Meet Wild Web Woman is Erin Clifford, a certified holistic wellness coach and founder of Erin Clifford Wellness Coaching and Rockstar Doggy Momma! She’s deeply passionate about working with families and professionals (dogs included!) to help them develop healthy lifestyles to create a more fulfilling, happier existence.
Meet Erin Clifford!
What inspired you to launch your web-based business? I was inspired to launch my web-based business because it is a great avenue to reach women from all walks of life, all over the world. In this fast-paced environment we live in, the web has become an amazing venue to connect with individuals and offer them daily guidance and wellness tips that can easily be applied to their unique lifestyles. I also love being able to put out daily positive vibes through our social media to all of our followers.
How has your previous employment experience aided you professionally? I began my career as a high school English teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and still consider myself first and foremost a teacher. The educational landscape gave me a great perspective on finding fun, creative ways to share information with my followers and clients. In addition, as a lawyer and law clerk to an appellate court judge, I am extremely skilled at research which allows me to delve into the latest health information and communicate it effectively through speaking and writing. Plus my “lawyering” skills have helped me persuade a client or two who has been resistant to change!
Do you weave your values into your business? How? I was raised by two amazing parents who always stressed the importance of kindness, loyalty, positivity, and acceptance of all. Whether I’m working with a client or engaging with a follower on social media I always do so in a kind manner and am accepting of different personalities and points of view. I share nothing with the world that is not positive. For instance, I want my followers to go on Facebook and feel happy and inspired when they visit my page.
What is the best part about being a web-based businesswoman? The best part of being a web-based businesswoman is being able to connect with women, men, and doggies from all over the country (and world). For instance, I had a one-on-one coaching session with a client in Chicago and then the same day a coaching session with a client based in Las Vegas. It is also easy to tweak wellness plans online and connect with individuals through email, video conferencing, and social media. I love being able to work from anywhere whether it is at home with my golden retriever Gatsby, the office, or the beach on holiday.
What is the most challenging part of being a web-based businesswoman? The most challenging aspect of being a web-based businesswoman is missing the in-person connection I love to share with my clients. Although we always make it work together! I also think the immediate responsiveness that people expect can be tricky. I always reach out as swiftly as I can, but if I am working, traveling, under the weather, etc., it might take me a minute or two.
What is your favorite way to unplug from work? My favorite way to unplug is to cook healthy fare with my sous chefs Gatsby and Daisy! We throw on some of our favorite tunes or a background TV show and rock out in the kitchen together. I also love to take cooking classes and learn new tricks to share with my clients and followers.
How do you maintain your health? I maintain my health by eating a whole foods diet. In particular, I strive to eat at least five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits per day. I love to cook so the majority of my meals are homemade with the freshest ingredients. But I do not deprive myself. I need my Neapolitan pizza and wine night with my girls! I also exercise regularly. I get my cardio in by taking long walks with Gatsby and Daisy, which is the only cardio I actually enjoy. I also love Pilates and take weekly lessons. I strive to work on my stress management by spending quality time with my husband and dogs and taking lots of baths to help soothe me to sleep. And most importantly, I do things and surround myself with people who make me laugh and smile.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments? One of my proudest accomplishments was passing the Bar Exam on my first try. I was absolutely terrified of taking the exam, but I attended all of the classes, worked one-on-one with a tutor, and kept up with all of my homework on a daily basis. By the day of the exam, I felt proud and confident, which really taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of being prepared and that hard work and dedication do pay off.
I am also exceedingly proud about the five-years I spent teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. The experience really opened up my eyes to the world and made me a better person, more kind, and compassionate.
What is the wildest thing you have ever done? The wildest thing that I have ever done is walk across fire! After a breakup, I was in a really bad place. I had always been intrigued by Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within seminar, so on a whim I hopped on a plane for an adventure. The first day I wrote down all of the things that were holding me back and threw the list into the fire pit. Following hours of coaching with Tony, I then completed the “firewalk.” Afterward, I felt so liberated and confident in myself. Ever since then I say yes to anything that I want to do even if I am afraid. Life is too short not to go after your dreams big and small.
What three web tools can you not live without? I cannot live without Canva, Aviary (photo editor) and ProfNet. And most importantly, Katherine because she rocks!!
What helps you increase your productivity the most? I increase my productivity the most when I make myself a list and create a timeline with deadlines. It can be easy to put things off when you work for yourself so you have to stay disciplined. I also work with a life coach who has been invaluable to my success.
Do you have any personal “wild web” role models? If so, who? I really admire my dear friend Loren Slocum Lahav who is simply amazing. She is a sought-after expert with over 30 years of experience in the personal development and life coaching industry. She is passionate about helping people discover their true potential and live extraordinary lives. She has written several bestselling books, and if that is not enough, she is a phenomenal momma, wife, friend, and role model.
What are some risks you have taken that resulted in positive outcomes? One of the biggest risks that I have taken is to venture out and start my wellness coaching business. I was really scared to undertake something so huge on my own, but I knew I had to follow my passion and help all the amazing Rockstar Doggy Mommas out there.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date? It is crucial to surround yourself with a phenomenal team of experts, friends, and family. You cannot do everything alone. You need to source different facets out to others who you trust and include supportive individuals in your journey. Some of my best concepts come to fruition when I am bouncing ideas off other individuals.
How do you maintain a work/life balance? I maintain a work/life balance by always scheduling in what I like to call you time. For me, this means spending time with Gatsby, my family and friends. I also regularly treat myself to the spa and vacations. Even taking a mini-weekend getaway can be a lifesaver. I also use my “No Button” and do my best not to overbook myself. Sometimes I just need a quiet night at home with Gatsby.
In ten years I see myself as a renowned lifestyle speaker and published author with an international following. I will be leading Rockstar Doggy Momma conferences for women and their dogs.
Where’s your favorite place to work from? My favorite place to work from is my home kitchen with Gatsby by my side. In my family, we have always convened in the kitchen so it gives off a homey, positive vibe for me. I even have a couch in lieu of a few table chairs. Although Gatsby tends to steal that spot!
How do you make your home a productive space to work? I always strive to keep my home organized and clutter-free. When I am busy and things start to pile up it does not jive well for me. But the second I take the time to straighten up, I am excited to get back to work in my happy space.
What is the #1 piece of advice would you give to someone who’s aspiring to run a web-based business and be a Wild Web Woman? Believe in yourself and keep moving forward in the direction of your dreams. You will have some setbacks along the way, but that is part of the learning experience. It takes time to find the right niche that works for you. Surround yourself with the right people and find a mentor to guide you along the way.
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Erin, thank you so much for letting us get to know you!
Be sure to check out Erin’s wonderful web-based businesses at www.erincliffordwellnes.com and www.rockstardoggymomma.com and follow her page on Facebook and on Instagram!
Very inspiring!