Wednesday Winning - Dana Schwartz

Blessings! Today is Wednesday Winning and we are featuring Dana Schwartz. This beautiful beam of light is a California State Licensed Acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist, essential oil educator, and a mentor in the business of doTERRA. While Dana comes from a family of allopathic and Western medical doctors, Dana decided to investigate Eastern medicine that was connected and rooted to nature’s wisdom, with science as its ally. She has over 20 years experience with mind/body medicine and believes in the importance of Integrative Medicine and is happy to be a part of this newly emerging and field in health care

What happened or inspired you to start your business?

My journey of healing inspired me to start my business. My journey of healing started, while working in film production, I had an accident on the eve of 2000. I fell on my head, was vacationing in a small village in Mexico. During my time healing, I had the realization that I needed to change my direction in my life. I thought this meant becoming a doctor, as I come from a family of physicians. Yet I felt called to go in a more unconventional route, and first went to massage school in NYC. This was a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology and was only the beginning for me. I wanted to go deeper and continued my education through a master degree in Chinese medicine and herbology.  

How does spirituality impact your business? 

For me, spirituality is woven through all of my life. It is my intention to have the every day be sacred, every moment, and every breath. Our business is a home based, and one that I share with my husband. This is a huge foundation of my spirituality, as our marriage is the foundation of our lives. At home we have alters in each room as reminders to the deeper aspects of life. I choose to open each day with the prayer, "Whom may I serve today?

How do you stay motivated through the ups and downs of owning your own business? 

Making personal development a part of our business is a key element. As one of my mentors used to say, "Success leaves clues". I make it a part of my job to find people who inspire me to learn with and from. When I see the possibility I will look to others who have done something similar.  So I am never alone, there is always a possible new way to view things. I am also a very optimistic person, and so I know if I am feeling down, that what is most needed is a pause and rest, then refreshing energy can come in to renew. Books, podcasts, and webinars keep me learning and inspired. I am also am very motivated through my love of the outdoors, hiking and finding intimate nature sanctuaries keep my heart open.

What would you tell the younger you just starting her business? 

To keep better records of everything, online, and to hire people to help in areas that are not my strengths. Rather than going it all on my own.

How do you balance your clients, professional projects, and personal commitments?  

I try and honor the natural rhythm of things, although I can have a tendency to push myself and have good results when I do, so it is important for me to declare and take time off. I also tend to prioritize certain aspects of my life in different seasons of time. There are times that family and social take priority, and other times when work and financial creation is the main focus. So I am not sure it is balanced all the time, but the overall big picture is where I can see the balance.

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome?

My biggest challenge was accumulating a lot of student debt that came with an amazing education. This also made it more of a challenge to be an entrepreneur because I had to pay out large start-up costs. This is one of the many reasons we are currently working with doTERRA, to clear this past debt, and also create a retirement plan for our family in the future.  

It was through seeing from a bigger perspective, that we didn't have a retirement plan, we were both bringing in money by the hour, we wanted to create more security and build a business for the future too.  It has been joyful to work with so many wonderful people, so it has been a big surprise.

What project are you most excited about right now?

A collaboration with an organization called Free From.org. Their mission is to make safety affordable for all survivors of domestic violence so that they can build lives free from violence for themselves and their children. They have a new entrepreneur program that we have partnered with to help a woman to open their own doTERRA essential oil business with our support and mentorship.