We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.
Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Taking the Leap: How Joining Monat Changed My Life
When I first encountered the idea of joining Monat and becoming a part of their beauty business, I was terrified. I’m the kind of person who prefers staying in the background, content with a quieter life. I’m an introvert to the core, and the thought of putting myself out there, selling products, and connecting with people was completely outside of my comfort zone. Taking a risk of this magnitude was not something I took lightly. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that push us into taking the leap.
Back then, I was a full-time Veterinary Receptionist, feeling burned out and stretched thin. I was exhausted—both physically and mentally—and something inside me knew it was time for a change. But the idea of doing something completely different, something that required me to put myself out there in ways I never had before, was scary. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. That was the first lesson I learned on this journey.
The big moment came when I invested in my first product pack. I still remember the nerves that hit me after I made the purchase. There was no guarantee this would work. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t sell a single bottle of shampoo? What if the products didn’t live up to the hype? These were the thoughts running through my head. It was a significant financial investment, but more than that, it felt like I was investing in myself for the first time in a long time—and that’s a daunting feeling.
I told myself, “You’ll never know if you don’t try.” So, I took the plunge.
Fast forward to today, and it has turned out to be the greatest risk I’ve ever taken. Joining Monat not only gave me the tools to start my own business but also helped me grow into a more confident, outgoing person—something I never expected. I started small, sharing my love for the products with friends and family, but soon that circle expanded. I began building a network, creating relationships, and helping others find confidence in their hair and skin.
This business didn’t just change my financial situation—it changed me personally. It pushed me to do things that, as an introvert, I never thought I could. I had to learn how to connect with people, how to market myself, and how to be vulnerable in sharing my story. What began as a business venture evolved into something much deeper. Monat gave me a platform to become a stronger version of myself, and I now feel more in control of my future than ever before.
For the first time, I feel like I’m making choices that align with my long-term vision, rather than just going through the motions of a traditional 9-to-5. My daughter, Charlotte, is my reason for everything, and she has watched me transform through this process. She’s seen me turn a dream into reality, and that’s an invaluable lesson I’ve been able to pass on to her.
Today, I’m not just running a successful business—I’m living life on my terms. The growth has been both personal and professional. This journey with Monat has brought fulfillment, community, and an immense amount of personal development. I went from feeling burned out and introverted to becoming a confident businesswoman who is passionate about helping others find their own version of success.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the biggest risks often lead to the greatest rewards. If I hadn’t taken that leap of faith, I wouldn’t be where I am today. For anyone who’s feeling scared about taking a risk, I’d say this: Trust yourself. You never know what doors will open if you give yourself the chance to step through them.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About Me and My Journey
Hi! I’m Heather, the heart and soul behind Waiting 4 Sunshine, my hair, skin, and wellness coaching business. I’ve always been passionate about helping others live their best lives, but my journey into this industry began from a personal desire for change. I was working as a Veterinary Client Care Coordinator, feeling burned out and missing precious moments with my family, especially my daughter, Charlotte. I knew something had to shift, and that’s when I discovered Monat.
At first, the thought of selling shampoo on the internet felt outside of my comfort zone, especially as someone who is naturally introverted. But the more I learned about the products and the impact they could have, the more I realized this was an opportunity to help people in a meaningful way. What started as a leap of faith turned into one of the most rewarding ventures of my life.
What I Offer
At Waiting 4 Sunshine, I specialize in personalized hair and skin care routines that cater to each individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re trying to revive dry, damaged hair or need a simple routine to maintain your curls, I’m here to help. I also provide fitness coaching, empowering my clients to embrace self-care from the inside out. My goal is to make self-care feel accessible and easy, so you can look and feel your best without the overwhelm.
The Waiting 4 Sunshine brand is all about helping others regain their confidence and make time for themselves in a way that fits their lifestyle. Whether through the transformative power of Monat products or personalized coaching, I want everyone who works with me to feel more in control of their well-being.
What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets my approach apart is the combination of my personal experience and my dedication to my clients. I’ve been there—overwhelmed with work and family, trying to find balance while feeling like I wasn’t taking care of myself. This has made me incredibly empathetic and driven to help others find their own version of success, whether that’s feeling more confident in their skin or finally mastering a self-care routine that works. I build personal relationships with my clients, focusing on what will serve them best long-term.
I’m also deeply invested in the products I recommend. Monat has transformed my hair and skin, and I stand behind the science and quality of every product I share. I’m proud to offer something that I know works, and that I personally use every day.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the business I’ve built, but more importantly, I’m proud of the community that’s formed around it. I’ve watched clients gain confidence, find joy in their routines, and embrace self-care in ways that make their lives better. Knowing that I’ve had a hand in that transformation is what drives me forward.
Key Takeaways
For those of you just getting to know me and my brand, here are a few things I’d like you to remember:
Waiting 4 Sunshine is all about empowering you to feel your best, whether that’s through hair care, skin care, or fitness.
My goal is to simplify self-care so it works for your life, not the other way around.
I offer personalized solutions that are tailored to you—there’s no one-size-fits-all here.
I’m passionate about what I do, because I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing these products and routines can be.
