Well guys, this was my first official trip away from my boys. It only took almost 3 years, but here I am. Relaxed, sun-kissed, rested and content.
Thanks Marriot for the perfect getaway.
Category: Uncategorized
8 Things I’ve Learned As A New Business Owner
This post is for anyone that currently owns a business, thinking about starting a business, or just simply curious. To anyone that has been asking me about it all, I hope this post helps answer some of your questions!
Let’s jump right in.
Starting a business has been the toughest yet easiest journey. I say easiest lightly, and I really just mean that it isn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be. When I say hardest, it’s because everything is NEW. I started as a one-woman show; from account management, to invoicing, to legal stuff… I had to know it all.
To say that I’ve learned a lot throughout the last 7 months is an understatement. I mean, no experience like jumping right into it can show you all of this. As some of you may know, I had a nutrition consulting business for 4 years prior to working in the entertainment industry (I guess that’s what we can label it). Starting that was much, much different because it was just me and just 2 sessions with clients a day. With Parker Management, I knew I was building a company. Much of what I knew about business before definitely helped propel this new venture, but building this brand has been a completely different story. So, I’m here to share some of the biggest takeaways thus far in the journey. As most of you know, I’m a shoot-for-the-stars type of person. I truly believe that it’s up to us to create what our lives look like, and if you have dreams and desires that you aren’t pursuing, start making a plan!
1) Just start. Not next month, not “maybe next year,” not when you have enough money saved up. I know this may not sound practical, but just get started somehow.
2) Get tough: This is a lengthy one guys, but bear with me. If you don’t develop thick skin quickly in business, it’s not going to last. Maybe it’s someone saying something bad about your product, or you just watching other brands do something better. For me, it has been contending against the business I used to work for. Here’s where I’ll be real- I struggled for a long time with wanting to start my own talent agency. I didn’t want to compete with the agency I used to work at because I truly felt bad about it (the sensitive/people-pleaser side of me). At the same time, I also saw things that could be improved upon. When you aren’t in a position to improve those things, you are left with thinking… I can do this and I can do this better. Isn’t that what a lot of people do? Here’s the thing… never feel bad for wanting to do your own thing. I felt guilt up until about a month ago. The main thing is to do things with integrity. If you can be honest in business, then you are doing the right thing. And if you offend your old coworkers or bosses by starting something on your own, then so be it. This is your journey! I remember when a friend reminded me of all the great businesses that were started because someone branched away to do something similar, but different and better. No one should ever be upset with you for having that desire to pursue your own dreams. So, brush it off and get tough! Don’t get discouraged by negative noise.
3) Start small: I remember when I first started, all I wanted was to rush to Northwest Portland to go office shopping. My visual of fresh flowers, great music, sleek computers and rad art took over. Then, when business picked up out of the gate, I went straight to thinking I needed to hire someone. Here’s the thing… I started my business with expenses at $79/month. I ended up forgoing the office and then decided to put my husband in charge of accounting and carried the workload on my own, for as long as I could. Being patient with certain things that weren’t completely necessary helped me grow my profits and set them aside for future expenses. Moral of the story, and I’m still reminding myself of this, but… one thing at a time.
4) Let go of money: Here’s the tough thing about point #3- when I realized it was time to expand and bring on an employee, I started freaking out. The thought of expenses after you haven’t had any is a bit frightening. But thanks to my friend (and serial successful entrepreneur), when I expressed to her my nerves, her advice to me was to not hold onto money like that. “Let it go… Focus more on paying the right people what they deserve, otherwise your business will never get better.” Powerful, huh? That was game changer for me. Find good people, pay them properly, give them ownership and freedom, and let the business blossom.
5) Be good to yourself: I’ve felt more stress lately than ever before. It’s a good problem when business is busy and going well, but that can also get extremely overwhelming. I was really bad about this at the beginning and I’m still not great at it, but I feel the most “in control” and calm about things when I’m taking care of myself. Although I hate spending $100 on facials, they relax the heck out of me, so I’ve been trying to get them more often. And while getting my nails done seems like such a waste of time, it makes me feel better about myself when I have them done. And when I feel overwhelm setting in, I immediately stop what I’m doing and go for a walk outside to clear my head.
