Mama of Five, wife for life, ❤️ business owner and human who is doing her damnedest to squeeze the most joy into this great opportunity called life! Striving, growing, sometimes failing, getting up and repeating on the daily.
In this episode, I had the absolute joy of chatting with Kelsey Cook—mama, entrepreneur, and all-around powerhouse—about what it really looked like to start a business in the middle of a global pandemic. (Because, you know, some of us made sourdough… and others built empires.)Kelsey opened up about the wild ride of launching her business while navigating the daily rollercoaster of motherhood. And let me just say: this woman is a force. We talked about the reality of building something from scratch during one of the most uncertain times in recent history, all while changing diapers, answering emails, and trying to remember the last time she drank water that wasn't cold coffee.What really stuck with me was her honesty around boundaries—like, the kind that protect your energy and your time and your sanity. She shared how she learned (sometimes the hard way) to say no, delegate, and guard her creative space so she could actually build something sustainable.We also dug into:The emotional resilience it takes to hear tough feedback and keep going anywayThe magic of creating curriculum that actually lights kids upHow building a business stretched her, changed her, and helped her grow in ways she didn't expectWhy surrounding yourself with a solid team is everything when you're wearing 47 hatsThis episode is full of wisdom, real talk, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you're a mom, a dream-chaser, or someone trying to keep it all together with a messy bun and a to-do list, Kelsey's story will remind you that you're capable of so much more than you think—even in the middle of chaos.Give it a listen. You're going to love her.TakeawaysKelsey started her business out of a need during COVID.She created a curriculum for preschoolers that gained popularity.The importance of having a supportive team is crucial for growth.Setting boundaries is essential for balancing work and motherhood.Feedback can be tough, but focusing on the positive is key.Kelsey emphasizes the value of hands-on learning for children.Personal growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.It's important to trust yourself as a parent and entrepreneur.Kelsey learned to delegate tasks to avoid burnout.Consistency and perseverance are vital for success.
Okay, so let's talk about imposter syndrome—my old frenemy. Yep, I've been there, standing backstage wondering, “Who let me have a microphone?” But over time, I've learned that prep is everything. Seriously, preparation is like emotional armor. The more I prepare, the less I panic… usually.And here's the real kicker: those butterflies? They're not your enemies. I've started to see them as tiny, overly enthusiastic fans doing backflips in my stomach. Nervousness just means I care, and honestly, I'd be more worried if I didn't feel anything before going onstage.It's been a journey of learning to accept myself, quirks and all, and figuring out how to channel all that pre-talk anxiety into energy that actually fuels me instead of frying me. Public speaking is still scary sometimes, but now I kinda love that thrill. Like riding a rollercoaster... except you're the one steering it.TakeawaysImposter syndrome is a common experience, even for seasoned professionals.Preparation can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and self-doubt.Emotions, including nervousness, are natural and can be managed.Self-acceptance and grace are crucial in overcoming personal challenges.It's important to recognize that excitement and nervousness can coexist.Having a support system can boost confidence before public speaking.Practicing vulnerability can lead to personal growth and connection with others.Setting up a familiar environment can ease anxiety before performances.Acknowledging past experiences can help build confidence for future endeavors.Taking control of one's emotions is key to effective communication.Keywordsimposter syndrome, vulnerability, preparation, self-acceptance, emotional management, podcasting, personal growth, mental health, confidence, public speaking
On this episode of The Diana Show, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Williams, the powerhouse founder of St. Louis Closet Company (aka the queen of closets). We dove into her journey from ambitious entrepreneur to organizational guru, and let's just say—building an empire is not for the faint of heart or the disorganized. We laughed about the chaos that clutter brings (seriously, is there anything more stressful than a junk drawer?) and shared some sanity-saving tips for decluttering your life.Jennifer opened up about the highs, the lows, and the all-important role of community support, plus she spilled some serious wisdom on mindful shopping (because, yes, you can say no to another pair of black leggings). We also got into how family plays into her business, and her amazing initiative, Closets for a Cause, proving that giving back is always in style.TakeawaysJennifer started her business on credit cards at 25.Organization can significantly improve mental health.Starting small is key to tackling clutter.The one in, one out rule helps manage shopping.Surround yourself with a smart team for success.Local businesses thrive on community support.Clutter can negatively impact daily life.Mindful shopping can reduce unnecessary purchases.Women should take risks and seize opportunities.Giving back to the community is essential for businesses.Keywordsentrepreneurship, organization, mental health, clutter, shopping, women in business, community service, family business, business advice, personal growth
