“As women, mothers, career builders, world changers, wives, and dreamers, we need to find our individual mission as well as our collective mission. It’s important to find ourselves and then gather together, share what we learn, support one another, and love our work.” Zhena Muzyka, Life By The Cup
As soon I read these words, which land even before page one of the excellent book Life By The Cup, I knew this was a book I wanted to share with the ASPIRE Success Club. I also longed to connect with the author, Zhena Muzyka, for as I continued reading I found myself nodding, smiling, and practically having little conversations with her in my head. 🙂 To my great delight, Zhena agreed and we engaged in a wonderfully insightful conversation recently – one that continues to fuel our ASPIRE discussions.
Zhena began the tea company, Zhena’s Gypsy Teas, at a time when most people would likely opt for a “safer” route: $6 in the bank, a 4-week-old baby with medical needs, and feeling pretty much alone in the world. But she felt called to start the business and create an organization that fueled her passion and values while honoring the environment and those who work in the fields. Zhena’s Gypsy Teas is now a multi-million dollar business appreciated around the globe for its environmentally- and socially- healthy practices.
“The world didn’t need another tea company,” Zhena admits right at the start of our conversation. “The world did need hope. It needed a mission, and it needed what was right.” As it turns out, the world seemed to have needed all of the above! A few tips gleaned from our recent conversation:
Don’t wait for the “perfect time.”
Zhena had the odds stacked against her when she began her company, but she a) had a passion for the product, b) couldn’t accept the way workers were being exploited in the field, and c) felt the call. “As soon as I started moving in the direction of my dream,” Zhena shares, “things started working.” Not all easily, mind you, but Zhena was willing to move through the obstacles in favor of making her difference in the world.
Hold your values high, no matter what.
“Living by my values is like a GPS system for happiness,” offers Zhena. She’s very clear on her core values – such as honesty, protecting people, and serving others – which has helped her make decisions and take action from a place of confidence and joy. Honoring her values may have cost her along the way in terms of investors, but she, her businesses, and many others are better because of it. “If you stand for something, you will draw the right people closer to you.”
Serve others while honoring yourself.
As an entrepreneur, mom, wife, author, and many other roles, we in ASPIRE were curious how she balanced it all and maintained healthy boundaries. “I have a mission to serve others,” Zhena joyfully says, “but I do a lot of things to serve myself, too.” Yoga, shopping, hiking, and obtaining a yurt for her backyard where she can reflect and write have all helped fuel her energy. She uses technology, such as the digital timer on her phone, for everything from honoring an hour of writing time each day to reminding her to practice gratitude.
I’ll admit it: I was giddy talking with Zhena, as I so believe in her message and way of operating, and several ASPIRE members picked up on and shared in that giddiness. 🙂 We were inspired, delighted, and motivated into action with Zhena’s suggestions for us!
If you haven’t yet read Life By The Cup, move it to the top of your list. (And for a few more of my thoughts on the book, check here and here.) In the meantime, remember these words from Zhena:
“There is no higher purpose or honor in anyone’s life than to serve and nourish others. May your days be filled with this knowing.”
Learn more about Zhena’s work, including her retreats and publishing imprint, at www.zhena.tv.
What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?
Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.