Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Blacksea.
Grace, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After twelve years in the event industry, my life came to an abrupt halt. I felt like I had hit a wall going 90 mph – my body was unable to process the extreme stress I had put it under for so long. I was left with debilitating anxiety, depression and physical ailments that lead to my exit from the corporate world in. In 2015, I started to slowly rebuild my life – I gained my energy back, focused on my health and started implementing new practices to create a more mindful routine. In doing so, I realized the importance of being intentional with my time and the way in which I lived my life. From there, QUENCH was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
QUENCH was born out of a need to replenish, revitalize and rebuild, that wasn’t easy. Five years ago, QUENCH looked VERY different – it was a native plant design company (ha!). At the beginning of my healing journey, I was in need of a creative outlet. I was home in the middle of the day for the first time in years with no meetings, no emails, no responsibilities. Since it’s tough for me to sit still, I decided to “get my hands in the dirt”. I began sprucing up the backyard, overgrown succulents, unruly cactus and turning extra clippings into potted arrangements. From there, I started a small business called… QUENCH (it was a play on the California drought at first) and then “grew” into something much different.
I think it’s important to let our ideas evolve. Treat them with pride, be bold, be daring, start before you’re ready and see how it feels. If an “idea” or “passion” is meant for you, it will fill you up, and that is something that is hard to ignore. Give yourself space and time to play, to try it out. But whatever you do, don’t let fear hold you back. The world needs what you’ve got – so even if it’s not “perfect” just keep going, it will work out.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with QUENCH – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a society, women are typically doing too much with too little which can often leave us stressed, exhausted and anxious. Today, it’s more important than ever to take care of our well-being, set boundaries and make time for what matters most.
What I do:
QUENCH is a community for female professionals and business owners specializing in productivity, accountability, and self-care. We focus on banishing burn out, working smarter not harder and putting yourself first.
Specialize in:
Coaching, speaking, and workshops that provide tools and resources to lead a more intentional life, work smarter not harder and make time for what matters most.
Known for:
I am known for motivation, inspiration and, helping my audience implement productivity systems that help reduce stress, simplify the day-to-day.
What am I proud of:
I am so proud of the engaged, dedicated and inspired community QUENCH has cultivated. Women are better together, and when we provide opportunities to lift each other up – that’s when the magic happens.
What sets me apart:
Authenticity. I believe in being REAL with my commuity. It’s so important that women relate to one another. Cultivating an authentic, safe and positive space for them to do so is so important to me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Yes! So many!
Books:
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
Unshakeable – Tony Robbins
You Are a Badass – Jen Sincero
Heart Talk – Cleo Wade
The Power Of Now – Eckhart Tolle
Podcasts
Second Life
How I Build This
Armchair Expert
Amy Porterfield Online Marketing Made Easy
The Mindbody Green Podcast
Girls w/ Anxiety
Jenna Kutcher Goal Digger
Lewis Howes
The School Of Greatness
Contact Info:
- Website: www.quench-collective.com
- Phone: 916-947-0697
- Email: grace@quench-collective.com
- Instagram: @quench.collective
Image Credit:
Camryn Shonka, Cheyenne Arnold, Valysia Hamil
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