We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sykora Zabel-Karr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sykora below.
Hi Sykora , thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My defining moment in my professional career was when I decided to prioritize my mental well-being and work through my own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This experience changed my trajectory and led to both personal growth and professional success.
Before this pivotal moment, I was like many professionals, constantly striving to excel in my career, often at the expense of my mental and emotional health. I was second-guessing myself, battling self-doubt, and fearing failure. The pressure to perform led to anxiety, which took a toll on my overall well-being.
One day, I realized that in order to truly harness my knowledge and skills and apply them effectively, I needed to address the internal barriers that were holding me back. I decided to seek self-discovery and self-improvement. As I worked through my challenges, I gradually gained more confidence in myself. I learned to trust my abilities and judgment. I started to embrace a growth mindset, seeing more positives rather than fixating on negatives. This change in perspective was liberating and allowed me to take risks and innovate in my endeavors.
By prioritizing my mental well-being and becoming more self-aware, I also found that I could connect more deeply with colleagues and clients. I became not just a professional presence but a more empathetic and authentic person. The lessons and wisdom I gained from this experience are invaluable. I now understand that wellness is not a luxury but a fundamental prerequisite for success and fulfillment in one’s career. It taught me that acknowledging and addressing our vulnerabilities is a sign of strength, not weakness. By doing so, we can tap into our true potential and become better professionals.

Sykora , 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?
Hey there! I’m Sykora, and my journey into my industry began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others. I have always been fascinated by holistic wellness, and this curiosity led me to pursue a career in this area. As an individual with both education and experience in various fields, my background uniquely positions me to understand the complexities of well-being and the specific challenges individuals face in their mental health journey.
At Mindfully Well LLC, we provide products and resources tailored to address the whole person, focusing on the mind-body-soul connection to promote holistic well-being. We empower clients to take a proactive role in their health and wellness, equipping them with the tools for self-efficacy. The goal is to ensure that our support is not only relevant but also highly impactful for each individual’s unique needs and goals.
What sets us apart from others is dedication to creating lasting change. There’s more than just interest in immediate relief but in fostering enduring well-being within individuals, workplaces, families, and communities. My proudest achievement is being in a position to reduce stigmas and inspire others on their journey.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a profound commitment to promoting well-being in its truest sense. I’m here to guide and support you through the challenges along your path, and together, we can achieve long-term, transformative change. If you’re looking for a mental wellness approach that helps you begin or begin again with reflection, clarity, and growth, check out Mindfully Well LLC.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Several key factors have been instrumental in building my reputation within my market. First and foremost among these factors has been my willingness to adapt and be open to change, which is essential in an ever-evolving market. This flexibility has enabled me to foresee shifts in customer preferences and offer innovative solutions, transforming my business into a one of simplicity. By keeping my message, products, and offers clear and straightforward, I have been able to connect with my audience, particularly in an age marked by information overload, where simplicity stands out and resonates with individuals seeking clarity.
Education and advocacy have also been instrumental in molding my reputation. Operating in a stigmatized field, it is important to educate both the public and potential clients about the value and significance of what I provide. By advocating for the benefits of my services and products, I’ve been able to dispel misconceptions and garner trust within the market. I’ve also actively worked to elevate these voices.
Lastly, collaboration has been a key strategic element. Partnering with fellow military spouse-owned businesses has not only expanded my professional network but has also highlighted my drive to supporting the military community. Additionally, aligning with mission-driven and socially impactful initiatives has allowed me to contribute to causes that are meaningful to me, solidifying my business’s reputation as one that is not solely profit-oriented but also dedicated to making a positive impact.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Early in my business, I was incredibly determined to succeed and eager to make my company thrive. I believed that the key to success was saying “yes” to every opportunity and accommodating every request. I wanted to be the person everyone could rely on, the go-to. However, this approach led me down a rabbit hole.
The constant pursuit of pleasing everyone and overcommitting myself resulted in stress and burnout. It wasn’t long before I realized I had lost sight of my “why,” the core purpose and passion that had led me to start my business in the first place. In the quest for validation and approval from others, I had neglected a main piece- staying true to my mission. I had become detached from my own goals and values, and I was no longer enjoying what I was doing.
The turning point came when I recognized that, in trying to be everything to everyone, I was becoming nothing to myself. I had to unlearn the habit of constantly seeking validation from others and learn the importance of setting boundaries, saying “no” when necessary, and focusing on what truly mattered to me and my business. This taught me that success isn’t measured solely by external factors. It’s essential to balance the desire to meet others requests and preserving my own vision. As a result, I’ve reconnected with my “why,” regained my enthusiasm for my work, and established a more sustainable and fulfilling path in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindfullywellcoaching.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfully.well.llc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sykora-zabel/

