Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Love.
Hi Sara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Even though you pray nobody sees you when you faceplant (both literally and figuratively) sometimes the people you need are there to lend a helping hand. And you may not even know that person, yet, but they are going to change your life.
I have suffered many face plants, as a trail runner this happens and you try to laugh and hope you don’t get injured. Professional face plants are a completely different experience, there is no laughing it off. A couple of years ago I was dealing with multiple physical injuries which impacted my ability to enjoy my hobbies and professional burnout primarily caused by violence in the workplace, it was the worst of all face plants. Not only was I victimized, the system blames the victims and that is a tough pill to swallow. It was not a good time and something needed to change. I had no idea what, but was open to any and all opportunities. At a networking event, I met with someone who introduced me to someone else, who recommended a class that I may enjoy. I was open to anything so I took the leap.
This class was an online class that was 6 hours and met multiple times over 7 months, it sounded like torture for me who loves to roam and cannot sit still. But, I was committed, so I dove into the class and material.
It changed my life and career trajectory.
I enjoyed the focus required to listen to my thoughts and be honest and vulnerable about my goals. This process brought clarity and a better understanding of what I needed to do to save myself.
During those 7 months, I completely changed my clinical practice. I went to a telemedicine-only format and cancelled all my insurance contracts. While I was apprehensive about this, I made it work by maintaining the same active listening and focus on my patients that I did when I was in-person. Honestly, I find myself less distracted with the telemedicine format and can better take care of my patients. I did not expect this would be the case, but am happy that it is. Patients deserve providers who can give their entire focus to them.
I also decided to create a brand new business in a completely different industry. This has provided a huge learning curve along with an amazing community of colleagues and mentors who are always there for advice, help, or to listen.
Today, I am thriving in both my businesses and enjoying the journey of entrepreneurship with all the ups and downs. I am sure that I will continue to experience the occasional face plant, but I will continue to get up and learn from all the experiences and face the challenges head on.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha! Not at all smooth or linear. The road has been more of a circle with all the bumps and hills. Some of the struggles include challenges in building a business during COVID, being a victim of workplace violence, physical injuries negatively impacting my quality of life, and more.
I have been grateful to be able to take some time for reflection and obtain clarity on my goals and how I can achieve those goals, which has been intregral.
The light at the end of the tunnel was finding a supportive community of colleagues and mentors who have been absolutely amazing as I navigate my entrepreneurial journey, and are there to cheer me along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lichen + Leaf and doubletrack naturopathc?
I have both a product business and a service business. My product business is called Lichen + Leaf and I create a line of caffeine-free herbal teas that are intentionally created and inspired by patients. The loose leaf teas use certified organic ingredients, are microplastic free, and packaged in compostable materials. I focus on a caffeine-free line of craft beverages and this is why customers keep coming back. There is an increasing number of people who are sensitive to caffeine and so many foods/beverages have hidden caffeine in them so they are looking for a safe brand of delicious drinks to enjoy all times of day.
Doubletrack naturopathic is a telemedicine-only naturopathic practice for people in Oregon who are seeking help for a range of issues. I specialize in hormone replacement therapy for perimenopausal women, headaches, and chronic disease support. My favorite modalities are lifestyle medicine through nutrition and movement.
I am most proud of building a new beverage brand that is building multiple collaborations with other local businesses and discovering how creative the local makers are in their unique products.
What matters most to you?
Finding joy and gratitude every day. This is not to say I promote toxic positivity, I fully acknowledge that sometimes things really suck for myself and others. There are a lot of days where I feel down and like a failure, for me it helps to review my milestones and see how far I have come and I don’t take anything for granted.
I find joy in wildflowers, nature, pollenators, and farmer’s markets. I am grateful for all the amazing people I have met along the way in my journey and I have learned so much from them.
Pricing:
- Herbal teas from $15-20
- Telemedicine office visits from $75-300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lichenleaf.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lichenleaf/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-love-nd-bb869831/
- Other: https://www.doubletracknaturopathic.com/