6) Remember your why: I’ll be honest, I didn’t start my company because I’m passionate about social media and models. I totally get why people say “find your passion and make that your business,” but for me, I’m passionate about a lot of things in life. I also like a lot of things. I started this business because I saw a way that it could be done better. I also enjoyed the job and had a proven track record of success. I saw it as an opportunity to create my life to help me do whatever I want in the future. If I want to be a stay-at-home mom, if I want to blog, if I want to travel the world… by playing my cards right and working hard to grow this business, I will ultimately allow myself that flexibility. My why is freedom, but it stemmed from simply wanting more time with my family. Freedom to create my own schedule; freedom to ultimately put someone else in charge of the company to run it; freedom to take care of my employees and give them the things I wanted when I was an employee; and the freedom to be as creative as I want to be. Write down your “why’s” and look back at those each time you get discouraged.
7) Have a support system: There have been a few times where I just wanted to throw the towel in. Not even because business wasn’t going well, but just out of pure frustration and moments of feeling like running a business is too much to carry. My husband has been the biggest support and honestly, if it weren’t for him, I don’t know where I’d be. Have someone around you to keep you in check, whether it’s a spouse, friend or a business coach. And anytime to you feel like you are getting to “that place” go talk to them and let it out. I’m always amazed how quickly I turn my train around after talking to my husband about how I feel.
8) Stay in your own lane: This saying is a little overdone lately, but it is so dang true. The most helpful thing I’ve done is tune out what others are doing. It’s so easy to scroll through Instagram and feel like you should be doing this, or be doing that… but the key is to do things a little different. Also, stop comparing. The more I move through business with my blinders on and try to do our own thing, the better things have been getting. Browsing competitors sites and social channels can definitely be healthy, as I think we can learn a lot from what others are doing. But go easy on yourself. Don’t get too caught up in what others have going on.
I love learning from other business owners. I’m actually putting together a networking group in Portland soon, so stay tuned for more info on that. I also love to email and hop on calls with other business owners, so please send me an email if you are interested in connecting. You can never have enough support in all of this.
Happy weekend, friends!
xx
Lindsay
Lindsay
Wellhaus Wellness Guide: Portland, OR
After my first Healthy Food Guide to Portland, you all asked me about the naturopath I go to, spa recommendations, best fitness studio, etc. So, I’m here to share! Luckily, here in Portland, there is no shortage of all things that keep you looking and feeling WELL.
SPA
Blooming Moon Spa: This place might always be my favorite because I’ve been going there since I moved to Portland. They offer great, natural products and they have killer facials, nail care, massages, and waxing. Ginny, the owner, couldn’t be more talented and their new space is beautiful.
KIVA: Both a cafe and spa, they offer a really great overall experience. I prefer their facials the most!
Rumi Simone: This is technically in Lake Oswego, but if you are looking for a “luxe” experience, this is the spot to go!
MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Skin By Lovely: I couldn’t say better things about this place. Everyone there is extremely knowledgeable and talented. If you go this route with your skincare, this is the best place to do so.
FITNESS
Barre3: If you know me, you know I love me some Barre3! It’s challenging, relaxing, and full of good music, great people, and NO PRESSURE. Perhaps my favorite thing about the class is that you don’t feel like you have to be in the best shape, wearing the best outfit to show up. Plus, they are HQ’d in Portland!
YoYoYogi: This is such an awesome yoga studio for so many reasons. I love all of the different classes they offer. My only complaint would be that parking down in the Pearl isn’t always the most fun, but the great classes make it worth it!
StarCycle: Best spin class in town, no question.
NAILS
Midas: Great spot in the NW. Wine and nails? Yes please!
Finger Bang: If you are looking to do get some fun nail designs, this is the spot. Make sure to make an appointment!
Blooming Moon Spa: The best spot for a spa pedicure. All non-toxic too!
