And grandma said "you'll have another baby someday"
September 11th, 2009
In one brief year, Jennifer Bourgoyne, Founder of Czela Bellies CesareanWear went thru more than most people experience in a lifetime and she survived! Today she is here to share her story and words of inspiration with us. Welcome Jennifer!
Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today:
My story in a nutshell: Actually, in one year (yes, just one year!), this is what I went through:
I moved twice, went from being a single mom of 2 boys to getting engaged, planned a wedding, got pregnant, was told the baby wouldn’t make it, and if he did make it, he would not have any arms or legs, (yes that is what we were told), had numerous rounds of (what turned out to be unnecessary) painful Rogham shots, my husband got laid off from his high tech job, had family dealing with Hurricane Katrina, then at 9 months of my pregnancy, I was laid off from my high tech job of 12 years, and oh, by the way, turned 40 the same month. That’s a little bit of stress!
Thankfully, our beautiful baby was born with everything intact and I was inspired to launch my own company, Czela Bellies, in the same year. It’s great that at in my 40′s, I’m finally back to what I wanted to be doing when I was nine. If it weren’t for getting my pink slip that day, I would never really have figured out my true path in life. It’s funny how I can still see my boss sitting there with me with tears in her eyes feeling so guilty. Now I just want to call her daily and thank her. I wake up each day so grateful for all those broken roads that led me here.
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would?
I had to remind myself not to go to the negative place that I, in the past, would have always wallowed in. My circle of supportive women entrepreneurs, and of course, an amazing family, kept me going. That drive that I wanted to be my own greatest defender, also kept me going.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation? Do your homework! Use your “green-ness” to your advantage! Being naive actually was such a plus for me. If you don’t know to be scared, then you won’t be!
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels? I surround myself and my office environment with my “wins”. Frame those magazine covers you were mentioned in. Display those customer Thank You cards. Do one thing daily to let someone know about your business.
If you could spend 3 days on a deserted island with two people of your choosing, who would they be and why? Only TWO? I’d have to take my husband, the love of my life, and the maker of all my laughter. And, perhaps I’d want to take Oprah. Why not? You do want these answers to be honest, right? ; )
What is your favorite audio material and what do you enjoy most about this material?
Audio material? Hmmmm…probably the CD’s we make of our three year old son Cash singing his favorite rock and pop songs. Nothing makes my heart melt like his little voice.
What is your favorite reading material and what gives it that special place in your heart?
I love any and all of Jen Lancaster’s books. Funny, self-aware, and really, laugh out loud writing. I could read and reread her books time and time again.
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational?
My grandmother inspired me, but probably not in the way one might assume. I remember years ago, before she passed away, I had called her upset, and frustrated with my life and the lack of progress I had been making at the time. I had two successful sisters in the professional world, and while I was doing fine at my corporate job, I felt like I wasn’t living up to my potential. She just listened, and then finally said, “Oh, Jennifer, you’ll have another baby someday.” I was so struck by this statement. Not that having children isn’t the most amazing thing on Earth, but really? That’s all she thought I could do? Have kids? I was determined to take that bet and raise her one as well. (Turns out she was right though! I did have another baby, and he indeed, inspired me to start my own company, Czela Bellies CesareanWear.)
What do you see in your future?
I want to see Czela Bellies etched in the glass doors of A Pea in The Pod maternity stores, nationwide.
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location?
I love New Orleans! It’s given me amazing meals, the most genuinely sweet in-laws, my incredible husband, and some wonderful memories. There is just something about New Orleans, its people, and it’s vibe, that really is attractive to me, and welcomes me. I would love to own a home there in the historical downtown area, next to Brad and Angelina.
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support?
My friends in Ladies Who Launch, Hatch Network, and my circle of mom friends have all been instrumental in the success of my company, and the love and support that I feel on a daily basis.
What / who are you most thankful for and why?
I am thankful for my best friend and husband, Allen Bourgoyne. Without his gentle guiding support as a partner, and father to our children, I wouldn’t be able to work to my own potential. Making him proud means everything to me.
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back?
I discovered an amazing grassroots movement called 29 Gifts. (http://www.29gifts.org) The organization has helped me find a place to give back on a completely unselfish, helpful, and truly touching way, to those around us. We can all be angels.
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
1. Self esteem and pride in oneself.
2. Gratitude
3. A sense of fulfillment to those you or your products help.
Thank you for Jennifer for taking the time to share your story with our readers. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes, visit Jennifer’s site at: http://www.czelablue.comczelablue.com and connect with her today!
Be healthy, be focused and be the best you that you can possibly be!
In gratitude,
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald
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Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald has been a network marketer and connector since 1990. She is a published author, her passion is writing and she spends much of her free time meditating and connecting with like minded individuals. Caryn walked away from Corporate America in 2003, she continues to achieve the goals she sets for herself and has created the life of her dreams. Today, Caryn assists others in creating the lifestyles they desire through network marketing, privately owned businesses and spiritual lifestyle coaching. Ready to move forward in your life?
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EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
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