1. How did every WOMAN begin?
My mom and sisters and I went on an active trip together. We wanted to be able to experience as many activities as we could, and then relax and enjoy each others’ company with some spa pampering in a beautiful place afterwards. It was so much fun we decided to do it a year later and this time invite our friends and all share in each others’ expertise; try new activities together in an “I teach you, you teach me” kind of atmosphere. We had so much fun we realized we were on to a unique experience, and the following year we opened up the idea in Whistler to all women... every woman. So the Every Woman experience was born and I have loved working with my sister Kerri Carlson as co-founder of Every Woman events.
2. What is the biggest challenge in being a mom entrepreneur?
There just aren’t enough hours in the day! It’s always a juggle finding a balance between family, work, and personal time (if ever!). My children have always been my priority—they are the gold medals in my life. In trying to meet their needs I burn the candle at both ends to make other things work as well. The premise for Every Woman is that one finds balance and inspiration through activity, and I find it’s that jog through the forest in the morning that helps me keep the demands of the day in perspective.
3. What are some of your greatest successes?
It’s always about my family and people close to me. The love and support I received as a child through my parents and siblings have inspired me to instill the same values in my own children. Without that, we would not achieve our greatest successes, and achievements of any kind have no significance without the love and support of family. The Olympic ideals of striving to do the best we can living life every day translate to success in every walk of life.
I am proud of my accomplishments on the track, in the Olympics, in my work life, and in my business, but at the end of the day it’s the internal peace of always putting your best foot forward that brings about a feeling of success, shared with family and friends.
4. How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Definitely it’s fitting some activity in my life every day that helps me to keep some kind of balance. 25 years post-Olympics I have never loved a peaceful jog along the beach more. I feel more relaxed and comfortable with the notion that there is only so much you can do in a day.
5. What tips can you offer to other busy mom entrepreneurs?
I’ve learned that it’s ok to say no once in awhile. You don’t have to do everything you’re asked to do. Remember that you can ask others to help you. People like to help if they are able, and there’s no reason to feel guilty about it.
Let the things go in your life that really don’t matter. At the end of the day, it’s the love and laughter that should not be sacrificed for the dishes or the laundry.
And I do believe that without your health, you can’t do anything. So be active, make healthy food choices, get the sleep you need, and cut yourself some slack to turn off the computer and the phone once in a while—even for a few hours—to give your family some undivided attention.
6. Why do you think women are good entrepreneurs?
We are unbelievable multi-taskers. It’s good and it’s not-so-good, because inherently then we tend to take on too much. As I get older, I truly am getting wiser and see that it’s important to stop and smell the roses. When choices need to be made, decide on your priority at any given time, and don’t worry about what then has to wait to be taken care of on another day.