154/Embracing Your Identity Beyond Motherhood with Crystal Shadwell

What do you do when life throws a curveball—and your business goes viral overnight? In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Vanessa Cato to explore her journey through multiple career pivots, from the baking world to running a thriving online business.Vanessa opens up about the whirlwind success of her donut bouquet, the growing pains of working with family, and why her newest venture, True Assist, is rooted in a desire for more balance and intentional living. We talk about the not-so-glamorous parts of entrepreneurship—like burnout, self-promotion struggles, and learning to set boundaries—and how taking small, brave steps can lead to something truly meaningful.If you’ve ever felt like you needed permission to change paths or redefine success, this one’s for you.Connect with Vanessa on Instagram and Tiktok: @vannycatt and @eurodessertsConnect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠TakeawaysVanessa Cato is an entrepreneur who has pivoted her career multiple times.She started in the baking industry but transitioned to online business during COVID-19.The donut bouquet went viral, leading to significant business growth.COVID-19 forced her to adapt and invest in an online store.Working with family can be challenging but also rewarding.True Assist was born from a desire for better work-life balance.Self-promotion is a struggle for many, including Vanessa.Setting boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout.Hustle culture can be detrimental to mental health.Taking small steps can lead to significant changes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vanessa Cato02:45 The Journey of Entrepreneurship05:21 Going Viral: The Donut Bouquet Story08:14 Navigating Challenges During COVID-1910:55 The Shift to Online Business13:25 Family Dynamics in Business16:06 Transitioning to True Assist18:28 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Business20:53 Work-Life Balance and Burnout23:28 Advice for Career Pivots26:19 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Feeling pulled in every direction and unsure what decision to make next? In this episode, we dive into what it really means to trust yourself again. Whether you're navigating motherhood, career changes, or personal growth, your intuition is a powerful guide. I share personal stories and reflections to help you reconnect with your inner voice and make choices that feel aligned—not just productive.If you're a working mom or busy woman ready to stop second-guessing and start leading from within, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about tuning out the noise, finding clarity, and making empowered decisions in every season of life.Connect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠TakeawaysTrust your intuition; it's always available to you.Create white space in your schedule for reflection.It's okay to say no to commitments that don't serve you.Change takes time and patience; be gentle with yourself.Following your gut leads to a more fulfilling life.You have permission to pivot and change your path.

Saying yes to everything might feel productive, but it often leads to burnout, overwhelm, and misalignment. In this episode, I explore the power of saying no, recognizing your capacity, and prioritizing what truly matters in your life. I’ll share my own experiences with burnout, the struggle of balancing ambition with well-being, and why not every opportunity is the right fit—no matter how exciting it seems. Tune in to learn how self-care, boundaries, and alignment can help you make decisions that serve you, not just your to-do list.Rooting for you always!DeannaConnect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠Episode TakeawaysIt's essential to find time for yourself amidst the chaos of parenting.Saying no can be a powerful act of self-care.The universe often tests our alignment with our true selves.Recognizing your limits is crucial for personal growth.Not every opportunity is the right one at the right time.It's okay to prioritize your family and well-being over ambitions.Aligning with your true self can lead to better opportunities.Embracing change can open new doors in your life.You don't have to do it all; focus on what matters most.Finding alignment brings a sense of peace and fulfillment.Chapters00:00 Finding Time for Yourself02:56 The Power of Saying No05:53 Recognizing Your Capacity08:46 Aligning Opportunities with Your Life12:07 Shifting Focus and Identity14:57 Embracing Alignment in Life

We often think of personal growth as a straight path—set goals, take action, see results. But real growth? It’s anything but linear. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story (spoiler: it involves a broken van window and a whole lot of unexpected stress) and diving into how we can navigate life’s twists and turns with resilience.If you’ve ever felt like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about embracing the messy middle, recognizing small mindset shifts, and choosing how we respond when life throws curveballs. Because growth isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about learning through them. 💛xoDeannaConnect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠Episode Takeaways:Nonlinear growth is often overlooked in personal development.Acknowledging small shifts in mindset is crucial for growth.Life's challenges can lead to unexpected blessings.Resilience is built through navigating life's ups and downs.Stress management is a key component of personal growth.It's important to reflect on how we handle difficult situations.Life is a mix of highs and lows, and that's what makes it rich.You have the power to choose your reactions to challenges.Embracing the full human experience includes all emotions.

Parenting is a beautiful journey—but it can also feel overwhelming, lonely, and filled with self-doubt. In this episode, I sit down with parenting coach and educator, Ingrid Smith to talk about the unspoken struggles of motherhood, from postpartum challenges to the weight of mom guilt. Ingrid shares how she found her way through the tough moments, why self-care isn’t selfish, and how shifting your perspective can transform the way you parent. We also dive into the power of coaching, the importance of empowering your partner, and how to reclaim joy—even on the hardest days. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough as a mom, this episode is for you.About Ingrid Smith: Ingrid Smith is a Parent Coach and Educator and a mom to four young adults. Seeing the overwhelm parents experience first hand during her career as an elementary school teacher, she now works to help parents build their confidence and resilience so that they can create more peaceful homes and really enjoy their children.Connect with Ingrid:Instagram: @thewayforward4parentsFacebook: The Way Forward, Life Coaching for ParentsWebsite: www.thewayforwardcoaching.caConnect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Coaching03:07 Ingrid's Journey to Coaching06:02 The Impact of Motherhood on Coaching08:57 Navigating Postpartum Challenges12:00 Strategies for Overcoming Isolation14:48 Understanding Mom Guilt17:59 Empowering Partners in Parenting20:58 Common Challenges Faced by Parents24:01 The Coaching Process for Parents27:10 Ingrid's Next Steps in Coaching

Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I explore how to navigate life’s transitions with confidence by shifting your mindset, strengthening your identity, and building a supportive community. I’ll share key personal growth strategies, including how to set flexible goals, reframe challenges, and ask, what if this could be easy? Plus, we’ll dive into the idea of being blissfully dissatisfied—balancing ambition with presence. Whether you’re a mom, entrepreneur, or professional navigating change, this episode will help you embrace growth while finding joy in the process.Connect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Hobbs, founder of Mothertelling, to talk about the power of storytelling for moms. She shares her journey from teacher to entrepreneur, how telling our stories helps us navigate motherhood identity shifts, and why community support for moms is everything. We also get real about balancing motherhood and career, learning to ask for help, and embracing the small moments that shape our stories. Plus, Courtney shares practical storytelling tips for moms and gives us a sneak peek at the upcoming Mothertelling event!About Courtney:Courtney Hobbs is a mom, educator, and the founder of Mothertelling, a platform where she helps women find, shape, and share their true stories with confidence. A former high school drama and English teacher turned entrepreneur, Courtney combines her love of teaching with her passion for authentic storytelling. As a Storytelling Coach she helps people—from mompreneurs to business leaders—own their stories in ways that connect and inspire.Connect with Courtney:Instagram: @iamcourtneyhobbsLinkedin: Courtney HobbsDownload Courtney's Free Story Starter WorksheetCheck out Courtney's Journals on AmazonConnect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mother Telling02:32 Courtney's Journey from Teacher to Entrepreneur05:20 Navigating Identity Shifts in Entrepreneurship07:52 The Power of Storytelling for Moms10:34 The Mother Telling Event: Planning and Execution14:32 Collecting and Sharing Stories as a Mom18:42 The Power of Journaling23:25 Finding Stories in Everyday Moments27:09 Lessons from Motherhood and Storytelling34:59 The Importance of Sharing Your Story

Life’s hardest seasons can shake us, but they can also teach us how to trust ourselves more deeply. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey through loss, uncertainty, and the emotional toll of a miscarriage and caring for a sick child. I’ll talk about the power of self-compassion, why mindfulness matters, and how simple mantras—like 'I got you'—can help you stay grounded. If you’re navigating a tough time, this episode is your reminder to feel your feelings, trust your own wisdom, and pour into yourself first.Rooting for you always, DeannaConnect with Deanna:IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠Chapters00:00 Navigating Hard Seasons02:52 The Power of Self-Compassion06:08 Mindfulness and Self-Affirmation09:05 Building Self-Trust11:53 Making Decisions with Care15:04 Embracing the Human Experience

This episode is deeply personal, and my hope is that it brings some comfort to anyone walking a similar path.Just over a month ago, I experienced a miscarriage, and in this conversation, I open up about the grief, the unexpected layers of loss, and the healing journey that follows.If you’re a mom who has experienced miscarriage, are navigating fertility challenges, or simply need to hear from someone who understands, this episode is for you. I also share some of the tools and practices that have supported me through this time. Wherever you are on your journey, know that you’re not alone. ❤️If this resonates, I’d love to connect—reach out on instagram @deanna_hope or share this with someone who might need it today.With love, DeannaConnect with Deanna:W: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.deannahope.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deanna_hope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠

In this episode of Your Next Best Move, I sit down with Crystal Shadwell, an educator, speaker, and podcaster dedicated to helping women rediscover themselves beyond motherhood. As the co-host of the Team Crew podcast and co-founder of Something Beyond Mom, Crystal is passionate about creating spaces where moms can thrive outside of their parenting roles—without the guilt. We dive into essential conversations around: The power of community and retreats in personal growth Overcoming mom guilt and embracing your full identity Navigating imposter syndrome and stepping into your confidence The inspiration behind Something Beyond Mom and its mission Exploring who you are outside of being a mom Taking bold steps toward your dreams Crystal's insights and experiences will inspire you to give yourself permission to grow, evolve, and chase what sets your soul on fire—all while being an amazing mom. Connect with Crystal: 🌟 Something Beyond Mom - @somethingbeyondmom🎙️ Team Crew Podcast - @teamcrewpodcast📲 Follow Crystal on Instagram @crystalshadwell www.crystalshadwell.com Connect with Me: 💡 Learn more about my coaching programs for working moms: www.deannahope.ca 📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: @deanna_hope⁠⁠ 🌟Follow along on Facebook: Your Next Best Move Podcast⁠ 🎧 Subscribe to Your Next Best Move and never miss an episode! If you loved this conversation, share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear it! Don’t forget to leave a review—it helps the show reach more amazing moms like you. 💖