Courage to breakthrough.
Courage in Action: Celia Gaze goes from breakdown to breakthrough.
Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week is my guest Celia Gaze founder of The Wellbeing Farm, who found the strength to go from burnout to near bankruptsy to building a B-corp certified business that she loves.
"And you’ve got to not be afraid of failure because every time I’ve failed, my business has just got better and better."
Imagine being at a high point in your career, then suddenly, you're on the brink of a physical and mental collapse. That was Celia's reality. Working in a high-stress environment in the NHS, she thought she could handle anything—until the day she didn’t. Driving to work, feeling like she was having a heart attack, marked the start of her crisis.
The Challenge:
Celia faced a massive challenge: severe burnout. Internally, she was depleted, unable to muster the energy for her job or her family. Externally, the pressures of her high-stakes role in healthcare were unrelenting. She was stuck in a cycle of stress and despair, far from the spirited child who once organized puppet shows and charity sales.
Deep down, Celia yearned to rediscover the passion and drive of her youth. She wanted to create something meaningful that combined her love for community and creativity, far removed from the grind of her healthcare career.
The decision that changed everything for Celia was to stop. She took a step back from her career in the NHS following advice from her doctor and a terrifying personal health scare. This break allowed her the space to reflect and heal.
Breakthrough Journey:
During her time off, Celia stumbled upon the concept of a wellbeing farm while researching stress management. This idea quickly evolved from a therapeutic project into a viable business plan, blending her passions for hospitality and sustainability.
Celia’s epiphany came when she realized that her childhood creativity and desire to bring people together could be the foundation of her new life. She had the genius idea to put a bow-tie on one of her beloved llamas, and the photo went viral on socials. The Wellbeing Farm shot to success because it’s not just a business; it was a revival of her innate traits—organizing, caring, creativity and innovating.
For listeners of the Brave New Girls podcast, Celia's story is crucial because it demonstrates that true fulfilment comes from aligning your career with your core values and passions. Her strategy—turning adversity into opportunity—is a powerful model for anyone looking to transform their life.
Ten Actionable Steps:
Identify your core passions. Reflect on what truly motivates you.
Assess your current situation. Be honest about what isn't working.
Seek inspiration. Look for ideas outside your current field.
Take a break if needed. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to move forward.
Draft a plan that aligns with your values. Combine passion with practicality.
Start small. Test your ideas before fully committing.
Build a support network. Surround yourself with people who encourage your vision.
Embrace learning. Be open to acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Stay resilient. Learn from failures and adjust your plans accordingly.
Celebrate small victories. Recognize and appreciate your progress.
Summary:
Celia Gaze's story is about transforming personal breakdown into a breakthrough by reconnecting with her childhood creativity and passion for community.
PS. Celia's experience resonate with you? As your #1 Creative Coach, let’s sprinkle magic on your challenges and guide you to breakthrough with creative solutions that are true to the core you.
PPS. If you would like support in combating what holds you back to reset & rise and grow your inner Brave New Girl for a better life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT
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