WAXING
NATUROPATH
ACUPUNCTURE
Brooke Meadows at Vetiver Acupuncture: Hands down, the cutest spot to get acupuncture. Brooke, the owner of Vetiver, has done such an incredible job with her place. Not only that, but she is incredibly knowledgeable, calming and kind. I highly recommend her as well for someone new to acupuncture.
Sandy Reidman at Mandala Medicine: Sandy was my first experience with acupuncture and got me hooked! Her method is much different than others. She does a massage + acupuncture technique so it feels like a big bang for your buck! Plus, she is an incredible human.
HAIR
coming soon!
DAY SPAS
coming soon!
MAKEUP/BEAUTY
coming soon!
ENERGY HEALERS
coming soon!
NUTRITION COUNSELORS
coming soon!
Northwest Bagel Plate
Ok, you asked for it! And I will gladly share this recipe because it’s way too simple and tasty not to share!
As some of you may know, I’ve been trying to decrease the amount of dairy in my diet, so I’ve been playing around with a lot of different nut cheeses. When I came across Kite Hill’s cream cheese, I realized that going dairy-free is practically a walk in the park. There are so many great options now that will satisfy that cheesy craving.
Anyway, a loaded bagel is my weakness. I’ve always loved them, but usually stay away from them because it’s hard to find gluten-free/dairy-free options. So, I took it upon myself to create my own. I was inspired to add smoked trout to as a replacement to smoked salmon and it was a good move. See the full “recipe” below : )
1 New Cascadia everything bagel (gluten-free)
Kite Hill chive cream cheese
thinly sliced cucumbers
smoked trout
rainbow sprouts
Assemble as you’d like!
That’s it! I also like a little squeeze of lemon on top.
Enjoy : )
Officially "in my 30’s"
I felt like 30 was my denial stage. Not because I didn’t want to be 30, I literally just kept forgetting. I was forever 29 in my eyes. So, now that I’m 31, I’m feeling official!
For my birthday, my mom, sister and a dearest friend of mine headed out to Stoller winery and gosh, that place is stunning. We drank some rose, snacked on a charcuterie plate, laughed, talked about life and took in all beauty of Oregon wine country.
This is 31.
I don’t know about you, but life for me just seems a bit crazy lately. Not only am I at my max capacity for what I can take in news wise (fires, hurricanes, politics, etc. etc. etc), but I’m also trying to find a life balance while running my own company.
When I get a bit burnt out on life, I’m reminded of all the important things. The things that truly matter in life like family, friends, laughter, the simple things…
I just want, so badly, to defy the odds. To work hard and run a successful business, but not be that stressed out person that lives for work and no play. So, I’ve dedicated 31 to figure this out, because the stress I’ve been feeling is on another level. I was starting to have aches, pains, fatigue, and sensations that I had never even felt before. And my shoulders were (and still are) so tight that I literally feel like I have a bag of bricks on them. I’m also extremely forgetful and I’m honestly just, tired.
Stress is such a bitch like that (pardon my language).
But you know what? I’ve always noticed that when it pushes you this far, you are forced to reevaluate everything. What can I do to help myself? How can I help balance out the stress?
For that, I welcome you, stress.
Here is what I wrote in my notebook (I carry this everywhere with me so I can jot down thoughts and notes). I jotted down just a few attainable actions that I wanted to make sure I was doing.
-More time in the present. On the coast the other day, Tyson asked me to not be on my phone. Not because he was telling me what to do, but because he wanted to challenge me to just be in the moment. And even after putting down my phone, I started talking about how much being at the beach in Oregon made me miss California. Once again, I derailed from being present. I’m really good at that. So, I was forced to get back to the moment and appreciating THAT moment, not the past or present ones.
-Meditate or breathing exercises for 5 minutes (only 5- I’ve got this!) first thing in the morning.
-No work emails until 9am. I have been rolling out of bed and starting work from my phone first thing in the morning. Just, no…
-More Barre3. I haven’t been in so long and it truly is my happy place. Although I’m not looking forward to my first class back (ouch!)…
-More time with friends. It feels like I’ve neglected my friends all summer. Between moving and working, it’s just been so hard, but it’s still a terrible excuse.
