Teaching The Phases of the Moon - Jennifer Racioppi

Teaching The Phases of the Moon

Last month marked five years since I brought this business baby of mine online. What, what?! I made it five years teaching people how to sync health and success with the phases of the moon?! Huh?! Seriously, what a journey. Especially for someone like me who innately shies away from being “out there,” fully exposed—my […]

Last month marked five years since I brought this business baby of mine online. What, what?! I made it five years teaching people how to sync health and success with the phases of the moon?! Huh?!

Seriously, what a journey. Especially for someone like me who innately shies away from being “out there,” fully exposedmy true self, true voice, and all the quirks that go with that hanging out for the world to see.

Back in 2013, putting my work out there was a big deal for me.  My methodology of syncing health and success to the phases of the moon, and leveraging the wisdom of astrology for business planning was not a mainstream notion. It was mystical and esoteric, with a major side of woo. On top of that, I didn’t fit the stereotype of your typical astrologer or coach. I was a business-savvy, cerebral kinda gal, who used this “witchy” methodology to heal from cancer, a complete hysterectomy, and menopause… all by the age of 19.

Science mixed with witchiness and holistic healing? Hello, outlier!

As you can imagine, self-doubt was on my case and fear was sitting by my side every time I pressed the ‘publish’ button on my website. But I’m forever grateful that I took the risk, because it was a game-changer. I mean, I couldn’t imagine doing anything but teaching the world how to sync health and success with the phases of the moon.

The Biggest Lesson Of Entrepreneurship

I want to be clear that going online did not make me an overnight success. I’ve been on the slowwwww train from the very beginning. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in that vein is that it takes humility and patience to grow something solid. We’ve got to be humble for a long time before the momentum can build. So if you’re an entrepreneur, find a way to step into the energy of surrender, while still showing up and allowing your business to grow at the pace it wants to grow.

(If you want to read more on how to step into your leadership and become a #bossbabe, check out my three-part series on women in leadership I lovingly dubbed, “How To Be A Boss.”)

The Evolution Of My Business

When I look back on my personal evolution and the evolution of my brand over the past five years, I see that while the packaging and offerings have shifted, my specialization has remained the same: teaching people how to sync health and success with the phases of the moon.

I am—and always have been—an astrologer and success coach, leveraging my extensive education in astrology, behavioral science, health, and my personal experience to help women realize their dreams (and take impeccable care of themselves in the process) by living in sync with the cycles of nature and the phases of the moon.

Rhythmicity. Resilience. Science. Spirituality. The Moon. The Planets. All of it has been part of my method. And it’s how I continually guide and empower my clients to experience real change and make major progress in their careers and their lives.

The Milestones

While there have been many highlights and milestones along the way, here are my personal ‘Top 5’ milestones since bringing my business online and stepping into my role as an entrepreneur, leader, and expert in my field:

1. PERSONAL GROWTH

Business development is truly one of the biggest forms of personal development. Every challenge has asked more of me as a leader and woman. And while it hasn’t been pretty, I’ve become a better human in the process. I’ve also been able to really prioritize my wellbeing and create space for healing; something that would have felt next to impossible if I’d kept a corporate job.

2. SOUL SISTER FRIENDSHIPS

Another source of growth and deep nourishment for me on this journey has been the friendships I’ve made as an online practitioner. Some of my greatest friends were found through events, networking, and even client relationships. Coaching coaches since day one has made many of them my peers, and for that, I’m so grateful.

3. FINANCIAL ABUNDANCE

For anyone who thinks earning money as an entrepreneur is easy, I’ve got news for you: your laptop will not turn into an ATM. It takes hard work and there’s no shortcut. The way I approach finances in my business was that I always had a cushion (aka personal savings set aside that I could lean on when the going got tough). I didn’t have any investors or loans to get this baby off the ground. Yet, here I am with a profitable 6-figure business and it’s still growing.

4. LOCATION FREEDOM

One of the best parts of building this online business is the fact that I can quite literally work from anywhere with a solid wi-fi connection. In 2016 I moved full time to a rural, bucolic town, that sets my heart ablaze on a daily basis. Also in 2016, I worked from Bali for a month. In 2017, I was able to work from Hawaii for a month. And this year, I’ll be taking a group of women to Italy for a retreat. While I’m not going to pretend this has been all sunshine and roses—realistically, it has taken a TON of work—the freedom I have to dream big, travel, and pay myself is something I value beyond words.

5. FEELING ON POINT WITH MY PURPOSE

As a Gemini, I’ve always dreamed of being able to write for publications I care about and to find a space for my voice to develop. This has come to fruition for me, especially over the past year. I have a column with Well + Good, The Numinous, Kate Northrup’s online community, and I’ve been maintained my own blog as an outlet for creative expression. It’s been such a gift, and I’m looking forward to stepping more into this voice and taking it to the next level in the near future.

As I sit in recognition of how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come, I want you to know that no matter where you are, whether you know your purpose or not, learning how to sustain yourself during the highs and lows of your life and business is ESSENTIAL. Resilience and taking risks has been foundational to my success and the success of my clients. Find a way to self-nurture and practice self-care along the way. It’s the secret to supporting your energy and wellbeing as your world changes, your work gains momentum, and when life falls apart.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What have been your biggest life or business lessons over the years? What are some of your favorite moments? How have you managed low points? Do you live in sync with the phases of the moon? Please share with me in the comments below.

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