Mom-Me Founder of Truewellbeing Houston Family Magazine
interview by Kimberly Davis Guerra | photos by Quy Tran Photography
DETAILS
Age: 56 • Birthplace: Champaign, Illinois • Currently live: split time between Houston and Santa Fe, NM • Favorite food: Indian (and I also love green juice) • Favorite travel spot: ocean or lake, I love to swim • Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice • Currently reading: Signs by Laura Lynn Jackson
This month’s Mom.Me column focuses on Houston entrepreneur Elizabeth Irvine: nurse, educator, jewelry designer and award-winning author. She is the founder and owner of TrueWellBeing a website where you can purchase her books, jewelry and sign up for soulful workshops and retreats around the world.
You started out your career as a health professional, what and where did you study?
Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Kansas
What was the catalyst that moved you onto your current career path?
A sick child. I was told there was nothing I could do to help our baby son. I dug deeper into the roots of the disease and found answers through a more natural way of living. I became passionate to share my knowledge with others. It began with the publication of my first book, Healthy Mother Healthy Child, which then lead on to developing products to help fund a sustainable business to educate and empower women and families.
As a mother of three, you must have had your hands full when the kids were little. What is your best piece of advice for those working moms/single moms out there?
The title of my second book, A Moment’s Peace: Create Calm in the Midst of Chaos, was my mantra while juggling young kids, work, home and family. The best piece of advice I know– take care of ourselves first. Self-care is essential (something in your day that restores you) because I feel the mother represents the centripetal force of the family. When mama is calm and happy, everyone else follows her example.
You recently launched TrueWellBeing with your daughters. That must be extremely gratifying to have them share your vision and work towards common goals. Was it always the plan to have them work with you?
All three of our kids came to know a holistic lifestyle as young children. I feel through this life experience, to work with Truewellbeing was not planned out but felt like a natural fit. Allie is currently expanding her knowledge of soul in depth psychology at Pacifica Grad Institute and is our retreat coordinator. Sarah uses her creativity with the written word, photography and graphic design and curates our products and message to the world. Of course, sometimes we have our “moment’s” working as a team, but ultimately it feels like a dream for me.
You are a health professional, author, speaker and jewelry designer. Out of all the hats you wear, which is your favorite & why?
While I enjoy all of these aspects of our business, my true passion is writing and speaking.
In your career, is there anything that you haven’t tried yet, but would like to?
I feel satisfied in my work. I continually work on my own self-care to remain open and receptive to new creativity as a muse.
Is there one habit you would like to break?
Perhaps trying to take too much on, whether that’s family needs, work projects, or “fitting it all” into the day. I have to be diligent to keep balance in the present moment. It’s a constant practice!
Join Elizabeth on her next retreat, Soul Space in Santa Fe, NM, June 12-14, 2020. The retreat is 2 nights at Sunrise Springs and is focused on helping participants find deep relaxation and become naturally connected to a more authentic space within. For more information, visit www.elizabethirvine.com/retreats.