Making the Leap: From Corporate to Retail

A journey of growth for my business & family.

In late November of 2022, my husband and I looked at our family budget in preparation for my plans for Prana Estate in 2023. The idea of taking on a casual job came up in conversation. Initially, I was hesitant to the idea of taking on a part-time job in retail, but after further consideration, we both agreed that it would be beneficial for several reasons.

Firstly, it would bring supplementary money into the family budget to assist with rising interest rates. Secondly, it would provide me with valuable customer service experience. Thirdly, I would gain insight into small business operations. Lastly, it would be an opportunity to network with local clientele.

On January 1st, I applied for a sales assistant position at a local specialised running shoe & apparel store, Pace Athletic . I shared my 23-year corporate career and my decision to focus on building out my own wellness business via email, directing them to my LinkedIn profile and Instagram account @Prana_Estate.

After an open and honest conversation about life, my vision, goals, and the reason for me looking for a job, I was excited to join the team and signed a contract as a casual employee of Pace Athletic. It was one of the most enjoyable job application processes and interviews I have had in my 24 years.

At the start of my employment, I was aware that the hourly rate wouldn't compare to my previous six-figure salary. To ensure our family budget could accurately reflect our combined incomes, I sent an SMS to my manager to ask what the hourly rate was, which turned out to be the award retail.

Since then, I've been in training, learning the new systems, the internal processes, technical details of each running shoe, as well as the customer interactions, and helping people in need of having the proper shoe. I’m one month in and I'm loving it! I'm enjoying the variety of activities each day, the team I work with, and the customers I get to help.

The benefits of working in retail is the work-life balance, flexibility in start and finish times, and the improvement in my overall mental & physical health. In past corporate positions, leaders often spoke of the importance of a flexible workforce and work-life balance, but nothing compares to the commitment to these values that we have here, at Pace.

As someone who never considered themselves a "runner", the benefit of wearing running shoes and activewear while working has reignited my running after a 30-year hiatus. I'm taking it slow and savouring the experience, and I find myself curiously eyeing the shoes of other runners as they pass by, trying to identify the brand and model.

I am so grateful to be in an environment that is both fun and stress-free. It's a world away from the high-pressure atmosphere I was used to before. There is no stress here - absolutely none.

ZERO.

ZIP.

ZILCH.

NADA.

Instead of coming home feeling overwhelmed and burdened by the stress of the day, I now come home with a sense of joy and contentment. There are no more political games, egos, bullying, bureaucracy, late nights, emails, pressure, deadlines, after hour phone calls or zoom meetings. I no longer have to rush from work to do the school/day-care pick-up run. I can simply enjoy the moment and be present with my family, free from stress and worry.

This newfound freedom has brought a newfound happiness to our home, and I can’t help but smile more. It’s a joy to be able to spend quality time with my family, and I’m grateful for the peace and happiness it brings.

I am truly blessed to be in this position, where I get to work on building out Prana Estate, help people heal from their trauma through one-on-one breathwork sessions, and I’m hosting my first retreat in April (watch this space!).

I am able to look after my family and devote time to my marriage and our relationship, all while contributing financially back to the family. This is the happiest my family and I have ever been.

While my journey is unique, I understand that not everyone has the privilege of pursuing their dreams. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I wanted to share my experience because I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and even more so by the impact it had on myself and others.

Trust your intuition, your gut, your heart - whatever you want to call it. It knows what's best for you and will guide you to where you need to go in life. Don't ever ignore it to please society, family, a partner, or an employer - no matter the cost.

You are special, unique, and have a purpose in this world. If you need help uncovering that purpose, I'm here to help. Book a 1:1 Breathwork session or join me at one of my upcoming retreats.

Plus, if you're in need of running shoes for your next half marathon or for your daily anxiety release, I'm able to offer 10% discount to friends. Come on in and let me help you find the perfect pair.