Amanda Joyce Weber
A mindset coach’s perspective on prioritizing misty morning runs, making a move from the big city to the grand forest, and slowing down to be in nature.
Words by SARAH MAGIDOFF
Photographs by JENNIFER MORGAN
WHAT DOES “SLOW ENTREPRENEURSHIP” MEAN TO YOU?
AJW: Creating a life and business that feels both profitable AND fulfilling through sustainable growth.
TALK ABOUT A TIME YOU CHOSE TO PRIORITIZE SOMETHING PERSONAL OR MEANINGFUL OVER THE DEMANDS OF WORK. HOW DID THAT DECISION MAKE YOU FEEL?
AJW: This interview! At the time that this was written, in the midst of growing my second business, planning my wedding (yay!), and training for a half marathon, all while carving out time for my own self-care. It was after a long day that I had reached out asking for an extension in returning this interview to you (which you very graciously agreed to!). I believe in asking for what you need as a form of deep self-care. Part of learning to trust myself has been gaining clarity around what absolutely HAS to be done, what can wait, and giving myself the SPACE I need when I need it.
DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO GUARD YOUR FREE TIME? WHAT DISCIPLINES DO YOU OBSERVE TO ENSURE YOUR BOUNDARIES ARE MAINTAINED?
AJW: When I first started my business, I had a policy not to look at my work email on the weekends (and not to work the weekends!). Creating boundaries around my work in such a clean-cut way allowed me to see that the world would not crumble if an email was not responded to immediately or if I took those two precious days to myself.
WHEN NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
AJW: When I’m not supporting clients, I’m going for early morning trail runs, mid-day walks with my puppy, sipping wine with the girls while we watch The Bachelor, going on sushi dates with my man, or tending to the Airbnb that we run out of the ground floor of our home. On weekends you’ll likely find me hiking, backpacking, skiing, or renovating and styling our home.
YOU MADE A BIG MOVE, CAREER-WISE, TRANSITIONING FROM A CORPORATE JOB IN NEW YORK CITY TO RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IN COLORADO AT A MUCH SLOWER PACE. WHY WAS THAT AN IMPORTANT TRANSITION FOR YOU TO MAKE?
AJW: Our dreams and goals for the future grow and evolve as we do. There was a time when moving to New York City, getting a job as a graphic designer at a big name fashion brand, and living the big city life, was quite literally THE DREAM. After several years, I craved something more than the life I was living. I felt trapped in the buzz of the concrete jungle and longed for open space and fresh air. I dug deep and questioned what it would take to live a life that didn’t just LOOK successful on the outside but FELT successful on the inside too. Through a series of small, consistent efforts I moved out west and launched my own design studio in the mountains just outside Denver, Colorado. I learned what it truly means to have BOTH a beautiful, balanced life and a thriving, successful business, and now I spend my days helping others do the same because it's what I'm most passionate about.
TO THE SLOW ENTREPRENEUR, MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH ARE NOT OPTIONAL. WE BELIEVE THAT MAINTAINING THESE ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES ALLOWS US TO RUN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AT PEAK PERFORMANCE. WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH, AND WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE US FOR MAKING IT A PRIORITY?
AJW: Taking care of our physical well-being can have an incredible effect on our mental health too. I’ve found that stepping away from my desk and making time for exercise only BENEFITS my business rather than takes away from it. Some days that simply means ten minutes of morning pilates. Other times, it means going for a four-mile run around the lake with my puppy. I absolutely notice a difference in my overall well-being through this daily practice. It changes the way I show up for everything.
LIST 10 THINGS THAT BRING YOU JOY.
AJW: (In no particular order)
Misty runs through the mountains with my puppy.
Seeing the look in my client’s eyes when they have a major breakthrough moment.
Making gluten-free blueberry pancakes with my husband on a Sunday morning.
My puppy jumping up on the bed at the start of each day.
A lavender epsom salt bath after a day of skiing.
Campfire smores.
Signing new clients that I know I will help cultivate the mindset they need to create a business that is both profitable and fulfilling.
Rosé champagne.
Hosting podcast interviews with amazing women who are living out their own definition
of success.Snowy days cozied up by the wood stove.
HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS LOOK DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU’VE LEARNED TO SLOW DOWN?
AJW: [I’ve embraced] the freedom and flexibility that my business allows me. I make those misty morning runs through the mountains a priority because I know the sense of joy and accomplishment they bring me. I make a conscious choice to pause client work and carve out time for an afternoon walk with the puppy or sushi with my love.
SE: WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
www.amandajoyceweber.com
www.instagram.com/amandajoyceweber
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/one-simple-shift/id1437529557?mt=2&app=podcast
www.amandajoyceweber.com/onesimpleshift
Amanda is a mindset coach and podcast host helping stressed + overwhelmed entrepreneurs cultivate the mindset they need to create a beautiful, balanced life and a successful, thriving business.