-More one on one time with Parker. I’ve decided that every Wednesday I’m going to start work at 11am and take the morning to do something fun with Parker. He’s just growing up so fast and I don’t want to pass this time up.
-Take a news break. I’m at a point where I just… can’t. It’s too much. I don’t want to be naive, but you also need to listen in and realize when it’s healthier for you to just take a news break.
-Bed before 10pm. I used to be asleep by 9:30pm almost every night and it felt amazing! So, I feel like 10pm is a good place to meet in the middle. Also, falling asleep reading or writing (not on my phone) is a big goal of mine.
-More quality time with Tyson. I miss cuddling on the couch, rambling about life and dreams with him. Now it’s work, schedules and Parker stuff. I’m trying to get back to those conversations we had when we first started dating. And those moments where just laying on the couch talking was everything.
How do you de-stress? I’m also curious if you are a business owner, how do you balance work and life?
Getaway: Kirkland, WA
A couple of weeks ago Tyson and I took a solo trip up to Kirkland, WA for a quick overnight getaway. Tyson is up in Seattle quite a bit for work, so any chance I get, I try to tag along. I love me some Seattle!
This trip we took was so needed! Between moving houses and my business growing so quickly, everything just feels like a LOT lately. When I start to feel a bit burnt out, I always like to plan a quick getaway. It’s my recharge! And staying in Kirkland and at the Woodmark Hotel couldn’t have been a better place to do this.
__________________________________________________
Where to Eat:
Where to Stay:
Things to do:
-Rent kayaks (free for hotel guests at the Woodmark)
-Rent a boat
-Grab lunch downtown
-Run/walk along the waterfront
Key Travel Notes:
-Boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding
-Tons of healthy food options
-Only 20 minutes from downtown Seattle
-Great shopping close by
-Romantic
We headed up to Seattle on a Monday. I dropped Tyson off at work near downtown and then went straight to a coffee shop to get some work done for a bit. After working for awhile, I decided to head towards the hotel, making a pit stop for lunch in downtown Kirkland. I ate at Homegrown, which was delicious. I’m such a sucker for a good sandwich and this place has their sandwiches down (and gluten free options, which is great).
After grabbing some lunch and getting some more work done, I went to check in at the Woodmark and was greeted by a glass of champagne (yes please!). This hotel is honestly the cutest. I feel like I am the pickiest person when it comes to hotels. I just love a place that has some charm to it, and this place completely did.
So, I enjoyed my champagne, headed to the room and unpacked my things while I waited for Tyson to get back to the hotel after work. Our room was overlooking the water, and can I just say, spend the extra money for the water view!! We even had a small balcony, so we were able to open the doors and hear the water crash on the rocks. I felt so relaxed that I even took a nap (and I don’t even know how to nap usually!).
Once Tyson got back, we headed out for a walk around the waterfront of the hotel and grabbed dinner at Le Grand, right next to the hotel. We ordered just about everything off of the menu because my idea of a great vacation, always includes great food. ; )
After dinner, we walked around a bit more, and then headed back to the hotel. We had BIG plans to watch a movie, or go grab more drinks downstairs at the bar, but the reality was that we both fell asleep before 9pm and slept like babies.
So wild, I know…
The next day was spent working out and then on the water. I can’t get over how beautiful it is up there in the summertime!
Until next time, Kirkland! We had such a blast!
Blogging Like It’s Your Business
If it’s time to for you get serious about blogging, then you are in the right place. While my full-time job is to manage successful bloggers and influencers (shout out to Parker Management) while keeping up my little blog here too, I’m still no expert. Blogging world is a very young world, and what works for one person, doesn’t always work for another. However, there are always some basics to success, and that’s what we are going to dive into.
You all sent me some really great questions, so I’m rolling this into a series. From branding and working from home to all things social, I’ll be posting a lot of this stuff over the next few weeks. Get excited!! ; )
1. Treat it like a business. This may seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but honestly, if your goal is to turn blogging into a potential business, then you have to treat it that way. That means, if you are employed full-time, you are going to be spending some late nights after your day job, working on your “other business.” It might sound a bit daunting, but don’t let it discourage you. That setup isn’t forever!
