Spotlight: Jennifer Nordin

Jennifer Nordin is a massage and aromatherapy practitioner and the owner of At Peace, a Christian wellness studio for women in Hudson, Wisconsin. With close to a decade in the healing arts, she mentors and educates people on the benefits of pure therapeutic essential oils through her blog Oils for Wellness. Aromatic medicine is her passion, compelling her to invest hundreds of hours training with Young Living Essential Oils and The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. She is currently working toward her Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification through the R.J Buckle Associates program for health care professionals.

CBW: What made you decide to go into business?
JN: I had a strong desire to be a blessing to the lives of others in a personal way through my profession. Herbs and natural remedies have been a part of my life since a young age, so when I discovered aromatherapy, it captured my interest and continues to fascinate me. Massage and aromatherapy appealed to me because it wasn't just a business, but also could be an active expression of my faith as a Christ-follower by ministering with hands on care and compassion.

CBW: How long have you been in business?
JN: I started very part time in 2000, mostly giving friends and family massage therapy and sharing the benefits of essential oils here and there whenever I had the opportunity. My family owned and operated a housecleaning service at that time, so I was committed to a full schedule and didn't have much time to pursue my endeavors in the healing arts. In 2003, I rented my first studio space and began to build clientele. I took a few years off to get married and then take an extended maternity leave. My blog was born in July of 2008 and propelled me back into another passion, writing! It has been very fulfilling to combine all of the things I greatly enjoy-educating, essential oils, writing, and business networking!

CBW: Do you have any lessons to share from your start-up days?
JN: Be charitable in business, but don't run your business like a charity. I had to learn to value my time and expertise and not be too quick to give products or services away for free if I thought I may get a "no" from a client or customer.

CBW: What key services or products do you offer to your clients?
JN: Private aromatherapy consultation, educational ezine, workshops, aromatherapy business building/product training, home spa parties, and on site seated massage for workplace and events. In my wellness studio, I also offer integrative massage services which combines Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Acupressure techniques. My specialty is the Raindrop Technique which incorporates 8 essential oils, hot towels, and heated stones into a deeply therapeutic 60 or 90 minute session. Each essential oil performs a specific therapeutic action in the body, such as supporting the immune system, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting bone, ligament, and muscle health.

CBW: Completing your Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification will undoubtedly enhance the services you provide, can we expect new dimensions to your business anytime soon?
JN: Having a clinical certification (CCAP) would definitely would give me credentials to teach community health classes at area hospitals. I also would like to take the exam to be a Registered Aromatherapist (RA). Both of these certifications may enable me to teach at community colleges and healthcare facilities. My long term vision is to provide aromatherapy consulting for healthcare professionals in an effort to educate them on integrating essential oils with the care at their facilities. I am trusting God to provide the money needed to complete these certification programs, as it does not seem financially possible according to our budget at this time. This is my current lesson in faith. Believe me, I am very excited and eager to see those letters appear after my name!

CBW: From where or whom do you get support and encouragement?
JN: Prayer and God's Word are the most powerful support and encouragement resources in my life. I am blessed with a supportive husband and a few authentic friends who cheer me on.

CBW: Do you have a favourite scripture or one that you find particularly uplifting?
JN: 2 Corinthians 2:14 "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." As an aromatherapy practitioner, this verse has special meaning for me. It helps me keep the question in my mind--am I spreading the aroma of Christ by how I am living, serving, speaking today? It also gives me encouragement that we will always triumph and overcome when we are IN CHRIST.

CBW: How do you stay focused?
JN: By trusting in the purpose, plan, and timing God has for me and my business. I focus on running the race well with His strength (instead of my own). This enables me to avoid getting bogged down by my own shortcomings and stumbling.

CBW: How do you balance running your business with being a wife and mum?
JN: I am learning to prioritize what needs to be done each day so I am not consumed by my To Do list! I work three evenings a week at my studio, then on the computer during nap time and often at night after my son goes to bed. Weekends are usually designated for just family, friends, and church time unless I have an occasional class or event on a Saturday. My husband cares for our son when I am at the studio so I am blessed to be able to enjoy my little guy all day and work a few hours at night knowing that he is having fun with daddy.

CBW: What do you find most challenging about being a business owner?
JN: Having patience when things don't seem to be progressing like I hope they would!

CBW: What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer to someone just starting out?
JN: Be passionate about your purpose and love what you are doing. Trust God and surrender your plans to His guidance. In all of your efforts, strive for the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" above all promotions, accolades, achievements, and monetary gain.

Please visit Jen’s website to learn more about her services. Her blog is highly recommended as it is filled with lots of (no cost) information and inspiration.