Seven years later, I finally see it
Last month, I hired Sara Barry to help me rethink my website. I thought we were refining my messaging and navigation. Instead, we uncovered the heart of my work.
It's not really about a website.
It's about trust.
That realization sent me all the way back to where my business began.
Shortly after I registered Compass Rose Coaching in August of 2019, I built my very first website with the help of a DIY workbook from my friend Carrie (it was called How to Write a Lovable Home Page).
At the time, I'd coached only a handful of clients through my certification program, all of whom received a smokin' hot 🔥 bargain to work with me.
Most of what I knew professionally came from 15+ years in nonprofits and a couple of years working for a women's personal growth program.
Since then, the website has grown as I've grown.
Along the way, talented designers, copywriters, photographers, colleagues, and coaches have helped me clarify my message, tell better stories, and create a business that feels more and more like me.
Thanks to an introduction from my coach, Val, Sara asked me the kinds of thoughtful questions that helped me step back and finally see the thread that had been woven through my work all along.
The answer was trust.
Not because I'd set out to build a business around trust, but because every meaningful coaching conversation, retreat, and workshop seemed to lead there.
Trust in ourselves.
Trust with one another.
Trust in what's possible.
Whether I'm coaching an individual, facilitating a leadership team retreat, or guiding an organization through change, I now see that my work has always been about trust.
And over the past seven years, I've learned that trusting yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone.
Trust grows in relationship.
This website is the product of hundreds of relationships built on trust.
My clients have entrusted me with moments of uncertainty, growth, grief, celebration, courage, and possibility. Walking alongside you has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
This business has also been nurtured by so many generous women along the way. 🌱
Ashley G. and Valerie first introduced me to coaching. Carrie's workbook helped me write my very first website and Ashley C., Cassie, Chrissy, Christa, and Sara each helped me find clearer words for my work at different stages of the journey.
Claire, Val, Seema, Priya, Colleen, and Kirsty have expanded my understanding of self-trusting leadership. Katya, Liza, and Brio helped me see myself more kindly through their photos.
And there have been countless colleagues, clients, and dear friends who've cheered me on through every version of this journey.
There's a quote from SARK's Succulent Wild Woman that I've loved since middle school (!!):
"I believe that these circles of women around us weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we're weak and sing with us when we're strong. Let's lean back and let the arms of women's friendships carry us and help us to know ourselves better, and live our lives together."
Reading those words today, I realize they've been true all along.
This website has my name on it, but it reflects the wisdom, creativity, and belief of so many women who've helped me trust myself more deeply.
I hope you can feel that when you explore it.
Many of you reading this have been part of this story in one way or another. 💜 Thank you.
👉 Come take a look
If something resonates with you, I'd love to hear what stands out.
With gratitude,
Stacy
PS. In my email last week, I intended to share the second episode of Rootward: Letters from the Senses, but I forgot the link. Here it is - happy listening.
PPS. David and I led our free monthly Nurture Your Nervous System gathering last night. It was a small, beautiful group, and our shared focus was peace. Our next gathering is on Wednesday, August 12th from 6-7pm. Sign up to join us here.
I’m a Leadership Coach and Facilitator who helps individuals, teams, and organizations build trust in themselves, with one another, and in what's possible.
