We were lucky to catch up with Donna Maltz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have always earned a full-time income living from my creative work. It started in 1980. I was a college student studying organic farming and ecology, two subjects I was passionate about. My boyfriend and I rented an old rundown farmhouse with a barn on three acres. We got permission to revamp the fertile ground and have milking goats, chickens and ducks. The farm flourished and we made enough money to support ourselves. We also loved to bake sourdough bread, so we added that to our colorful tables at the Olympia, WA, Farmers Market, and it sold out every week. We also picked up some wholesale accounts. The profits from selling bread were greater than radishes.

After graduating, we left Olympia and headed north to Alaska for a visit. We bought an old laundry truck, converted it into our home and a bakery on wheels, and baked our way to the last frontier. When we arrived in Homer, Alaska, astounded by the beauty, I declared to my partner that this was where I wanted to call home. The story is deep and rich and worth reading in one of my books, but the down-and-dirty short version is we stayed and opened up the first natural foods bakery and cafe in Alaska, serving local and organic food. It was 1982. I was 25, full of piss and vinegar and ready for another creative venture that would expand into catering, wedding services, retail, wholesale, pop-up events, and more. My boyfriend and I split after two years of success in the business and failure in our relationship. Shortly after, I hired my beloved husband, and creatively we built the Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery and Cafe.

Together we also started an eco-friendly vacation rental in our beautiful home with massive views and abundant wildlife; eagles, sand-hill cranes, moose, and bears, to name a few. Observing Nature has always brought out the best in me, teaching me how to survive in life and business. I wrote my first book in 1992, Yummy Recipes, Wilderness Wonders. In those 37 years of owning the cafe, I started multiple other companies, including AH!LASKA, the first organic coca and chocolate syrup brand in the nation. All the creative businesses were built around my passion and love to preserve Nature and bridge the gap between Mother Earth and Humanity.

There was no lack of speed for me to create all my businesses. I knew who I was, loved what I did, and had a purposeful WHY I created them. Yes, there were some hard times, and challenges that many might not endure, but my purposeful why of bridging the gap kept me going.

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?

Sorry if this is repeated – I had computer issues so put it all here, just in case

I have consistently earned a full-time income living from my creative work. It started in 1980. I was a college student studying organic farming and ecology, two subjects I was passionate about. My boyfriend and I rented an old rundown farmhouse with a barn on three acres. We got permission to revamp the fertile ground and have milking goats, chickens, and ducks. The farm flourished, and we made enough money to support ourselves. We also loved to bake sourdough bread, so we added that to our colorful tables at the Olympia, WA, Farmers Market, and it sold out every week. We also picked up some wholesale accounts. The profits from selling bread were greater than radishes.
After graduating, we left Olympia and headed north to Alaska for a visit. We bought an old laundry truck, converted it into our home and a bakery on wheels, and baked our way to the last frontier. When we arrived in Homer, Alaska, astounded by the beauty, I told my partner this was where I wanted to call home. The story is deep and rich and worth reading in one of my books, but the down-and-dirty short version is we stayed and opened up the first natural foods bakery and cafe in Alaska, serving local and organic food. It was 1982. I was 25, full of piss and vinegar, and ready for another creative venture expanding into catering, wedding services, retail, wholesale, pop-up events, and more. My boyfriend and I split after two years of success in business and failure in our relationship. Shortly after, I hired my beloved husband, and creatively we built the Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery and Cafe.

Together we also started an eco-friendly vacation rental in our beautiful home with massive views and abundant wildlife; eagles, sand-hill cranes, moose, and bears, to name a few. Observing Nature has always brought out the best in me, teaching me how to survive in life and business. I wrote my first book in 1992, Yummy Recipes, Wilderness Wonders. In those 37 years of owning the cafe, I started multiple other companies, including AH!LASKA, the first organic coca and chocolate syrup brand in the nation. All the creative businesses were built around my passion and love to preserve Nature and bridge the gap between Mother Earth and Humanity.