NEED some extra support on your journey? Reach out to see if working with me would be a good fit. Book a free fifteen minute consultion! Dianapaquet.com In this conversation, Diana Paquet discusses the significance of self-love and personal growth throughout various life stages. She emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong relationship with oneself, finding joy in daily life, and understanding the true essence of self-care. Diana shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate life's challenges while maintaining emotional well-being and pursuing future goals.00:00Introduction to Self-Love and Personal Growth02:35The Importance of Self-Discovery Across Life Stages05:09Finding Joy and Comfort in Daily Life07:17Building Healthy Relationships and Boundaries09:18The True Meaning of Self-Care11:18Living an Abundant Life and Future Aspirations
In this conversation, Emmy Allen shares her journey of creating an upcycled protein bar, highlighting the issues of food insecurity and waste. She discusses the environmental implications of food waste, the importance of consumer expectations for brand accountability, and her aspirations for national retail partnerships. The conversation also touches on the entrepreneurial challenges she faces and the need for education around food awareness.Emmy started her upcycled protein bar during the COVID lockdown.Food insecurity is a significant issue in the US, affecting many children.Over 40% of food produced is wasted, which could feed those in need.Reducing food waste has environmental benefits beyond just hunger.Consumers are increasingly expecting brands to be accountable for sustainability.Emmy aims to disrupt the food industry with her product.Partnerships with organizations like Brighter Bites enhance community impact.Entrepreneurship involves ups and downs that require mental resilience.Curiosity about waste can lead to better business practices.Education on food waste is crucial for societal change.Follow Emmey journey: @act_bar_ @allen.amelia__website: actbars.com
In this episode, Diana Paquet discusses the significance of the people we surround ourselves with and how they influence our personal growth and motivation. She shares personal experiences and insights on cultivating meaningful relationships, assessing our contributions to friendships, and the importance of accountability in achieving our goals. Diana emphasizes the need to create space for positivity and to let go of negative influences in our lives, ultimately encouraging listeners to strive for a supportive and uplifting community.Who you surround yourself with truly matters.It's essential to cultivate meaningful relationships.Assess your own contribution to friendships.Friendship is a two-way street.Surround yourself with high-quality, motivating people.Friendships can evolve and grow over time.You need to take action towards your dreams.Creating space for positivity is crucial.You deserve kindness and love in your life.Accountability can significantly impact your progress.
In this enlightening conversation, Diana Paquet and Ali Farhat delve into the often-overlooked challenges women face during menopause. Ali, a certified women's holistic trauma practitioner, shares his journey and the importance of understanding the hormonal changes that occur during this stage of life. He emphasizes the need for proper education, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments to help women navigate these changes effectively. The discussion highlights the significance of accountability, community support, and the role of men in understanding and supporting their partners through this transition. Ali provides practical advice on dietary changes, the importance of protein, and the need for a sustainable approach to health and wellness. The conversation concludes with a call to action for women to seek help and embrace the journey of aging with confidence and vitality.takeawaysInstagram @thatmenopauseguyFB Ali FarhatWebsite: conqueryourmenopause.comAli Farhat is a certified women's holistic trauma practitioner.Many women experience weight gain and mental health issues during menopause.Doctors often lack training in menopause, leading to inadequate care.A full blood panel is essential for understanding hormonal imbalances.Nutrition should focus on anti-inflammatory foods and adequate protein intake.Accountability is crucial for women navigating health changes.Community support can empower women in their health journeys.Men should educate themselves about menopause to support their partners.Sustainable health practices are more effective than temporary diets.Hope and guidance can significantly improve women's quality of life.
