‘I take seriously the invitation to be the change we want to see in the world. I know that by using the power of our stories we can change our lives and in so doing, we change our world. One of the ways I see that happening is by
gathering together to support one another. I feel confident that if you attend a Serend!p!ty circle, workshop, or retreat you will be honored and welcomed into an amazing circle and you will leave feeling empowered and grateful you came.” Mary Welch
That quote is from Mary Welch’s Serend!p!ty Circles Website. As you can see she is passionate about her work and facilitating change in the world. When she talks about it there is always a twinkle in her eye and excitement in her voice. I am excited to do this interview and share her work with others who might not know about the awesome work she is doing. My second purpose in doing the interview is to show other women what can happen if they follow their dreams and don’t give up.
Hello Mary, thank you for taking the time to share with me about your business. I am excited for other people to learn about what you are doing to change the world.
Katelyn Mariah: Have you always had the entrepreneurial spirit or is it something that you grew into over time?
Mary Welch: I think it comes naturally to me. When I was growing up, it was called “independent and bossy“, not a leader or entrepreneurial! I was the oldest of 12 children, so I’ve been organizing and caring for others since I was 11 months old!
I’ve consciously developed the qualities of a transformational leader over the last 35+ years. My strongest archetypes are that of Venus & Diana, who are both very independent energies. I am very focused and committed and my focus is on building relationships. That is what ignites my passion for doing women’s retreats.
KM: Is Serend!p!ty Circles your first business venture?
MW: Serend!p!ty Circles is not my first business adventure. After working as a Chamber Executive for six+ years in the 1990′, I ventured of on my own as a leadership consultant. I worked with several major businesses and churches and 2 cities. The work was satisfying, but I found my passion was working with women and creating experiences where they felt empowered and could tap into their deepest wisdom.
In 1999, I partnered with two trainers and we produced a transformational training program. That partnership lasted a year and then because of our different perspectives on how to grow the trainings and how to facilitate the third level, I severed the relationship.
I am truly a risk-taker and the dream was no longer a viable one for me so I went off on my own…again. I have absolutely NO regrets, either for being a partner with them or for breaking the ties when the time came. It was some of my greatest life’s learning, and my greatest joys in seeing the transformation of people’s lives.
The spirituality component of my work is truly what I was called to do in this life time. As a child, God was always at the center of my life. As I’ve grown, my understanding of God has changed dramatically, and so has my understanding of myself. Numerous personal growth seminars/trainings helped me align with my purpose and they also taught me how to support people in their personal/spiritual growth. They also taught me what NOT to do! That is the entrepreneur in me. I wanted to create a program that used the best of the methods I had experienced; so I created my own. A new version coming from a softer, more feminine approach that empowers rather than destroys before it builds.
My work is all about creating a safe and sacred space for women to discover their true essence and feel proud and grateful. It emphasizes who we are BEing, not what we are doing and how to do it better. And in today’s world that is a rare approach…pretty entrepreneurial, I think!
KM: As a business owner you have to wear a lot of different hats. Can you talk about the different hats you were, which ones are easy for you and which are more challenging.
MW: As the ‘girl Friday’ of my solo business, I wear ALL of the hats! I get to do the:
- Design of the Programs
- Facilitation of Programs
- Bookkeeping
- Marketing
- Sales
- Decor creations
- Set up
- Clean up
- and sometimes even, the Cook!
The easy ones for me are the Design and Facilitation which is my training and my passion. This is where I shine and my True Self comes through. I am in the flow of Spirit when I am in Creation and in the Circle.
The most difficult part of the business for me is Marketing. It takes a skilled internet professional in today’s market, as well as time to do all the personal networking. I’m getting better at “closing the sale” because I am not afraid to ask anymore. I know with all of my heart and soul that my work is enriching lives and for those who are open to my work, they will come in the perfect time.
KM:What would you like people to know about the events that your create?
MW: I create event that are all about honoring the essence of each woman. The conversations we engage in are about who they are, not what they do. I use activities that are engaging and involve all of the senses. Add to that beautiful visuals, soul-touching music, flowers, something to eat and plenty of warm and loving hugs. The events are filled with laughter, healing tears and just plain FUN! Women leave the events feeling empowered, uplifted and wiser along with an AHA that brings clarity to their personal journey.
The space that I create for the events is both sacred and safe and allows each woman to share their wisdom as I act as a facilitator of that wisdom, not a guru teach who knows it all.
KM: Wow, Mary, that sounds so nurturing and supportive I can see how they can be transformational experiences for the women involved!
KM: I think it is important when you are holding that kind of space for others, that you have ways to nurture yourself and keep focused and positive about your business when challenges arise. What do you do to take care of yourself?
MW: I rely on my spiritual practices of meditation, qigong, affirmations, EFT, mindful walking, reading, and listening to CD’s. I also connect with other women and listen to their wisdom. Sometimes I just cry my eyes out to release the tension or discouragement!
KM: Thank your for the last sentence. I think we all feel like doing that at times. We need to give ourselves permission to cry because it is so cleansing! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your life and business for this interview.
Here is Mary’s Vision Statement for her Alive Aware Awake Programs and I think it is fitting for all of her work:
Here us what Lynn Koll says about Mary’s workshops: ” I have personally experienced this workshop recently and it was amazing, as is all work facilitated by Mary Welch. This was so rich and deep, yet light and fun. We shared a lot of giggles as well as tears. This workshop is sure to inspire and help you feel connected to yourself as a women in mind, body and spirit!!”
To Learn more about Mary and the events that you can participate in go to Serend!p!ty Circles. She has a lot of exciting programs coming up that you will love.
Katelyn Mariah, Empowering Health 