There was no lack of speed for me to create all my businesses. I knew who I was, loved what I did, and had a purposeful WHY I created them. Yes, there were some hard times and challenges that many might not endure, but my purposeful why of bridging the gap kept me going.

I got into the business of being a Soil to Soul entrepreneur by experiencing the healing and powerful remedies of Nature and working on and with the land. ”
I became a Soil to Soul entrepreneur because of my passion for health and environmental sustainability. The idea that being healthy in body and soul is linked to respecting Mother Earth is powerful and speaks to the interconnectedness of all life on our planet.

As a Soil to Soul entrepreneur, I am focused on regenerative SOULution, in all business development and my coaching style, which sets my practice apart from traditional business coaches. benefiting people and the planet. By prioritizing soil health (Earth Health on every level), you produce healthy food and contribute to environmental regeneration on every level.

In addition to the environmental benefits, my business provides health benefits to my clients as we work on a Life Plan before diving into the business plan, contributing to the individual’s well-being.
My business represents a holistic approach to health and sustainability business development, where the health of people and the planet are interdependent. My passion and commitment to this vision reflect my values and dedication to positively impacting the world.

My motto is “Why Retire When I Can Inspire.”

I help aspiring eco-entrepreneurs start or scale a conscious business. I do this through my books, a live broadcast that airs weekly where I interview change makers through leaders and health professionals that put social and environmental justice at the forefront of their endeavors. I offer one-on-one coaching, holistic culinary classes, mentorship, and custom holistic retreats at our 3-acre farmstead on the Big Island of Hawaii focused on the culinary arts and Nature therapy. My husband and I also provide a vacation rental cottage and suite.
I am an author, blogger, professional photographer, and Tedxspeaker inspiring people to get back to Nature and eat, work, and live like the future matters.

Some common problems that I help clients solve are.
Many business owners need help to integrate sustainability into their operations and take care of their health simultaneously. My years of experience as a successful eco-entrepreneur and starting multiple eco-endeavors give me the confidence to provide guidance to help businesses develop strategies to reduce their environmental impact while succeeding in life.

Redefine success and wealth: Many business owners burn out. Why? Because they have their priorities mixed up. Redefining success and wealth is the cornerstone of my practice. My proprietary Soil to Soul method works to help passionate career-driven people succeed for the right reasons without burning out. The healthier you are, the more robust your career is.

Holistic Lifestyle changes: I emphasize good health first using Nature therapy and the Culinary Healing arts to help people budge a lifestyle that fosters a healthy business. Mentally, physically and spiritually, we work on composting what does not serve us and nurturing what does.

Marketing and branding: Eco-friendly businesses often need help to market their products and services effectively. As a Soil to Soul coach, I help with branding strategies highlighting honest sustainability efforts.
Financial management: Many businesses need help with financial management. Redefining success and wealth in the 21st century makes dollars and sense. I guide financial management and help clients identify funding opportunities for sustainability initiatives.

Employee engagement: Engaging employees in sustainability efforts can be a challenge. I help develop strategies to engage employees and promote sustainability within the workplace.

Innovation and creativity: We develop innovative and creative SOULutions to sustainability challenges. This can involve developing new products and services or identifying ways to reduce environmental impact and increase vitality.

My combination of expertise in regenerative lifestyle and business coaching sets me apart from others. I have the knowledge and experience to help clients integrate sustainability into their lifestyles and operations while providing guidance on overall business strategy and development. My passion and commitment to social and environmental justice inspire and motivate clients to prioritize a holistic approach in their businesses and life.

As a life and business coach, I am proud of the results I see with clients. Many struggle with social pressure, poor nutrition, unhealthy habits, and low self-esteem. These issues can significantly impact a person’s personal and professional life, and helping clients overcome them is a testament to my coaching skills and dedication to my client’s well-being.

Some of the results I see with clients who are stuck in their lives and careers may include
Increased self-awareness: Helping clients understand their values, beliefs, and strengths can increase their self-awareness and help them make better decisions that align with their goals.

