How Sandra became a life coach and creator of the encouragement box

When Sandra reached out to me I instantly felt a deep connection. As a true multi-passionate creative she spoke straight to my heart and soul. What inspires me most about Sandra is her strength and resilience. I know how difficult it can be to try and fit as a multi-talented human in conventional life, and career. Sandra is proof that it’s possible. She’s not only creative but also truly passionate about creating. As an encouragement coach and the creator of the Encouragement Box, Sandra is paving the way for more joy and happiness in this world!

What was your big dream, and what inspired you to go after it?

My big dream was to have my own subscription box and to make many, if not all, of the items in the box. 

Did you always have this dream?

No, this was not a dream I always had. Once I was in the process, I remembered making things and sending them to people as part of a challenge and thinking it was fun. Receiving a lot of positive feedback also helped! This dream grew out of my desire to encourage and nurture other women, and my own love for subscription boxes. I love the element of surprise you get with a subscription box.

What was one of the first things you did to get you started?

I made lots of lists of possible products to include and researched different models. At first, I planned to fill the box with items I procured from other businesses, but I shifted to making most of the items myself and including a membership site with additional resources to encourage and inspire.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in working toward achieving your dream?

The biggest challenge is to keep going and resist the urge to quit. It is so easy to quit when the uncomfortable feelings come – the fear, the self-doubt… but it is so exciting to push through those feelings and do the thing you set out to do.

What do you wish you would have done differently? What would you warn others about?

This is such a learning process. I might have a different answer to this question in another three months. At this point, I’d say, I wish I had trusted myself more.  Some of my initial instincts, I ignored, then spent some time doing research, considering other options, and came back around to my first idea! Maybe that needed to happen, but I could have saved time and energy if I had trusted myself more.

Would you say you’ve achieved your big dream yet?

Yes! I definitely have a subscription box that is designed to encourage and nurture women! I would be thrilled to see it grow and reach more women. I would love to see it catch on to create more of a culture of encouragement and inspiration rather than the criticism and negativity which seems so prevalent at times.

What do you think helped you achieve it?

Breaking it into small steps. Having a supportive coach, family, and friends.

The joy I felt with each step forward – I love making the items that go into the box. Then, when it is time to package them and close the boxes, I literally sit there with a smile on my face, because I am so happy to be doing what I am doing. 

The driving desire to serve and help others.

What’s the best advice you have for others who want to follow their big dreams?

Don’t wait. Figure out the step you can take today, and start moving toward that dream. You will be so glad you did. Ask for help from experts. I was so surprised and touched at how generous others were with sharing their knowledge with me. Also, I think it helps to journal about your dream and think about it. What you give your attention to grows!

More about Sandra – sandrawald.com

Sandra is obsessed with helping Christian women become more fully who they are meant to be – by supporting them in developing their creativity and waking up any dormant gifts or talents. If you are a Christian woman, and you feel like you have been waiting for someone to vouch for you, to say that you are gifted, and you should use your creativity, wait no longer. I believe it – you are gifted, and you are meant to use your creativity.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sandra! You can do so through her website at sandrawald.com or on Instagram @sandra_wald.

Sandra’s favourite quote is:

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. – Maya Angelou

Sandra’s big dream for the world is:

I would love to see more women embracing their creative gifts and using them, following their dreams, telling their stories. What if it were normal to follow a creative dream and not strange or exceptional? What if ideas were more often met with encouragement and help brain-storming instead of criticism? I would love to see that happen.

If you want more inspiring stories, I’ve got great news for you! This story is part of an interview series, you can find all entries here.