We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christie Havey Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christie below.

Christie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

After a decade of teaching workshops and leading retreats in mindfulness and contemplative writing in Los Angeles, I had the dream of bringing this work closer to my home in Palos Verdes. I’d been practicing yoga and was studying holistic health when I had the idea for the Greenhouse–a place to take root, grow well as individuals and as a community. I was looking for a space to bring instructors and coaches together to do this work, when COVID19 hit. I put my business plans aside; I tucked myself in at home with my family. Then in June of 2020, I was walking through the courtyard of the Patio Building in Lunada Bay, blocks from my home, when I saw an empty room made of glass beside the fountain. I knew right away it was the Greenhouse. But we were in the middle of a pandemic, and there was no predicting what the next couple years would bring. I told myself it wasn’t the right time. But the idea wouldn’t leave me alone. Finally, I decided I would take a risk and update my business plan. The Greenhouse would bring people together, first virtually, then in person. I painted and bought plants; I hung long wooden shelves and carefully selected products to support holistic wellness. I built a website and invited people to come together. The Greenhouse was born. I followed my heart, took a risk, and here we are. Growing. I’m so grateful for my community.

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

My first career was in the film industry, but my love of story did not stayed tied to the screen. I went back to school to learn how to help people tell their own stories. I studied Spiritual Direction at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), got a masters in Theology with specialized study in Jungian Psychology, and began a small coaching business. I went on to teach contemplative writing, memoir writing, and sacred storytelling through LMU extension, and complete studies in Holistic and Integrative Wellness. My fascination with how the body stores memory, holds our stories and our traumas, led me towards the practice of yoga and later a certificate in Mindfulness and Meditation at the Greater Good Science Center of UC Berkeley. I will always love the classroom, yet we are all students and teachers, and I continue to learn from all those I meet on this journey. I am dedicated to seeking the sacred thread that weaves all our stories together into one beautiful, ever evolving, tapestry. I continue to work one-on-one with clients, and I find great joy in facilitating the women’s circle at the Greenhouse. This is an opportunity for women to come together, to feel seen and heard, to tell their stories in a safe, non-judgmental environment, and discover that they are not alone. It is important that we allow ourselves to be exactly where we are, many unique voices, many unique experiences, one loving community. There is a magic that happens when we come together at the Greenhouse. This is a gift that keeps on giving.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Though I have tried many different marketing strategies from social media to mailers to print advertisements, when a new guest comes to the studio they almost always say they were referred by a friend. Word of mouth is truly the best marketing, and I find that our monthly newsletter really helps. It gives updates on our classes and often gets forwarded to friends. We’re always grateful when a guest invites a friend or family member to join them for a class.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I’ve been so lucky to connect with an incredible group of instructors and bring them on board. Together we have flowed with the ups and downs of the pandemic. During all of the developments, communication, encouragement, and gratitude have been key. I cannot do this job alone, and I try to show my gratitude for my team in small, meaningful ways. We also enjoy retreat days where we get to share what we do with each other and further develop our connections. We lean to lean on each other, and take care of each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegreenhousepv.com
• Instagram: thegreenhouse_pv
• Facebook: The Greenhouse PV

Image Credits
Photographs taken by Victoria O’Leary