In this episode, Diana Paquet shares her personal journey with chronic illness and how it has influenced her perspective on motivation and systems in achieving goals. She emphasizes the importance of establishing routines and systems to maintain progress, especially during challenging times. Diana discusses the significance of movement, the role of social connections, and the necessity of planning to achieve personal and professional aspirations. She concludes with insights on building confidence through self-awareness and understanding personal preferences.
Diana Paquet discusses the significance of friendships, particularly in adulthood and middle age. She emphasizes the emotional support that friendships provide, the challenges of making new friends as we age, and the importance of nurturing existing relationships. Diana shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to cultivate meaningful connections, navigate life transitions, and reconnect with old friends. The conversation highlights the profound impact that friendships have on our mental and physical well-being, encouraging listeners to prioritize and invest in their social circles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Friendship and Its Importance 08:33 Navigating Friendships in Middle Age 09:04 Finding New Friends in a New Environment 13:42 Creating Connections Through Shared Interests 15:32 The Value of Work Friends and Community 16:39 The Power of Familiarity and Old Friendships
In this heartfelt podcast, Diana Paquet shares her emotional journey after a frustrating mistake during her first podcast recording. She reflects on the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and the value of moving forward despite setbacks. Diana emphasizes the significance of gratitude and the lessons learned along the way, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys with compassion and determination.
Summary In this conversation, Diana Paquet explores the impact of perfectionism on her life and how she navigates daily challenges. She emphasizes the importance of finding balance, embracing small wins, and maintaining mental health through self-care practices. Diana shares personal anecdotes about her routines, the significance of flexibility, and the power of gratitude in overcoming obstacles. Chapters 00:00 You can still win the day if you let the perfectionism go and embrace doing what you can. 06:11 Finding Balance in Daily Life 07:04 Embracing Small Wins Over Perfection
In this conversation, Diana Paquet shares her journey of personal growth and the challenges she faces as she embarks on a new learning experience through Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy. She discusses her fears surrounding technology and self-doubt, while emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming these obstacles. Diana encourages listeners to embrace change, step out of their comfort zones, and recognize their unique capabilities, ultimately inspiring them to pursue their goals without fear. Chapters 00:00 Self Love, imposter syndrom and YOUR Personal Growth Journey 00:50 Investing in Learning and Overcoming Fear 02:59 Mindset: The Key to Growth 06:37 Embracing Discomfort for Expansion 09:19 The Power of Community and Support
Summary In this conversation, Diana Paquet shares her insights on cultivating joy and positivity in daily life. She discusses the importance of kindness, the power of compliments, and how to find joy in everyday challenges. Diana emphasizes the significance of gratitude and imagination in shaping a fulfilling life, encouraging listeners to engage in small acts of kindness and maintain a positive outlook, regardless of circumstances. Chapters 00:00 Serving joy and giving out those juicy uplifting vibes as you go throughout your day 05:29 Finding Joy in Everyday Challenges 09:45 The Power of Kindness and Gratitude
In this conversation, Diana Paquet shares her journey of embracing the messy beginnings of her creative endeavors, particularly in podcasting and video content creation. She discusses the importance of overcoming fear and self-doubt, the value of building meaningful friendships, and the significance of taking leaps of faith in pursuing personal growth and new opportunities. Diana emphasizes that starting imperfectly is a crucial part of the learning process and encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys, no matter how messy they may seem. Takeaways Starting messy is a natural part of any journey. Fear often holds us back from pursuing our goals. It's important to compare ourselves to our past selves, not others. Building meaningful friendships can enhance our lives. Taking leaps of faith can lead to personal growth. Learning new skills can be daunting but rewarding. Community support is vital in overcoming challenges. Embracing imperfection can lead to greater happiness. Investing in oneself is a crucial step in personal development. Creating content can be a fulfilling way to share knowledge.
