Name: Stacey Shipman
Business: Professional speaker; Founder/Editor, Healthy South Shore
Address: South Shore, MA and online
Launching
Healthy South Shore
How did you come to be in this line of work?
As a college freshman I gained and then lost the infamous 'Freshman 15.' Exercise turned into a passion/obsession. To share this knowledge with others I became an aerobics instructor and personal trainer.
After graduation I entered the corporate world and continued to teach fitness part-time evenings and weekends. In 2006 I quit my job due to stress and burnout. My stress didn't go away with self-employment, but I learned a new set of tools that allowed me to travel the path to online publisher.
My past work experience includes time in the publishing industry. I combined my publishing skills with my health/fitness/interest/ experience and voila! Healthy South Shore was born.
What are the top three things that separate you from your competition?
Best said by people with whom I've worked directly, the following come from those who attend my programs or read my articles:
Practical: I provide practical and easy-to-implement advice.
Non-judgmental: I teach only what I have personally experienced. I get it and I've been there.
Integrated approach: I believe in a 'whole person' approach and take into consideration mind, body and spirit when I speak, write and teach.
What changes are happening, or can you predict happening soon, within your industry?
Rising health care costs, increased stress and a concern about obesity rates in youth and adults make health/fitness the field to be in right now. We can't keep ignoring our health or the impact food, stress and lack of movement have on our ability to stay healthy and live a long, satisfying and successful life, personally and professionally.
A tremendous opportunity exists for increased awareness, education and coaching on a local level, and shifting how we think about health/fitness. I teach, for example, to focus on people not money; focus on what to do instead of what not to do, all in an effort to reduce costs, improve health and create healthier communities.
What do you regard as your greatest achievement in business to date?
Launching Healthy South Shore. This online magazine has been a thought for five years. Seeing it come alive definitely feels good!
Where do you want you and your business to be in five years?
My vision for Healthy South Shore is to become THE go-to resource for practical health and fitness information and events south of Boston.
In five years, when people think health/fitness on the South Shore they will think HealthySouthShore.com first. The concept will spread to other regions in the state and around the country!
What benefit(s) have you received through your networking efforts?
SO MANY! Two benefits stand out: the relationships I created and the leadership experience.
SSWBN works when you make the time and effort to get involved. People get to know you, your style and your work ethic. My involvement in SSWBN is truly priceless. I appreciate the experience and opportunities.
What is/are your one or two toughest challenges?
I'm one person taking on the role of content creator, project manager, sales, bookkeeper, videographer, editor, marketing, social media. I'm in a position now where revenue is coming in and I'm reaching out for help (folks from the Network!) in some of these areas.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
My 'why' motivates me. If you don't have a 'why' for your work, check out Simon Sinek's website www.startwithwhy.com. He suggests successful companies start with 'why' before they share the how and what, thus creating a deeper connection to customers.
My 'why': For years I did not feel good about myself or my work. I am happy to say that is no longer true. As a result of my experience, I want men, women and youth to go to bed at night feeling good about themselves and their work. Healthy South Shore is one part of that equation. Stay tuned for more to come!
What is something that members may be surprised to learn about you?
In the sixth grade I won the Quietest Girl award. I didn't have a voice - I never spoke up, and instead of forming my own beliefs, lived by someone else's: a recipe for misery and dissatisfaction. When I became self-employed I needed to find my voice. To build my confidence I purposely put myself into positions that scared me - professional speaker, President of SSWBN, writing. Today my work is all voice - speaking, writing and publishing. You can work through your fears and make your dreams a reality when you have the right tools and support.
What do you do in your spare time for fun?
I'm a little bit cowgirl, a little bit city slicker, little bit beach bum and a little bit adventure seeker. You can find me working on a jigsaw puzzle, playing at the beach, traveling, practicing yoga, hiking a mountain, writing, daydreaming, visiting family or hanging at home with my husband, Michael, and our 'boys' (meow) Mr. Bob and Habibi.
This weekend you will also find me watching Super Bowl XLVI and praying for a Patriots' win!
ch month the SSWBN Membership Team recognizes a member(s) who exemplifies the qualities of a Networking Nova, a person(s) who embodies the Network's core values of coaching, contacts and collaboration; someone who is visible at many SSWBN events and who treats others with respect and dignity. In addition, this person(s) utilizes the Network to build his/her business and helps others do the same.