2. Subscribe and learn. I recommend downloading podcasts to help educate you. While you drive to work, fold laundry, go for a walk… it’s easier to make time for these than say, read a book. My favorites are:
The Influencer Podcast
Being Boss
Him & Her
Girl Boss
How I Built This
3. Make it look like a business. This is probably one of the most important points. If you truly hope to make this is a profitable business, it has to look that way. From your website and branding to your social media feed… it needs to look like a brand! Your own, personal, awesome brand. For something like Instagram for instance, I completely understand that “real is in” and less contrived feeds are better to some extent. However, if your goal is to profit from your business, one of the big contributors to that will be partnering with other brands. A brand needs to be able to envision their company in a post that YOU create. So in my opinion, to get paid accordingly, your images need to be top notch! Learning how to take a good photo is so important. It is also SO easy to edit photos from your phone now. And hey, if you aren’t great at creating cohesive feeds with great images, then hire some help! It will be worth it.
For example, I love @bethanmenzel’s Instagram. As a brand, you can easily see your product or company fitting in nicely with her feed; you know she will do a great job. But her feed is also not “too perfect.” It’s just simply, well done.
Remeber, a cohesive, well-edited feed doesn’t need to look forced.
4. Use your free business tools. Track your blog traffic often and upgrade to a business account on Instagram and Facebook. They are free, important tools to help you succeed. They provide you with metrics that you can keep track of and analyze, show you what performs best, and who your readers are.
5. Find your passion and run with that. The thing I love the most about blogging and social media world is that it can be WHATEVER you want it to be. We all know by now that success in this industry will never come from you trying to forcefully blog and take images. What are you excited about? Who are you? What do you have to contribute? One of my favorite questions I like to ask people is this (and I seriously want you to think about this): For most of your life, what has everyone associated you with or known you as? When I asked myself this question a long time ago I remember thinking, well, my whole life I’ve heard that I’m a great negotiator and everyone has always said that I’m good at making things look pretty/have a good eye for aesthetic. LIGHT BULB. Both qualities that I have finally translated to my career. Point being, if you’ve always had great style and loved fashion, then I think you know what you could blog about. Think it would be awesome to blog about home design all day? Ding! Want to travel the world? Perfect. Start traveling and taking great photos. You’ve got to be excited about whatever it is you blog about.
6. Have a media kit. This really important, in my opinion, if you have a blog with a larger audience and at least 5,000 followers on Instagram. This is your selling point that really shows people who you are. It’s basically your personal brand brochure. It doesn’t need to be long. In fact, I prefer a one-page media kit to show brands who you are and what you are doing.
7. Figure out how you are going to make money. Do you want to sell a guide? Offer services? Or simply just make money from partnering with brands? Make a plan and get clear on how, exactly, you are going to make your blog profitable. If your goal is to make money from partnering with brands, make a list of your favorite ones and start emailing them!
8. Get to know the top social media channels. Each channel serves its own purpose. Referring traffic from sites like Instagram and Pinterest is imperative to the success of your blog! Learn how to use them. Melissa Griffin has some great, free tips on how to do this.
9. Be consistent. There are going to be so many times that you will find yourself wondering “wait, why am I doing this again!?” Just remember why you started and know that turning this into a business is 100% possible, as so many bloggers have proven it to be. With a little bit of time and a whole lot of effort, you will get there!
10. Get help if you need it! There is A LOT to this industry. When I was trying to blog full-time, I spent so much of my time searching the internet and reading endless articles that all told me the same things. I also thought I knew a LOT, and realized I actually didn’t know much at all until I entered into influencer management. If you feel stuck and need that assistance, work with someone! It will be worth it.
Happy blogging! Feel free to continue to email or DM me your questions so I can include them in my upcoming posts!
As of September 1st, Parker Management is opening up 10 spots to help coach people and their personal brands on how to make money from blogging (or just how to grow your blog and social media, period). Email thewellhaus@gmail.com for more info.