I loved exploring the themes of people pleasing, (which I have fallen into so many times in my life,) the importance of validating one's feelings, setting boundaries, navigating toxic relationships, and the evolution of friendships. I loved sharing my personal experiences and insights on how these aspects impact emotional health and personal growth, particularly in the context of parenting and relationships. Hope that you enjoy! People pleasing can lead to unhealthy patterns. Validating your own feelings is crucial for emotional health. Setting boundaries is essential for personal well-being. It's important to stand up for yourself in relationships. Letting toxic behavior slide can build resentment. Self-care practices help in being a better version of yourself. Friendships evolve and should be nurtured over time. Healthy friendships contribute to overall well-being. It's okay to prioritize your needs over others. Communication is key in maintaining healthy relationships.
Diana Paquet shares her journey of personal transformation, focusing on her weight loss experience and the strategies that helped her maintain a healthier lifestyle. She discusses the importance of content creation and how it fuels her passion, while also exploring the concept of 'doable foundations' that support both physical and mental well-being. Diana emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, planning, and envisioning a future self to inspire growth and positive change.
Diana Paquet shares her insights on productivity and organization, emphasizing the importance of using tools like calendars and reminders to manage her busy life as a mother of five and a business owner. She discusses how these tools help her stay connected with her family, maintain a sense of control, and find time for her passions. Diana highlights the benefits of being organized, including reduced stress and increased time for personal interests, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Diana Paquet shares her personal journey and excitement about undergoing a facelift. She reflects on her past experiences with plastic surgery, her feelings about beauty and aging, and her plans for the upcoming procedures. Diana emphasizes her confidence in her choices and the importance of self-love, while also addressing the societal perceptions of cosmetic surgery.
Diana Paquet discusses the importance of flexibility and pivoting in wellness journeys. She emphasizes the need to overcome negative self-talk and connect with one's self-worth to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Diana shares practical tips for integrating fitness into busy lives and encourages listeners to embrace challenges as part of their journey.
In this conversation, Diana Paquet shares her personal experiences with adversity and the importance of resilience. She discusses how unexpected challenges can lead to personal growth and emphasizes the need to process emotions rather than resorting to toxic positivity. Diana highlights the significance of maintaining physical health through exercise and nutrition, creating structure in daily life with lists and battle boards, and cultivating a positive self-image. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to find opportunities in adversity and to embrace the lessons learned from difficult experiences.
In this conversation, Diana Paquet discusses the impact of negative feedback on personal journeys, particularly in the context of body positivity and fitness. She emphasizes the importance of self-validation and curating social media feeds to include inspiring and uplifting content. Diana encourages listeners to focus on their own journeys and to disregard negativity from others, advocating for a supportive community that fosters personal growth and well-being.
In this podcast, Diana Paquet shares her personal experiences with distractions and the importance of regaining focus in daily life. She reflects on her past struggles with procrastination and how she has learned to overcome them through self-awareness and integrity. Diana emphasizes the significance of aligning daily actions with personal goals and the tools that help her stay motivated. The conversation highlights the journey of personal growth and the importance of self-care and mindfulness in achieving a fulfilling life.
In this conversation, Diana Paquet shares her experience of overcoming fear and self-doubt to pursue her goals. She discusses her fear of technology and how it has held her back from taking the next step in her podcasting journey. She also talks about a recent experience where she let a thoughtless comment affect her confidence and cause her to miss out on an opportunity. Diana reflects on the importance of being mindful of the words we say to others and ourselves, and the impact they can have. She expresses her desire to be a 'yes' girl and not let fear hold her back from trying new things and living a full life.
Parenting is hard. This episode is a discussion about how to support your self mentally while you are emotionally supporting your teen through challenges.
Encouragement to take the time to learn, or remind yourself to focus on a health issue that is affecting your life. You deserve it, your health is worth the work and time!
Going through challenging moments with your family definitely will make you realize how much relying on certain habits in life can get you through.
If you are looking to find a solution to help you move through a big emotion that you're stuck in, body movement is your ticket through it! It's absolutely incredible how quickly you can deal with almost any emotion if you get physically into emotion. Try it and see how differently you'll feel after 20 minutes of moving your body! Use a quick yoga video , a dancing moment or a full workout to quickly change and uplift your mental state!
