We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Farmer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Are you happy as a business owner? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a regular job?

Yes, I’m happy as a business owner and yes, I have wondered what it would have been like if I had stayed with ‘normie’ jobs. I’ve been a sole proprietor in Washington State as a licensed massage therapist since 1992 but before that, I worked as a production-graphic artist and arts store manager in Kansas City. I moved to Seattle in 1985 and worked in customer service for a large graphics company and selling artist materials for Daniel Smith, Inc. While I enjoyed these jobs I wanted to work for myself so I could pursue my own creative goals.

Once licensed as a massage therapist, I worked out of my home office until opening a yoga and ayurveda studio in 1997 in West Seattle. I was certified as a clinical ayurvedic specialist in 1999 and in 2008 and 2011 earned two Vedic astrology certifications. Working for myself fueled deeper studies and certifications in yoga, ayurveda and Vedic astrology. In addition, owning my business allowed me to continue my education while working and be able to be home for my son.

Right now I’m working on my new artist website with the objective of generating income through art sales. I’ll always work for myself because being an independent business owner gives me the most satisfaction.

Conclusion: Success isn’t about having excess money. It would be nice to have a better buffer and a retirement fund, but creativity doesn’t always follow financial needs. “Necessity is the mother of invention” often comes to mind. There’s a difference between what is needed and what is desired. Desire, derived from the French words “de” (from) and “sire” (star), means a guiding light, not an impulse or compulsion. So for me, it’s a meditation to know and realize your heart’s desire and, to let it guide you with grace and intelligence.

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?

What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work.

I have earned the trust of my clients in 35 years of practicing Somatic health and 25 years of practicing Vedic astrology and Ayurveda. I’ve studied and dedicated myself to the arts and science these disciplines require, and that’s how I’ve gained the trust of my clients over the years. I’m proud of this.

What problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others?

I utilize my training and life experiences as tools to help clients creatively address and problem-solve their own issues with support. These problems can be physical or spiritual, but I always stay within the professional scope of practice depending on the issues at hand. I’ve been able to blend and amalgamate yoga, Ayurvedic astrology, massage, and the arts into a coherent treatment system. This is what sets me apart.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This was a pivotal moment in my journey: After a 20-year marriage ended in 2008, I also had to close my yoga studio after 12 years in business. But instead of giving up, I took a leap of faith and bought a retired thoroughbred. I moved from Seattle to Vashon Island and opened a new practice. I’ve worked hard for the life and business I have now. And the way I bounced back from what was a very tough time shows my resilience.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I am a master practitioner as defined by the state of Washington. I’m extremely well educated in the field of ayurvedic astrology, massage and yoga. I make sure to always protect my professional scope of practice, as well as my own integrity. My personal boundaries are very important to me, and my clients trust me for a good reason. My somatic health practice is based on word-of-mouth referrals as is my astrology practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melaniefarmer.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniefarmerpaintings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniekfarmer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melaniefarmer75

Image Credits

Molly O’Brian