We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christine Boersma Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I was actively running events and networking groups already. I constantly get asked about finding connections, resources, etc from people who have found me to be the center of our community hub. As the conversations widened I realized there are a lot of people who need support, resources and connections in order for them to get to the next level. Building a co-working space just seemed like the logical next step to have a physical space that operated as a melting pot for professionals to get what they needed when they needed it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Baby Boomer. I took theology in college when TIME’s cover read “Is God Dead?” My spiritual journey revived in my forties and has truly uplifted me in my seventies to greater intimacy with God. I now bring believers refreshing wisdom and understanding—based on my writing, healing ministry, podcast, coaching and spiritual direction training—empowering others toward Spirit-led transformation and Radiant Joy.

In my 40s and 50s, I tried to do it all. I strove to be a great mom, Brownie leader, swim team treasurer, church volunteer, wife, and daughter while practicing law and seeking both spiritual truth and worldly approval . . . often burning out and getting overwhelmed. Taking up quiltmaking brought me closer to God. In teaching Spirituality of Quilting classes and then in my book, “Reap As You Sew: Spirit at Work in Quiltmaking,” I shared stories showing how creativity and spirituality work together. Workbook sections demonstrate how America’s 20 million quilters and other creatives can benefit from that spiritual-creativity connection.

My quilts have won numerous awards and netted thousands of dollars for charity. But my passion now is helping Christian women in the second half of life become their genuine selves and bear good fruit! I’m a Benedictine-trained Spiritual Director, and I believe every woman becomes the unique Godly woman she was created to be through inner work that heals!

I train and lead a team in Unbound Ministry, which puts on Freedom in Christ conferences, helping men and women find freedom from whatever holds them back. I minister to individuals, leading them with Jesus and the Holy Spirit to forgive effectively, break unhealthy habits, recognize and cast out lies and unclean spirits, and embrace the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I have a blog and a podcast (From ‘Pretty Good’ to RADIANT JOY), and I’m writing two new books—all aiming to help women be transformed and empowered to live life to the full. As I see it, the first 25 years of life prepare us for the next 25, but most women in the second half are living a life for which they were unprepared. I love helping Catholics and other Christians explore the blessings, surprises, and challenges of life over 50, equipping them to have more clarity and inner peace and to radiate joy, purpose, and vibrancy at any age.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I will take you back to when I was 17. I was in a terrible car accident and was helicopter flown to a hospital over an hour from the crash site. I went in and out of the car (despite having my seat belt on) which caused massive lacerations and part of my face being torn completely open. Having your body disfigured, especially your face at a young age is SO difficult to navigate. The stares, the questions, the comments from strangers for YEARS. It took my confidence away for quite some time.

When I was 20 I was given a chance to do a photoshoot with a local photographer. It not only helped me regain my confidence, but it propelled me into exploring the world of modeling. I went to a modeling competition in Florida and met agents from modeling agencies. Many said I didn’t have what it took to be a model. I didnt care if I made it big since being in front of the camera was turning into this way to express myself, almost like an artist using paint as their medium of choice.

When I came back, I continue to shoot and get better at being in front of the camera. I ended up being apart of some really cool projects for the next 8 years. I was on band CD covers, runways for bridal shows, clothing lines, fashion designers; modeled for bands and DJs, local clothing designers, and even exotic cars. I modeled and sold products at conventions and even started doing promotional work for beer companies. I also had the opportunity to act in a really cool short film that was produced locally. I learned so much about myself during this time and was able to completely flip the script on how I felt about myself.

I learned that no one, or no situation can stop me from doing what I want!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have made a few pivotal career moves over the years. I left a stable job to try a career in the car business working 100% commission. I ended up becoming the top sales person multiple years in a row. I took over the internet department and grew that by 180%. Many people know how icky the car business is, and it is VERY true. It is predominantly male and let me tell you some of the men I worked with did not like the fact that a woman was doing better than them in sales. My work environment became more and more hostile and toxic. I eventually left and moved into financial services. I became a top life insurance agent for Guardian in selling nearly $40 Million in life insurance protection for families in my best year. I found myself again working in an environment with mostly men. I eventually left and found my way back into marketing and the entrepreneurial space where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hangrcoworks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hangr.coworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangrcoworks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hangr-coworks/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Kyle Miller and Amy Klemme