Improved confidence: Enhance clients’ trust and help them take risks personally and professionally.
Clarity of goals: Assisting clients in identifying their personal and professional goals provides clarity and direction, allowing them to focus on what is important to them.

Improved relationships: Help improve clients’ and personal relationships by guiding them to communicate effectively.

Increased motivation: Inspire clients to pursue their goals, leading to improved performance and success.

My passion is to assist clients in overcoming these challenges and empower them to take control of their lives and make positive changes. My dedication to their success and well-being reflects my coaching expertise and passion.

Eco-entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs who prioritize social and environmental justice in their business practices. Here are some benefits of being an eco-entrepreneur:

Positive impact on the environment: By prioritizing sustainability in their life and business practices, eco-entrepreneurs help reduce the adverse effects of business activities on the environment and people who work for the company and those they serve. They use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and promote environmentally sound production and consumption patterns.

Competitive advantage: Being an eco-Soil to Soul entrepreneur can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Consumers are increasingly aware of social and environmental issues and are more likely to support businesses prioritizing conscious business objectives.

Cost savings: Eco-entrepreneurs can save costs by using sustainable practices. For example, using energy-efficient lighting, reducing water usage, and minimizing waste can l lead to cost savings.

Enhanced reputation: Being an eco-entrepreneur can improve the reputation of the business. It can demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices, attracting customers, investors, and employees.

Innovation: Eco-entrepreneurs can drive innovation by developing new products and services that better the world. This can create new business opportunities and revenue streams.
Being an eco-entrepreneur brings various benefits to our health, career, and environment. Eco-entrepreneurs can positively impact and contribute to a more vibrant future by prioritizing social and environmental justice.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I have so many stories in my book – Living Like the Future Matters ~The Evolution of a Soil to Soul Entrepreneur that address all the questions in to select a topic. I choose this one for now…

Charging Forward with Courage

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

A few days after the second disheartening, one-sided conversation with my dad, John and I took a trip to Anchorage to look for used equipment. The seven-hour drive on winding roads gave us plenty of time to think, talk, and consider our options. We did a lot of soul-searching and committed to each other and our new business venture.

We found everything we would need at one used restaurant supply store in Anchorage: two convection ovens, a 20-quart mixer, sheet pans, a commercial sink, a funky old wooden showcase, racks, prep tables, sinks, a commercial coffee machine, a four-burner cooktop for soups, and some miscellaneous necessities including two wooden tables and eight chairs for customers to dine. The price tag was $8,000 — the man selling the used equipment offered to finance us. We would need to put down $2,000 and pay 15 percent interest. Not the best option, but at least we had one. The salesman was willing to put the equipment on hold for a week. Now it was time to scramble and find a location.

I called Jules Rabin to share our exciting news and get the contact for the grain mill they used. I could tell by the tone in his voice he was delighted we were opening a bakery — five thousand miles away. Jules gave us the contact info and encouragement. It would cost $1,800 to deliver to our door in Homer. The grain mill was the only new piece of equipment, and the final piece, that would make our tangy bread exceptional. I contacted the company and put them on alert for their first shipment to the Last Frontier.

We had nearly $2,000 saved in the bank since my first call with my resistant father, and plenty of ingredients still in the trailer. I gathered my wits and called my dad for the third time. Besides sharing my determination, I would ask him to lend me the $10,000 with better terms than 15 percent interest. The conversation went like this:
“Dad, I have nearly two grand in the bank. We are looking for a location to start the bakery, and I need a $10,000 loan to buy equipment. I will pay you interest! And, I want you and mom to come to Homer and deliver the funds!”
Then I hung up on him!

I was twenty-five, full of conviction, chutzpah, and tenacity, and driven by a courageous dream that would soon come true. When I called back a few days later, I readied myself for the worst. To my great relief and surprise, my father said, “We got our tickets. We’ll be there in two weeks!” All I had to say was, “I love ya, Dad!”