A Self Check-In
We are finally (mostly) settled in at our new place and I feel like I just want to let out the biggest exhale. I don’t remember moving being this stressful! I think the combination of moving while sick, moving out of the first home Parker was ever in, and running a business while doing it all was a LOT. I felt like I hit pause on life (and summer) and I’m finally pressing play again.
Somewhere in between all of this, I started to take a good look at my whole life. I just started to go through everything: Am I exercising enough? Have I been taking the time to simply breathe? Have I been unplugging after 5pm most nights? I did this big evaluation, not to be hard on myself, but to just check-in. Do you ever do this? I really feel like checking in with yourself is one of the simplest, most effective things we can do. Almost as if an alarm needs to go off every few months to say “hey, let’s take a good look at things.”
Anyway, my internal alarm went off and I tried to think about all of the things I’d love to work on. I’m obviously not going to be able to do all of this, but it was a simple reminder of the things that are important to me and to try my best to do as many as I can. See the list I made to myself below:
- Cook more often. You love it.
- Cut back on animal products.
- Try and be asleep by 9:30pm (I used to always do this and lately it’s been more like 11pm).
- Change up exercises and strive for yoga 2x a week.
- Get ready most days! You are running out of lounge clothes to wear around the house. Plus, it just makes you feel better. ; )
- Date night with Tyson 1x a week. Try new things, rather than just a dinner out.
- Unplug as often as possible after 5pm to spend quality time with family.
- Take more photos with my camera, less on my phone.
- Do more things solo- (see below).
- Give thanks every day for what I have and put less focus on what I want.
- Eat as clean as possible.
- Volunteer.
- Mind over matter: Worry less. More positive thinking.
- Floss at least every other day (LOL).
- Blog more often. It’s more for you than anyone else.
- Be in nature more often.
- Drink less. Although I still don’t drink that often, I feel best when it’s only 2 or 3x a week max.
- Meditate. You know you need to do this…
- Try and not get distracted. Working from home can come with its own challenges. Stay focused.
We obviously know better than anyone, what is best for us. Taking time to check-in can be so powerful.
One of the things that really stuck out to me when I was thinking about all of this, was my attachment to my family. Not a terrible problem, right? But really, especially now that I am working from home, we are always together. When we aren’t together, it feels so strange and a little uncomfortable. As sweet as this may sound (and natural for parents), I also don’t want to lose sight of who I am as my own person. Sometimes I need to remind myself to get out of my perpetual mom-mode and be, Lindsay.
Do a little check in with me? If you really do, I hope you find some helpful reminders for yourself. Not ones that come with a bunch of pressure, but just things to remind you of what you want in life and what’s good for you.
Happy Sunday, everyone! xx
Marionberry Nice Cream
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to go berry picking. There is something so nourishing to the mind and body to be able to pick your own food and then enjoy it. I cry a little inside because we don’t have much of a backyard to grow anything right now. But, I sure am grateful to live in a place like Oregon, that has endless areas to get fresh, seasonal produce.
We are big blueberry fans at our house, but lately, I have been loving marionberries. They are actually a blackberry that was developed at a college here in Oregon (pretty cool, huh?). They call it the “cabernet of blackberries.” Ha! It has a strong flavor, so I typically like to bake with them. This time, however, since the weather has been so warm, I opted to make an “ice cream” with it.
This is a really refreshing twist on ice cream and I can promise you that you won’t have that yucky post-ice cream feeling. It is also a big hit with Parker, so this is very toddler-friendly.
Marionberry Nice Cream
2 frozen bananas
2 cups of frozen marionberries
1/2 cup coconut cream
Maple syrup to taste
Top with chia seeds
Directions:
Place banana, berries and coconut cream in a blender and blend on high.
Add in maple syrup (I would start with 1 teaspoon and add more if needed). Blend again.
Pour mixture into 4 small ramekins or a large glass tupperware dish. Cover, and place in freezer for 3-4 hours.
Once frozen, stir the nice cream, and serve with chia seeds sprinkled on top.
You can’t really go wrong with 5 ingredients!
Enjoy! xx
My Summer Home Sale Picks
Wellhaus 
