Artwork for the Human Body - Pearl and Thistle

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Valenzuela, Owner of Pearl and Thistle, LLC., located in Sherborn, MA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

At Pearl & Thistle, we offer an innovative approach to lifelong body literacy for Catholics. So, we offer programming designed to help Catholic parents teach their girls, specifically about menstrual cycles and periods. Give instruction in natural family planning for couples, and resources for Catholic parishes to provide education and support in these needed areas.

My customers and clients are Catholics who desire to explore fertility awareness options from the dual standpoint of health and faith. They often look for ways to get more resources into their local communities.

Tell us about yourself

This whole endeavor started about ten years ago when I decided to become trained as a Natural Family Planning instructor. I love helping my clients learn about their bodies, and I have heard many women (and men!). They tell me that they never received this education growing up. So when clients started asking me to provide programs to help them teach this information to their daughters.

It was a natural leap to begin branching out. My business is very much dictated by the needs and desires that people express to me because that's when I feel most strongly that I am genuinely offering a valuable service for them and the glory of God.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My Cycle Prep program was selected as a finalist for the 2021 OSV Innovation Challenge, a business competition designed to accelerate and promote new, creative ideas from Catholic business and ministry owners.

I did not end up winning the competition. Still, it was an experience that boosted my confidence in the products and services I offered and contributed to the building of a beautiful network of other Catholic entrepreneurs.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I am wearing all the hats! This business is booming but still very small. I enjoy that this allows me to create a unique, welcoming environment in my marketing... but I honestly wish I didn't have to do the marketing! Or the finances. Or the social media planning. But I see it all as an opportunity to keep learning and trust that I'm where I need to be now.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Be authentic: if you are trying to put on airs and project a different persona through your business that is not truly you, it will be a huge drain, and you will resent it.
2. Don't worry about having all the answers right away: there are ALWAYS things you could be better at or know more about. Permit yourself to learn as you go.
3. Don't neglect your prayer life: it's so easy to get "busy" with your business to the point where you forget to pause and reflect. As a Catholic, I have specific prayers and religious values which need to ground me in my mission, but regardless of your faith background, maintaining a posture of humility, gratitude, and perspective on what matters is vital.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pearlandthistle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearlandthistle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlandthistle/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-valenzuela-5a561788/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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