Spotlight is a series that features a past or current client of mine or someone I’ve collaborated with in some capacity, as they share a bit of their story, their talents, their insights, and their process with you. You might learn something from their journey, or you might just discover an amazing new business!
Martha Lewis is a sleep coach for loving parents who are exhausted and frustrated because their baby or toddler isn't sleeping. She help parents all over the country to get their children sleeping so the whole family can get the sleep they need to thrive instead of just survive. Just check out the success stories on Martha’s website, and you get the idea that this kind of work is life-changing for parents! She shares a bit of her journey below.
What drew you to the work you're doing now?
I became a sleep consultant after I hired someone to help me with my baby’s sleep. When my son Parker was 12 weeks old, he was sleeping in bed with me and waking up every 1-2 hours all night long. I didn't know what to do except for try to nurse him back to sleep, but that didn't always work. I read 10 books and countless blog posts and they all said different things. So I was confused about what to do and I didn’t want Parker to cry it out.
After hiring a sleep consultant and following the plan she gave me, Parker was sleeping in his own crib and waking up once a night to nurse in just 4 nights! I felt like a new person once I started getting sleep again. Parker became a happier baby and I was even more excited about being a mom.
I decided to become a sleep consultant so I can help other families get the sleep they need, too. My favorite part of my work is helping people sleep and hearing how much happier they are. I also love all the connections I’ve made in my community and online as I’ve been growing my business.
What have been the biggest “a-ha” moments in your business journey so far?
When I decided to start my own business, I didn’t realize how much I would learn about marketing. And also how much I would have to work on myself to succeed. My own personal development has been hard. But it’s also been an amazing journey that I don’t think I would be on otherwise.
Any big goals on the horizon?
I just finished an adult sleep certification so my next goal is to grow that part of my business. Again, I have personal experience with not sleeping because even after my son started sleeping, I still had my own sleep issues. I would have a hard time falling asleep and wake up early in the morning and not be able to go back to sleep.
Although I was skeptical that anyone could help me, I hired someone to help me with my sleep. And it worked! I made a few tweaks to my habits and environment and now I sleep great, too.
So I’m excited that I can help adults with their kids’ sleep and with their sleep.
How do you overcome the hard stuff? What motivates you to keep going?
Sometimes I think about how much easier it would be to go back to working a job where you clock in and out and hopefully don’t bring your work home with you. But I’ve been there, and I wasn’t happy because I wasn’t helping people like I want to.
I'm motivated to keep going because I want to help people. It sucks not getting sleep. Parents need sleep. And babies need sleep. And I don't want people to miss out on the sleep they need just because they have a baby. So when I don't want to do something for my business, I just think of my greater purpose of helping others sleep well and I get motivated again.
How do you manage your time when working for yourself? Do you have any routines or morning rituals that you swear by?
I started waking up an hour early to spend time working on myself and my mindset. I meditate, journal, say affirmations, and visualize what I want to achieve. I also read inspiring books at night before bed. Ever since I started doing this routine in the morning, I’ve been more inspired and dedicated than ever.
What do you hope to be known for in the long run?
I hope to be known as someone who helps others get the sleep they need so they can live their lives to the fullest.
You can find Martha at: www.happylittlecamperjh.com and on Instagram and Facebook at happylittlecamperjh.
You can get my Guide to Get Your Baby Sleeping Through the Night at www.happylittlecamperjh.com.
The Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep for adults at www.marthalewissleep.com.