Work Well Feature Stories

Each month, we shine a light on someone from our Work Well community, sharing their journey. These are honest conversations to inspire, encourage and remind you that you’re not alone on the path to creating work that feels good and does good.

Real stories from real people building meaningful businesses in the wellbeing space.

Our September feature is Clare, a breathwork, and Somatic Stress and Mindset coach who teaches people how to process stress instead of letting it consume them. Let's dive straight in to see what she has to say..

Clare Pritchard Instagram

Q. What inspired you to start your wellbeing business?

A.  I was always focused on looking good rather than feeling good. (You know all the insecurities a young woman can have, I had them) So I went hard on HIIT, strength training, running - anything that would keep me busy and make me sweat. I tried the slower stuff (yoga, meditation) but my body didn't like that (now I know that my body needed that). I was a Life Coach at the time but I had no connection to my body... but that changed when I went to my first accidental breathwork class. I now know, after all my learning, it was the first time I was IN my body in years rather than in my head analysing. I wanted to create a space where I could bring mind and body together, where people who analysed every situation, where they were disconnected from their body, their stress had taken over and consumed them could come and process that using mindset, breathwork and somatic tools. Essentially, I wanted to create a space where people could connect back to themselves and have fun along the way.

Q. What’s one unexpected lesson you’ve learned since becoming self-employed?

A.  Just 1? HAHA. My biggest lesson is... it's rarely a me problem, it's sales, marketing, timing, cash flow problem. I don't need to internalise the things that don't go as planned. I definitely learnt this the hard way. Any classes that didn't sell, new ideas that didn't take off, I'd think it was because I wasn't a good facilitator.... but the reality is there's 100 different reasons why someone didn't buy a ticket or start working with you before it was a you issue. Once I understood this, changed what I needed to externally, everything shifted. Classes would sell, new clients would come in, new opportunities would arise and it flowed with self trust.

Q. What part of your work fills your cup and reminds you why you do what you do?

A.  Loggins on calls with clients and seeing their faces beaming with what they have achieved. Seeing them build on the work week by week and create a life they want and they feel fully themselves rather than one they thought they had to live. That, and when skeptics come to my breathwork classes and become full breathwork converts.

Q. What’s one thing you do regularly that helps you stay balanced?

A. Breathwork, it's my number 1 go to tool. The instant change in how I feel from taking a few minutes of deep slow breathing will always amaze me. There is always something to do when you're a business owner and everyone else's wellness can come before your own so I'm strict with my practices and ensuring breathwork is something I tap into throughout the day. I'm a big advocate of embodying the work I teach, everything I guide clients through, I have done myself - and so pockets of breathwork allows me to keep that balance. Social media boundaries have to be a close second - it's so easy to consume and compare, so I often delete the apps to ensure I'm getting true balance in my life. 

Q. What would be one free tip to help others Work Well?

A. Be truly yourself in business -  I think this is so important, especially as the online space gets busier and louder. You are your USP. Your story, your experience, your values, your why. Be honest and vulnerable - it gives people the permission to do the same.

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