self-proclaimed) eccentric personalities!

What was the biggest lesson you learned during this journey?

Hands down, the #1 lesson for me has been to stay focused on the goal. This past few years has presented new and unpredictable challenges for entrepreneurs. Working consistently with mentors, coaches, and accountability partners has helped me keep my eye on the ball. No matter what twists and turns have come my way, I've kept the vision of sharing wellness with the world at the forefront of my plan.


What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feeling like it's too difficult?

Don't quit. If you know what you are passionate about, you love what you do for work, and it comes from a place of a soulful heart; always remember your focus and keep going. I love that FemCity affords me access to a network of heart-centered women who are willing and able to support me in any way I need it! From encouragement to advice, it's important to know who is on your side and to be able to turn to them when you need something. Keep going and ask for help along the way.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

I start my day by reading aloud a list of affirmations, a prayer, and other reminders of who I am and why I do what I do. Without fail, that activity pumps me up for the day and gets me excited! I love what I do and I feel blessed to have grown into where I'm at in my life and my business. As long as there is a need for people to find qualified and credible wellness resource and my work makes my heart sing, I'll be here doing it.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

Starting a business is best done with support! Your networks will lift you up, teach you, encourage you, and set you straight. Being a part of FemCity and other networking groups and support systems has kept me going even when I was tired, frustrated, and hurting. Having support systems embeds accountability into your journey, which has to be done intentionally as an entrepreneur. Unlike a corporate or government job, you don't have built-in checks and balances in a business. You are building them yourself! Your support system will fill in the gaps with the human and emotional resources you need to succeed. I highly suggest finding your closest FemCity chapter and also plugging into your local Small Business Development Center when getting started. It can save you a lot of wasted time, energy, and money.

Where can FEMS follow your journey or connect with you?

I have build my business on Facebook and I welcome friends on my personal profile.

www.facebook.com/valarieangle

www.facebook.com/thewellnestroanoke

www.linkedin.com/valarieangle

www.instagram.com/thewellnestroanoke

About FemCity // FemCity offers a Free 30-Day Trial Membership and Memberships start at only $15.99. You can also learn more about launching a FemCity Chapter in your community. FemCity has been seen in Gilt, Vogue, AP News, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and MarieClaire. Learn why FemCity is more than a women’s networking group at www.femcity.com and on all social platforms @FemCity.