Make more money? Get into a healthier romantic relationship? Try out a different job that's more fulfilling? It's all possible and it's all within your reach if you know how to dream!!
I Gained weight and needed help so I signed up for an online course to focus, be reminded and support myself. The goal is to be back on track by the end of the summer instead of further away from feeling the way I want to.
If you're finding yourself in a situation where you really need a perspective shift, here are some great ideas to get you out of your funk. This episode will help you get back into the mindset where you are enjoying your days and dealing with life through a more positive lens!
I registered for an online course because I've really been struggling to get my fitness health back on track. I'm hoping to get the support I need to head in the direction I want to go.
Watching a child struggle can make a parent feel at such a loss of what to do next. In this episode I detail the frustration we're going through and how we're trying to get through, learn, support our child and ourselves.
Have you ever question how often you're actually hungry and how often you're just actually looking for relief because you're exhausted?
The first thing I thought, “Is there something wrong with me?” After much discussion and thought I came to the conclusion that there are all sorts of ways to survive and thrive through life. ….And “heavy processing” is what works for me.
Lessons from a jr. swim meet! At my daughter's recent swim meet I had a revelation about the ways that I could progress if I weren't constantly holding myself back and saying that I wasn't good enough. Press play on this episode if you're finding yourself ruminating in negative self talk that is not serving you.
Epic dates, core memories or just running errands together! It doesn't matter as long as you're setting the time aside to be able to connect with your loved one
Here are some great steps to getting yourself back on track quickly after noticing a rapid weight gain. Press play to find out how I've turned things around, have my weight back under control and how you can too!
How do you feel when you hear somebody has been talking about you? Think about how you would feel if the opposite of that happened to you? In this episode we discuss the impact of hurtful gossip and also the beautiful effect of practicing “reverse gossiping” in your circles.
Sad? Happy? Hiding out? Celebrating? It's easy to gain weight no matter what stage of life you're in! In this episode, we discuss strategies for getting back on track, making sure that the self talk stays supportive, and most of all celebrating that we are the type of people who can catch ourselves and redirect.
If you got to recreate and choose what the second half of your life was going to be, would you choose differently? In this episode, we discuss divorce, love in middle age and choosing what we want for the second half of our lives!
Rest doesn't come easy to some of us! If you're anything like me, you're busy in your body and mind from the time those feet hit the ground. However, I'm learning that there is so much creativity, growth and big ideas that come when we prioritize rest.
The importance and impact of dating your person is statistically mind blowing. Couples who make time and prioritize one on one time have a much better chance at staying connected. In this episode, Thomas and I discuss why we've made time for each other most weeks for the last nine years.
What if instead of giving so much attention to the places we've stumbled, we pay MORE attention to the ways we're winning? What if we look daily for the things that we are doing right? Having an actual practice of pausing and observing your growth could be the key to your next up level in your health!
Doing fun stuff doesn't just happen. Enjoying your life gets leveled up when you get intentional about planning, scheduling and injecting more cool stuff in your days, weeks, months and years!
How do you value your body? In this episode, we chat about the ways that we can take care of our bodies, celebrate our bodies, talk nicely to our bodies, cheer our bodies on and basically take our bodies on dates to celebrate all it does for us.
Ever have a day where you wake up feeling like you're in a nosedive mentally? This episode is about becoming strategic and nearly robotic about doing the routines that will lift you up and get you back in the direction that you're desiring.
The struggle in our minds about our bodies is felt by people with all body types w/o a doubt. In this episode we challenge our own self talk, get very observant about what is actually weighing on our minds and come up with a plan to support ourselves with the true self love we each deserve!
If you ever self sabotage, have a hard time believing in yourself or make poor choices more than you like, you are not alone. We do this due to fear of success, imposter syndrome and lack of self belief. In this episode I explain a work around for this issue.
Back at it after three weeks and so glad to have a safety net in place with my gym fam! I used to rely on my willpower, and now I realize that there is no “power” in will power for me. I am much better off having regular, scheduled lifestyle choices in place.
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