Persistence and authenticity had paid off. My father, who had been my greatest resistor, would become my greatest assistor. I still had my doubts. I knew how sick my mother was and felt conflicted about my decision to move five thousand miles away. In my heart, I felt my mom wanted what was best for me. After all, she had moved from California to New Jersey to follow her dreams and be with my father. It was my time to grow into the woman I would become. All the same, it was disconcerting.

Those brief and tense conversations with my father were my first lesson in the art of negotiation. The confidence gained from the positive results of me being authentic helped me with negotiations I would have soon with bankers, employees, and customers. Little did I know I was living like the future mattered. It took courage to bet on a new dream, and the nerve to take action. My sharp instincts and steadfast conviction would serve me well on my one-of-a-kind journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Here are some words from one of my other books “Conscious Cures ~ SOULutions to 21st Century Pandemics,” I think would benefit your audience.

If We Could Talk, I would say it is time to embrace and reshape the 21st century. Indeed, we are called upon to bring our best selves forward to live like the future matters.

The way we live can be a cure. These are lessons I have learned being in business since 1980, with advice, if we could talk.

Self-actualization is the achievement of one’s full potential. We can self-actualize by focusing on creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a joyful outlook on the world. It means going deep within — looking beyond our self-interest to learn how our role affects those around us and the world.

Being self-absorbed is a growing trait in society, but we can break free from that mold. Sometimes the process of self-realization is an internal battle, like withdrawing from alcohol or sugar, but the results are worth it! I know firsthand because I have dismantled destructive, old beliefs and addictions, which once tormented me. Those negative beliefs caused me to gain 60 unwanted pounds and to wear an unattractive frown. Harmful scripts and destructive emotional patterns came with physical pain, turning my dreams into nightmares. Once I took the time to dig deeper into my soul’s desires, I was free to share my gifts again. Dismantling old patterns and gathering our strength takes doing the work.

When you are in tune with your deeper self, you find a sixth sense, one that is intuitive or psychic. You could call it a spiritual awakening or whatever words you want to describe seeing a clear path before you. When you know who you are, what you love to do, and have a purposeful why — you thrive. The more awakened you are, the more the world — both humanity and the environment — becomes balanced.

We all must do our part to bring life back into balance. Recognize how important it is to gather your inner strength, be open-minded, and help bridge the division gaps. Ask yourself if you are truly living the life you wish to live. There is always room for improvement. Abandon the turmoil. Shut out all distractions and face those things you’ve been avoiding. Now is a time for massive transformation and conscious cures to move forward. Procrastinate is not a wise option. The longer we avoid a problem, the longer it takes to heal — just like a wound. Now is not the time to avoid the hurtful or disturbing events in the world but to head toward them with a force of justice and love. It is a call for an unprecedented level of diplomacy.

If we could talk, I would suggest you declare your intentions and follow through with your actions. Be discerning as you awaken the divine and evolve in this new era. Strive to be a shining light. I would assure you that the ecology of our lifestyle is the determining factor for our future. With reverence, we can focus on the betterment of our community and the planet, not just ourselves or the bottom line. What we focus on grows. There is no more talking about it. It’s time for action.

As you move into the emerging future, you have the power to make wise choices. Whenever you feel boxed in, do your best to breathe freely and open yourself to see the beauty in every moment. If you feel like a victim, then it’s time to realize that you have the power to be the creator of your life. You can only do that if you’re ready to take full responsibility and believe you can transform into your higher self. If you wish to see a significant change in the world, challenging yourself to be the best version of yourself is the most important thing you can focus on. It has never been more critical than right now to tune into good intentions and not be afraid. This is the time to come out of hiding and share your goodness.

If we could talk some more, I would suggest that you reconnect with your core values and allow your wisdom to flow like the ever-changing currents of the ocean. Let the waves of life teach you that nothing is constant in Nature except change. Do not fight or resist. Take the time to relax. Be still. Observe the changes and learn how to ride these changing waves. Just like being conscious of your breath, everything can be connected in beautiful harmony. New waves of energy are available to ride. Yet, it’s our responsibility to learn how to ride them and not drown in our sorrows. Bring forth your full potential by utilizing your time wisely, which is your greatest currency.

