BOSS Spotlight Feature: Lydia-Carlie Tius

Lydia-Carlie Tius, Certified Advanced Neuromuscular
Massage Therapist, Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Health Educator, and founder of SageFemme Wellness supports pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and pregnancy loss journeys with therapeutic massage therapy services and comprehensive birth support offerings.

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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Fear, lack of resources, and an overwhelm of information. Every time I thought I could branch off from a day job, panic would set in and I would try to do it all without help. The real obstacle that isn’t spoken about is believing the myth that you have to do it all yourself. In that space of “I can do it all,” I found myself treading water for far too long.

What inspired you to break into your industry? Babies! I love babies! Ever since I was a young child I have been fascinated with babies, especially my younger brother and cousins when they were little. What drew me to the Birth Wellness industry, was what felt like a glaring gap in the mind, body, and spirit care of pregnant people. Often my clients hear, “Well you’re pregnant, it’s going to be uncomfortable.” This extends to their postpartum journeys as well. Upon becoming a Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, I learned just how much Massage Therapy could support and benefit one’s pregnancy journey from conception to postpartum. Pre- and Perinatal massage therapy has the capacity to reduce stress, promote relaxation by reducing blood pressure and swelling, reduce musculoskeletal pain and strain, and facilitate postpartum recovery be that c-section recovery or “nursing neck”. By nurturing and supporting mothers and pregnant people, I have an impact on a child’s development by nurturing who is nurturing them.

How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? I root balance in my personal and professional life by acknowledging that one sustains the other. I cannot be fully present for my family if I am not considering how my professional life affects me and them. It hasn’t been easy and it is a daily practice. I make sure I have “Me” time, that I consider my family’s needs, and that my professional life sustains me enough to care for myself and my family.

What is an inspirational quote that you live by? “In order to have something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” I come back to this quote whenever I think taking a step into the unknown will leave me unsupported. It has helped me to understand the difference between danger and discomfort. Just because it’s uncomfortable doesn't mean it will hurt.

Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? My parents, they are immigrants from Haiti and my dad ran his own electronic repair business for over 30 years. He was my first example of what it could look like to be in business for one’s self and to be of service to a community. My mother was a never-ending source of wisdom, practical critique, and timely encouragement. Some of my former students from time teaching at the National Holistic Institute, a College of Massage Therapy. There is a mutually enriching relationship between teachers and students. They inspired me to do my best. Lastly, my wife, Laurel has been a never-ending source of support and encouragement on this journey.

What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business strong? Consistent revaluation of my core values regarding how I can continue to best serve my clients and community. My devices! And making sure I am taking intentional care of myself.

What is your definition of a BOSS? To me, BOSS is Bold, Optimistic, Sharp, and Sage: someone who approaches their business and life without any doubt that they will get to where they’re going.

Provide us with two words that describe you? Birth Coach

Learn more about Lydia at: www.sagefemmewell.com  Facebook: @SageFemmeWell 

Instagram: @SageFemme_Wellness