Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Jacinto.
Jaime, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2015, I survived an unexpected ICU hospitalization from Septic Shock and collapsed lungs. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, and the recovery was long as well.
It was during this time that even as a Christian I struggled to trust God and had moments where my anxiety was overwhelming. As I saw how the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of my life were all contributing to my anxiety, health, and joy, I wanted to figure out what true Christ-centered healing looked like. The year prior to my hospitalization I had completed my M.A. in Counseling, so I knew all of the things that should be helping me cope and work through my problems, but I was still struggling with the practical day in and day out living.
I still battle anxiety and have physical limitations, along with finding out recently I have Celiac Disease, but I have grown in understanding how important and freeing it is to not find contentment in my circumstances, by finding joy in surrendering my whole life to God. I believe much of this growth happened because of the amazing community I had to keep me going even on my darkest days, and that is where my passion to do the same for other women struggling came about.
Through my journey, I saw the importance of providing other women space where they can grow in what it means to persevere for Christ not just in their spiritual walk but mentally and physically. A place where women are counseled and given practical resources in the midst of their suffering. And where they are equipped to grow in their faith, heal their bodies and renew their minds so they can live more joy-filled lives.
Has it been a smooth road?
Such a great question! Starting my own business I thought would be difficult, but I never imagined how much patience, persistence, and positivity it would take. Being an independent businesswoman has been one of the most fulfilling yet humbling things I have ever done, and if I could describe my journey, it would probably not include the word smooth.
My business journey I would describe as more of the texture of a popcorn ceiling. There has literally been no area that hasn’t had a bump. At first, I was frustrated at the popcorn ceiling, because I was really expecting at least a flat ceiling with maybe a few cracks. As a young entrepreneur, I taught myself everything and did everything myself because I wanted to keep costs as low as possible.
From designing my logo to learning how to create a website to writing blogs, figuring out the legal parts of the business, self-publishing two books, and figuring out the world of social media marketing, I have had to learn so many new processes over the past two years.
Even though I still despise the bumps that felt like mountains at times, I am seeing how much of a benefit there is to working hard for something you believe in. I have learned that much of the process of being a business owner is realizing when you think you only have three big steps to get to something, you always have to factor in the ten baby steps within each bigger step that you aren’t even aware of yet.
In the midst of the steps though, there has always been so much joy! I wouldn’t trade the difficulty for anything because not only has there been so much I have learned, but I have been able to help others who are in the process as well to keep going in their own business ventures.
Now I am at the place where many of the bumps have been worked through and are smoothing out enough to connect me back to the fruitful work of my job which is counseling women and hearing their stories.
I have been so blessed by all the women who share with me how my book, or blog, or counseling has helped them! It is these times that bring me back to why I started this in the first place and thank God for sustaining me in the process.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Women Becoming Whole is a Christian ministry that provides counseling and resources for women on whole living. Women Becoming Whole exists to not only encourage women towards whole living but give women practical tools that focus on growing their body and soul! We would love for you to check out our resources, an email us if you would like counseling or help on getting your business going.
One of our favorite resources we provide is our book Gospel Activities for Women: Anxiety Edition. I am so proud of this book because of how fun, unique and helpful it is for women struggling with anxiety. The book has multiple pages of Christian mindfulness exercises, anti-anxiety recipes, crafts, coloring pages, scripture memorization, and prayer journaling. It is like an adult coloring book, devotional, cookbook, and counseling session in one and can be found on our website to purchase for you or a friend!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I may be a little biased in answering this question because I am a San Diego native, but San Diego is such a great place to start a business. Even though we are a busy city, with competition in some business markets, I have found San Diego to be a friendly and helpful city for young entrepreneurs.
I am a part of an entrepreneur group that meets once a month in San Diego, and love how many unique businesses and business professionals there are in this town. It is a very accepting place for the out of the box entrepreneur wanting to try something new, or for the working professional wanting to start their own independent business.
Rent might be high, but you can’t beat the friendliness and not to mention our weather, because starting out in a new business you will want to soak up all the sun you can get to keep your mood up and your mind going!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1761 Hotel Circle S. (Suite 305) San Diego, Ca 92108
- Website: womenbecomingwhole.com
- Phone: 619-323-9123
- Email: womenbecomingwhole@gmail.com
- Instagram: @womenbecomingwhole
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenBecomingWhole/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/women-becoming-whole-san-diego-4
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