By making an investment in yourself, the investment pays for itself. When you focus on your dynamic qualities it positions you to be healthier and wealthier in the truest sense. Be open to the opportunities with each action you take. Lead by example. When open-minded, respectful, and loving, you are more intuitive, helpful, and joyful. When your internal bank is full, you can share your riches and brighten someone’s life. You become an integral part of positive transformation and in a position to share your abundance, gratitude, and love. The return on your investment will multiply. Together, we can shift the world into a more balanced and sustainable state.

It’s time we all redefine what success and wealth mean in the 21st century. The answer to having true freedom and happiness does not come from striving for more money. Connect and serve your community, and the dollars will come.

Support and resources are available to guide your good intentions. Many of them I offer in this book, and others are right in your community. Pursue all options. Find your tribe. When you take back control, you discover a wealth of internal power you never knew existed. You are in charge of your life, charging you up to discover how your unique skills can be part of the Soulutions. Each of us plays a role in the betterment of our planet.

It’s time we all open our eyes, be present, and savor the wisdom and lessons of Nature’s systems and cycles. Like a seed planted in the soil, a sensation arises when you stand barefoot on the ground, breathing deep and soaking up sunlight. It’s a reminder that we’ve all been planted here for a reason and have plans/intentions to achieve and grow. The real question is, do your preferences align with Earth’s?

You can call me old-fashioned, eco-Bohemian, feminist, or Earth Mother, but I stand for what I stand on. I’m here to protect what’s beneath my feet, the Earth. I strive to give more, take less, protect biodiversity in all creatures, large and small, and those yet to evolve. I am dedicated to human equality and value cultural diversity. Diversity is the key to a balanced society. I reach for the stars but do not call them my own. I conquer my inner demons and no one else’s. I believe we can experience life’s joys while living in intuitive balance, and we can collectively unite for the betterment of.

Where do you stand?
What positive things are you doing to keep your spirits up during this evolutionary time?
Where do you find your strength, purpose, and happiness?

Go forth with grace and help guide the human race to balanced abundance.

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring; the future is a question of a thousand dreams. What you do and what you believe in matters. I am optimistic that this will be an evolutionary time that brings humanity to a place of revelation and grace. As we adapt to the changes, we become more resilient. I believe those working for a just society will come out of these challenging times with long-lasting intentions and better dreams for what’s to come. I think we will not only recover from this, but many of us will do the most valuable work of our lives as we build, therefore, our own world.

Thank you for taking this time with me. If I have gotten you closer to Nature, and your true nature, then I have succeeded. Live your life like the future matters.

Teach our children well, focus on the beauty of life, and embrace love. Extend that connection and love to all of us, and we will better our world. Knowledge is power, but it only becomes wisdom when applied.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donnamaltz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soiltosoulsolutions/
• Facebook: FB Pages: https://www.facebook.com/soiltosoulsolutions https://www.facebook.com/EcospiredbyNature https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057613480972 https://www.facebook.com/servinglocalorganicfood FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/liveandworklikethefuturematters
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-maltz/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Soil2Soulutions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoilToSoulSolutions/videos
• Other: Ecospired: https://ecospiredbynature-photography.myshopify.com/ Always in Season Retreat: https://alwaysinseasonretreat.com/ Calendly: https://calendly.com/free-30-min-consultation-with-donna-maltz/zoomwithmamadonna?month=2023-03 Amazon: https://bit.ly/3GfeEPM

Image Credits
I am sharing some of my Nature photography that represents my life and business. My main business is life and business retreat coaching and adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii. I take my clients to see these places, smell the flowers, climb the trees and eat the food from the land and sea. I know you did not ask for so many, but I thought you might enjoy them. You can pick any photos from my photography website. https://ecospiredbynature-photography.myshopify.com/ All photos were taken by me, except the ones with me in them, and those were taken by my husband, Kevin Maltz