We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Baker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.
Hi Stephanie , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking risks can be intimidating. We all want to feel safe and secure, and putting ourselves out there can be frightening. But sometimes, taking a risk is the best way to achieve our goals, especially when it comes to improving our health.
I had tried traditional methods and medicines to address some of my health issues, but I didn’t have much luck. I was still suffering from chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety at an alarming rate. Therefore, I had fears about the potential side effects of long-term medication. I questioned how I would maintain my focus and performance with various medication dosages once released to return to work. Also, my biggest question was how the quality and life expectations would look at this stage of my life. That’s when I decided to take a chance and look for alternative options. I started researching holistic approaches to health and discovered how taking a holistic approach to supplements, particularly CBD, could help me. While researching, I came across CCI (Cannabis Coaching Institute), where I became a Certified Cannabis & Wellness Coach and later started my LLC, Mama Sug’s.
At first, I was hesitant to try something new and unfamiliar. I have a long history of working in education but taking the risk of becoming a Cannabis Health & Wellness Coach and educator felt daunting. I had to face the fear of putting myself out there and being vulnerable, but I also knew I could use my experience and knowledge to help others. As I began researching more about CBD, health, and wellness, I started to understand its potential to improve people’s lives. After connecting with professionals who shared my passion for health supplements and CBD, I realized that this was a field I wanted to pursue. Once I decided to take the leap, I quickly surpassed any doubts and felt empowered by the possibilities. I’ve been working as a Cannabis Health & Wellness Coach and Educator for two years, and I’m thrilled that I took the risk of trying something unfamiliar. It’s important to remember that no matter how confident you feel in your work and your message, there will always be those who have differing views or need help understanding what you’re trying to accomplish. At the same time, the rewards of connecting with people, seeing your work make a difference in their lives, and building a successful business can be worth the risk.
It’s also important to focus on the positives. You can have the opportunity to inspire and motivate people while helping them on their journey to improved health and wellness. This is a fantastic gift and one that should be cherished. Regardless of your challenges, always remember that you have the power to make a difference.
So, what is Mama Sug’s? Mama Sug’s is a woman-owned business dedicated to helping people have a healthier and more balanced life. They focus on providing the best natural ingredients to promote optimal health and vitality. Whether through their products or workshops and coaching, Mama Sug’s is committed to helping people learn the value of a holistic approach to health. They believe taking into account the body, mind, and spirit is the best way to achieve lasting well-being. Mama Sug’s is more than just a business; it’s a movement dedicated to helping people live their best lives.
Stephanie , 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?
As an educator and certified cannabis health and wellness coach, I’m passionate about helping people reclaim their lives through health supplements and CBD. My journey with trauma has led me to a place of healing, and I’m now motivated to share my story to help others. I believe in the power of connection and the importance of sharing our stories. I believe in the efficacy of natural solutions and the potential of CBD to help people manage physical, mental, and emotional issues. Through my unique combination of education, coaching, and personal experience, I’m committed to guiding others to take control of their health and finding balance in their lives through natural solutions and the power of their story.
My story began when my life took a drastic hit during the pandemic, like so many others worldwide. My health started deteriorating after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in the summer of 2021. Complications landed me in the hospital to fight for my life. My anxiety, low oxygen levels, insomnia, brain fog, and back pains were through the roof! I remained in the hospital for a month and was later transported to a rehabilitation center for another ten days.
Returning home with oxygen and a walker was only the beginning of my recovery. The stress, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue did not go away. Not to mention my hair began to come out by the handful. I was on antidepressants, cough medication, and many other medicines to cope with pain like many long-haul COVID-19 patients.
I was tired! I felt I had won the war but was still physically and mentally fighting a battle. After setting many goals and pushing myself, I came off my walker, oxygen, and some medication and took others only as needed. I am so grateful to have God’s grace & mercy, family and friends, and unconditional love and support.
After further consideration, I decided to take my newfound hobby of searching for holistic approaches to wellness and turn it into a mission to create a unique wellness normalcy for myself. I was determined not to have a pity party, even when life seemed overwhelming or complicated. Instead, I would focus on finding ways to enhance my well-being and create an environment of positivity. I began to make small changes in my lifestyle that included incorporating more physical activity into my routine and reducing stress levels. I also made it a point to practice mindfulness and gratitude daily and surround myself with people who supported and encouraged me. Taking these small steps helped me create a sense of inner peace, balance, and joy that I previously couldn’t find. Through this journey, I have realized that taking care of myself is the best way to ensure my happiness and success.
Introducing Mama Sug’s, an innovative woman-owned company specializing in holistic wellness through products, workshops and coaching. Their products focus on health supplements that help normalize mood, combat stress, enhance sleep, support hormones, and improve immune health. Our products are made with high-quality ingredients and have been proven to reduce anxiety, relaxation, mental fatigue, and mood and muscle recovery.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience is an essential trait that I have had to rely on throughout my life. After suffering significant medical issues, financial uncertainty, and the broken dynamics of my family structure, I had to dig deep and show strength. I chose to accept the space I was in, all while still doing everything I could to change my circumstances.
When I was finally released to return to work the stress of my uncertain finances improved. I focused on what I could control and worked hard to build a better future for myself that would one day lead to generational wealth. I no longer felt burdensome and could return as a my new independent self. As a child, I was always taught to be an independent woman but also let my significant other/spouse know that he was always needed. It has always been difficult for me to ask anyone for help because, in the back of my mind, it sometimes showed a sign of weakness or exposed my vulnerability. Here I was in the most vulnerable state of my life, running out of savings and the ability to move freely due to medical issues, ready to start my own business venture. I questioned myself, “What in the world are you thinking?” How are you going to start or, let alone maintain, a business? I had to rely on my faith. When needed, I sought professional help when I felt muted, such as a therapist, and developed healthier relationships with my family. The Black community often frowns upon seeking help from a therapist. We are often told to just deal with it because it will only make us stronger. That’s why I started going to therapy to talk some things through that I didn’t feel others would understand. It was a difficult journey, but I was determined to make it work. Through resilience and perseverance, I was able to get through the most challenging times of my life and come out the other side a stronger person.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up, I was taught that failure was something to be ashamed of and that it meant that I wasn’t good enough. I believed that if I failed at something, it reflected my self-worth. It took me a long time to unlearn this way of thinking and realize that failure is a part of life and can often be a valuable learning experience. I understand that failure doesn’t mean I’m not good enough, but I’m growing and learning. It means that I’m pushing my boundaries and trying new things, which is something to be proud of. Failure teaches us to be resilient and bounce back from adversity. It helps us to grow and to become better versions of ourselves. It was a difficult lesson to unlearn, but it has ultimately made me stronger and more confident.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mamasugs.com/
- Instagram: @mamasugs22
- Facebook: @mamasugs22
Image Credits
Tambre Tolliver TamWithTheCam