Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christy Conoly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Christy, thanks for joining us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes and no. It is safe to say that most people probably consider a vacation 1-2 weeks long, with five consecutive days off of work. In this sense, I did not take a vacation. For me, the thought of working a job for 30 or more years, where the only reward for my time was money, just so I could take 1-2 weeks (if I am lucky) of vacation with the hope that it would distract me from the previous 50 weeks of work. No, thank you.

Instead, I want my vacations to come for two or three hours at a time every day. I want to leave my computer to go outside and nap in a hammock, throw the ball with my dog, feed my pet deer (Stomps and Company), water my flowers, and pick food from the garden.

My advice to someone who feels like they can’t step away from the business for a short vacation is to reframe the way they are looking at the meaning of “vacation.” Over the years, some people have said to me that they cannot believe that I would choose not to travel, which is hysterical to me because they are the same people who will get in trouble with another adult if they do not walk through those office doors Monday to Friday.

Christy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Spending most of my life consumed by anxiety and panic attacks I was left feeling trapped. I was sure I wanted more in life, but the constant barrage of negative thoughts and feelings left me hopeless. The thought of ever escaping the 9-5, or “rat race” as I call it, was something I knew I wanted, but it did not seem within reach.

In 2020, everything changed, and while the world was in lockdown, I rediscovered the peace and tranquility of my surroundings that I had been taking for granted. Lush green forests, the gentle flow of the Middle Oconee River, and a family of whitetail deer surrounded me. These graceful creatures captured my heart and soul and one female deer always seemed to be looking over my shoulder, I named her, Stomps.

Six months after meeting the deer I now affectionately call Stomps and Company, the anxiety, and panic attacks I had suffered all of my life faded away as if someone flipped a switch. I was so clear-minded, and I yearned to do something different with my life.

I felt the need to stop trading my time for money inside the four walls of an office. I wanted to lead a life with a greater sense of peace and purpose. A life where money was not the only reward I received for my time. After much reflection, I realized that it was the relationship I had built with the deer and the time I spent in nature that had contributed to my healing. I was filled with the desire to share this experience with others, so the Stomps and Company brand was born.

The S.T.O.M.P.S. Method is an original framework designed to help people overcome anxiety and improve their mental health, physical health, and relationships. After much reflection, I created this fully-prompted journal that will guide people through the same steps I once took to overcome my anxiety and panic attacks.

As readers follow the S.T.O.M.P.S Method and progress through each step, they’ll feel a sense of empowerment and control.

This book is for anyone looking to take charge of their mental health and well-being. By regularly using the journal, you’ll build the resilience and self-awareness necessary to break the anxiety and panic attack cycle.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

First things first, my mantra has always been “be yourself.” I’ve got around 44k followers on TikTok alone (and counting!) who’ve joined me on this journey of authenticity. I have a smaller, but growing audience on Facebook (4k) followers. Both of these platforms I have been able to monetize.

Now, let me spill the tea – there are tons of blogs and tips out there on how to grow your social media presence. But, here’s a little secret: I unknowingly did the opposite of what all the “experts” said to do. I never rarley planned my content, none of it was scripted, and in the start, I never interacted with my followers.

You see, for a solid two years, I never read any comments on my content. Why? I was honestly scared people might be critical. It’s a common fear, right? We worry about what others might say, but despite this my follower count grew.

But, one day, I decided to face my fears head-on. I went back to all those comments I refused to read and guess what? I was pleasantly surprised! A whopping 98% of those comments were not only supportive but also incredibly kind.

So, here’s the takeaway, my friends: Follow your intuition! Trust me, it won’t fail you. Be authentic, share your truth, and let your uniqueness shine through. It’s your realness that will resonate with others and help you build a strong and supportive community.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn: A Catalyst for Positive Change in My Management and Entrepreneurial Philosophy

When I first read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, little did I know that this thought-provoking novel would profoundly influence my approach to management and entrepreneurship. This book, often described as a philosophical and ecological masterpiece, brought about a significant shift in my thinking, opening new avenues for personal and professional growth.

1. A Paradigm Shift in Perspective

“Ishmael” challenged me to reevaluate my worldview and question the status quo. Through the dialogue between the protagonist and a telepathic gorilla named Ishmael, the book explores the cultural stories and myths that have shaped human civilization. It forced me to reflect on the narratives that have guided my management and entrepreneurial decisions.

2. Sustainability and Responsibility

One of the central themes of the book is the notion of “Taker” and “Leaver” cultures, which correspond to our modern industrial society and indigenous, sustainable cultures, respectively. This concept made me reconsider the ecological impact of my business decisions. It led me to adopt a more responsible and sustainable approach to entrepreneurship, considering not only profits but also the broader implications of my actions on the environment and society.

3. Collaboration Over Competition

“Ishmael” underscores the importance of cooperation and interconnectedness in natural systems. This idea influenced my management philosophy by emphasizing the value of collaboration within teams and partnerships with other businesses. Instead of viewing competitors solely as threats, I began to see them as potential collaborators in creating positive change.

4. Questioning Assumptions

The book encourages readers to question assumptions deeply ingrained in our culture, such as the inevitability of perpetual growth and the dominion of humans over nature. I found this perspective to be invaluable in the world of entrepreneurship, where challenging conventional wisdom can lead to innovative and disruptive solutions.

5. Empowering Others

Ishmael also highlights the importance of mentoring and passing on wisdom. This resonated with my management style, inspiring me to invest in the growth and development of my team members. Empowering others to think critically and make decisions can lead to a more engaged and effective workforce.

In conclusion, “Ishmael” by Daniel Quinn has had a profoundly positive impact on my management and entrepreneurial thinking. It has instilled in me a deeper sense of responsibility, sustainability, and collaboration, leading to more thoughtful and purpose-driven decision-making. This book serves as a reminder that literature can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth, challenging us to explore new horizons and evolve our philosophies for the better.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stompsandcompany.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stompsandcompany
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stompsandcompany
• Other: linktr.ee/stompsandcompany https://stompsandcompany.com/blog/f/stomps-and-company-a-true-story-about-unlikely-friends-pt-2

Image Credits
Images by Christy Conoly