Life and Work with Jessica Giffin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Giffin.

Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey began with my transition to motherhood. We had just moved to Denver the summer after I finished grad school in New York, I was looking forward to starting my career in public health. I found out I was pregnant the morning of my first day at my new job! Becoming a mom was incredible but I went through an identity “crisis” when it came time to decide if I would go back to work after the 12-week maternity leave. I was so torn. I wanted both, I wanted to be a mother, but still have a career. I felt like my heart shifted so much faster than my mind! My heart was ready for this baby. My mind was holding on for dear life to the image I had of myself “pre-mama”. Most of this came in the form of having my work define me. I remember the call with the CEO, I was so nervous proposing a part-time, virtual flex schedule for my marketing position. I was told “we have never done this before” and therefore I had to choose: Either work full time or give up the job to be a mom full time.

I was clinging to the definitions of success and happiness that I created for myself as a single person, I was valuing all the stuff I did and ignoring the stuff that makes me who I AM. I followed the slight tug at my heart and decided not to return to my job. When I gave that role up, I felt a huge void in my sense of who I was. I struggled to with this silently for months before I started my blog (www.newmamawellness.com) out of sheer desperation to “unpack” my feelings.

Women started reaching out to me to connect over topics I wrote about. Some asked for guidance and support in deciding what to do about their career once baby arrives, some were feeling disconnected from their sense of purpose after leaving their careers and others were seeking motivation to redefine happiness. I took on my first private client from a referral back in 2016. It was exhilarating working with clients in a coaching capacity. Finally, my passion for well-being and my current status as a new mom could benefit others. Connecting to my purpose was the greatest gift from this process of self-reflection.

My lifestyle coaching business began organically from these first clients. From working privately with clients, I began collaborating with other local women to host workshops, events and even a monthly Women’s Moon Circle. The opportunity to connect genuinely with women, especially women who are driven to contribute outside of motherhood is tremendously rewarding. I am still learning to find the balance of all the hats we wear as women but I’m grateful that I have the platform to share my journey as it may inspire another woman in her own journey.

Has it been a smooth road?
The struggle was necessary, It was the struggle that catapulted me into building my blog and coaching business. It was hard as a new mom in a new city trying to navigate all the feelings of my new role. I was soul searching and craving some authentic connection and a place to unpack what this “motherhood” journey felt like. I was so intimidated to start a blog. Who was I to write about anything? Who would read this? Who would care? There was a lot of self-doubts. I was lost in so many ways but writing became my respite. It helped guide me through the messiness and uncertainty. I just started to show up in the process of writing daily. I wrote about whatever topic felt the most real and inspiring to me at the moment. Slowly, I started building a showcase of articles. I found my voice. I found my confidence in being both a mother and being able to contribute. I realized that our inner guidance is always there if we can make space to listen. There will always be challenges but I’ve learned its more about your response to those challenges rather than the bumps themselves that shape your experience.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with New Mama Wellness – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a lifestyle coach + blogger. I specialize in motivational coaching. I hold the space, infuse it with positive vibes and empower my clients to awaken the joyful inspiration within themselves. I am constantly refining and redefining what happiness is for me and I believe cultivating happiness first, is the key to a successful life. I love guiding women on a journey of transformation while navigating life transitions through my writing, group workshops and private sessions. I love this work because it really empowers the client to find their own answers in a supported space, which is what I so desperately needed for myself while I was navigating the transition into motherhood.

Since growing my family and having our third baby in 2018, I took a step back from one on one private coaching and started working in the greater Denver community coaching adults on lifestyle changes for disease prevention. I am so passionate about empowering people to examine mindsets and develop skills to make changes that create happiness. I love this work. I am so proud to be doing this work. I am inspired and feel the most spiritually aligned and convicted when I am connecting deeply with another human being.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Trust yourself. Your inner voice is always guiding you. Trust that you are enough and that you will find your way. Follow the work that brings you joy and prioritize that feeling. Work and life can be weaved together (if you want) so make sure it fits with your values as a person and fits within the kind of life you want to be living. Know that what you have to offer is not going to be for everyone (and it’s not meant to be!) be OK with hearing no, but just don’t give up! Find the people who are looking for your unique gifts because you have something to contribute and your tribe is waiting to join you!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.newmamawellness.com
• Email: jess@newmamawellness.com
• Instagram: @newmamawellness
• Facebook: @newmamawellness

Image Credit:
Cami Woomer Photography

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