I would love to connect with anyone who’s looking for guidance, whether it’s to upgrade your hair and skin routine or to talk about how to make self-care a priority in your busy life. My inbox is always open for a chat!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A Major Life Pivot: My Journey from a 9-to-5 to Flexibility and Freedom
One of the biggest pivots I’ve ever made in my life came when I decided to leave the exhausting grind of my 9-to-5 job and step into the world of Monat. For years, I worked as a Veterinary Client Care Coordinator at a busy veterinary clinic. It wasn’t just a typical 9-to-5, though—I was regularly working 13-hour days, feeling burned out, and missing out on precious moments with my family, especially with my daughter, Charlotte.
There’s nothing easy about balancing long hours at work with the responsibilities of motherhood, and over time, it started to take a toll on me both mentally and physically. I was constantly exhausted, and I felt like I was missing out on the moments that truly mattered—watching my daughter grow, being there for important milestones, and even just being fully present with her during our time together. That’s when I knew something had to change.
Discovering Monat: A Life-Altering Pivot
I wasn’t looking for another job when I found Monat—I was looking for more balance in my life, more fulfillment, and something that would allow me to show up for my family in a more meaningful way. When Monat came into my life, I was intrigued but also hesitant. I’m an introvert, so the idea of stepping into something that involved selling and socializing felt way outside of my comfort zone. But I couldn’t deny that I needed a change, so I took a risk and invested in a product pack.
It was a leap of faith—I didn’t know if it would work out or if this was the right move for me, but I decided to trust the process. Little did I know, that one decision would transform my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
From Burnout to Flexibility and Freedom
Since joining Monat, I’ve experienced one of the most rewarding shifts of my life. I went from working long, grueling hours with hardly any time for myself or my family to having the freedom to create my own schedule. I now work on my own terms, setting my own hours and working around my daughter’s needs. This newfound flexibility has given me something I didn’t realize I was missing—time to enjoy the little moments and truly be present for my family.
But it’s not just about the flexibility. Monat has also given me a renewed sense of purpose. I’m no longer just grinding away at a job that leaves me drained; I’m building something that not only provides for my family but also allows me to help others. Through this journey, I’ve been able to connect with people and empower them to take better care of their hair, skin, and overall well-being. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m making a positive impact on others, all while creating a lifestyle that works for me.
The Confidence to Grow
This pivot has also helped me grow in ways I never expected. I used to be shy and introverted, hesitant to put myself out there. But as I built my business and began connecting with people, I became more confident and outgoing. Monat has given me the tools, community, and support to step out of my shell and build something that aligns with my values and goals.
Looking back, I can honestly say this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The risk I took to pivot from my exhausting 9-to-5 to a flexible, fulfilling business has paid off in ways I never thought possible. It’s given me the freedom, time, and purpose that I was desperately searching for.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Finding Strength Through Loss: My Journey of Resilience
Losing a pet is never easy. It’s a kind of heartbreak that leaves a hole in your heart, especially when that pet has been a part of your everyday life. For me, it was my hedgehog, Waffles. She wasn’t just a pet; she was a part of my family and a constant in my day-to-day routine. Her playful little quirks, the way she explored her space, her curiosity—everything about her made my heart so full. But when I lost her, it hit me hard in ways I wasn’t prepared for.
Waffles had been a rescue, and my daughter Charlotte and I worked so hard to help her adjust to her new life with us. She was a little shy at first, but over time, she started to come out of her shell. I’ll never forget the joy we felt when we saw her running on her wheel for the first time or the way she rooted around in her favorite dig bin. She brought so much happiness into our home, and when she passed away, I felt an overwhelming sense of grief.
The days that followed were some of the hardest I’ve been through. Losing Waffles sent me into a deep depression. It was hard to find the motivation to do anything, especially when every little thing reminded me of her absence. I didn’t just lose a pet; I lost the routine and the connection we had built. It felt like everything stopped for a while, and I struggled to find my footing again.
But as hard as it was, I knew I couldn’t stay in that space forever. I had responsibilities—both to my family and to myself. I had my business to run, commitments to fulfill, and life to continue living. The loss was heavy, but deep down, I knew that Waffles wouldn’t want me to be stuck in that sadness forever. I had to keep moving forward, not just for myself, but for the people who relied on me.
One thing that helped me during this time was focusing on what I could control. I found solace in my work, using it as a way to channel my emotions. I leaned into my business, and even though my heart was heavy, I pushed forward, continuing to help others with their hair and skin care journeys, and building the life I had set out to create.
It wasn’t easy. Grief isn’t something that you just “get over.” It’s something you learn to carry with you, and slowly, you start to find moments of joy again. I still miss Waffles every day, but I know she’s in a better place. Her memory continues to inspire me to keep going, even when life throws its hardest challenges my way.
Resilience isn’t about never feeling pain—it’s about finding the strength to keep going, even when that pain is overwhelming. Losing Waffles reminded me of how fragile and precious life is, and it pushed me to keep building, keep growing, and keep showing up, no matter how tough things got. I’ll always carry her with me, and in a way, her loss has made me even more determined to make the most out of the life I have.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.waiting4sunshine.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waiting.4.sunshine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waiting4sunshinetoo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/wait4sunshine
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Waiting4Sunshinetoo
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