Name: Mary Darling
Company Name: Mary Darling, Consultancy & Bali Wellness Journeys
Website: http://www.MaryDarling.com
http://www.BaliWellnessJourneys.com
Twitter: @marydarling and @baliwellness
Note from Jenn: Does “Eat, Pray, Love” have you itchin’ to go to Bali? Well, Mary Darling and her business Bali Wellness Journeys has just the thing for you! Their mission is to “share all the ‘best kept secrets’ of Bali with a journey of discovery and awakening designed to send you home more aware of the possibilities for a wellness based lifestyle.” Nice! And check out Mary’s lovely pics of the paradise she currently calls home. As a corporate refugee, Mary has ventured into several different businesses which help her maintain the freedom and flexibility she loves. Her international endeavors are a testament to following your dream!
What is your business and what makes your business unique?
We actually have a few businesses ~ a Consultancy that creates creative connections to develop concepts and businesses within the Spa and Hospitality areas. Supporting our passion, we started Bali Wellness Journeys, which creates new pathways to health and wellbeing. In addition we operate a tiny rental residence at the Arizona / Mexico border. Our business(es) are unique because we are corporate refugees ~ I loved my corporate work and learned so much but there was always an element missing, perhaps the freedom to run with an idea or the lack of flexibility in scheduling; we work with visitors to the island offering more choices and options than just another massage by exposing them to a wide range of wellness offerings. Our consultancy assists hotels and spas by focusing on the consumer ~ to their needs which are not necessarily spoken or always easily recognizable. So, I believe we want to cause a shift in paradigm thinking to develop a business.
How has the Right-Brain Business Plan helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?
In its simplicity, I leapt at the opportunity to go through the Program since for years I struggled with articulating my thoughts in a numbers focused format – I use PowerPoint, flipchart paper, colored markers, etc. to get my thoughts together so I can present them ~ the Plan validated me and that I was not loony.
What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?
Initiating the Bali Wellness Journeys at the same time while taking the Program gave me momentum to move forward and to keep moving forward. Plus, I learned more about effective tools to assist potential clients in articulating their own unique vision ~
How do you use your creative intuition in your work?
Creative Intuition? I am learning to give my brain a rest, create some ‘blue sky*’ thinking opportunities; For example, I no longer read while standing in lines, I wake up slowly with my green tea vs. coffee so my sub conscious can hover, and observe more around me when driving, flying, or other rather mindless activities. Usually, some new idea or new thought will come crawling into my brain and then I let it simmer … then take my pens and start writing it – not drawing but just get the unconnected thoughts out so I can see them clearly. Yesterday, I woke up thinking about Warm Stone Massage rocks, for no particular reason, then the ‘lightbulb’ idea: we could create an income opportunity for a village here to collect the rocks, resell them while telling a story about the Balinese traditions of Full Moons and the Rocks’ energies being refreshed 1x monthly. My Business partners love the idea.
Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?
Simply stated, I printed the documents (it’s a visual thing), used my highlighters to illustrate certain resonating points, and then made them happen ~ I was rather envious of the beautiful, thoughtful creations though then realized we each have a gift and to express that gift is a unique opportunity for us as individuals … not as a group project.
What’s your vision for your business?
My vision is to continue to overcome fear of being non corporate, to inspire others to think and act like a customer, and to create some paradigm shifts for spa and wellness businesses. Our journeys open up visitors to entire new path to reducing stress, preventing illness, enjoying spa experiences, investigate complementary or alternative therapies, eat better food, be more conscious of living, and enjoy more fully a visit to the world’s largest wellness resort’. Lastly, our business in Nogales is a perfect home for an offshore business since it is the USA but still close enough to appreciate the wonder of different cultures.
What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?
No excuses ~ Be persistent ~ Make it fun ~ There is a market for what you are selling, be clear as to your audience. Exceed Customer Expectations ~ both internal and external customers. Reduce.Recycle.Reuse.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A friend recommended the site and the program ( no clue as to who or how she knew) ~ without thinking twice I thought, ‘wow’ this is perfect and where has something like this been all my life!’ Thank you for being there when I needed the push and encouragement.
Creative Resources
Click here for more information about Mary Darling.
*Blue Sky thinking is a concept from the book ~ Cool Down, Getting Further by Going Slower, Steve Prentice.
The next Right-Brain Business Plan™ e-Course starts on September 20th.
