Martina Kelades
Founder, Life Out Loud - Mental Health Consulting & Creatives
Website / LinkedIn / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
My current journey in entrepreneurship began from a place of darkness and pain. For ten years, I had worked as a Personal Development Counsellor and Instructor - a career in which I enjoyed but realized it was time for a change. I started to experience burnout symptoms approximately two years before this point. I silently struggled, only to take on more work and more responsibilities that would keep me busy - distracted from dealing with inner turmoil.
I dabbled in a different and new position within the same organization, as I thought that would be the answer to the weariness I was feeling at work, but it was not.
In 2018, I left work for medical reasons related to burnout, anxiety and depression. I acknowledged I needed a break, so I planned to take two weeks to recover. 2 weeks became four weeks, and then more. Eventually, I had to accept that returning to the career I had identified with for ten years was coming to a close.
I felt confused and frustrated because of my struggle. My career was devoted to supporting and advocating for others, and yet I felt incapable of doing the same for myself.
I grieved the end of my career. And at the same time, my mental health deteriorated.
It took some time, but there was a pivotal moment when I cried and prayed for an answer. This answer later came through the tragedy of a beautiful young lady. Death taught me to live again and forced me to "pull back the curtains" and consider this existential question, "What will I do with the time I have left?"
Through therapy, coaching, and other personal development work, I reached a point of potentially seeing another way - another opportunity. I continued journaling and sharing my life experiences out loud, which resonated with so many. From that point on, I knew I wanted to take my professional expertise and life experiences to start a business - the foundation of Life Out Loud.
Life Out Loud - Mental Health Consulting & Creatives is a professional and specialized service that utilizes a combination of platforms to expand conversations related to individual and workplace mental health and wellness. My commitment is to be a change agent, by encouraging connection, and living intentionally to help improve mental health for all.
-
What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I am most proud of taking a step into entrepreneurship - an area that is totally and completely unknown to me. It seemed exciting in the dreaming phase, but then when it came time to 'doing,' I was terrified. I am continually engaged in personal development work around confidence, mental health and finding courage on this journey. I used my pain to re-define my purpose, and so far, it's been worth it!
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
My vision for Atlantic Canada is to be a mentally healthy society - to see greater optimization of mental health and wellness within the many environments in which we interact — our homes, our work, and communities.
Atlantic Canada is a creative culture, and because of that, I hope to see a community that can tap into courage by way of utilizing our narratives and shared expressions as a way to advance community connections and a more profound collective experience that cultivates love, compassion, and empathy.
It begins with us.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
The greatest stage of growth emerges from my most challenging moments. When I feel defeated; unsure or unworthy of such opportunities; or when I am struggling with my mental health, I tap into my faith, my vision, my WHY, and gratitude help me push through. It's a continuous mind-shift and work, but it is most critical for levelling up personally which supports professional growth.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
My favourite book is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. That was the book that really helped me jump from dreaming and into action (i.e., starting my business). Some of the podcasts I often listen to are: Woman Evolve Podcast with Sarah Jakes Roberts, Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations and Earn Your Happy with Lori Harder. When I am looking for interesting discussions around mental health, I will tune into Mental Health News Radio (MHNR Network). And I am super excited for Unlocking Us with Brene Brown which is launching soon!
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
We are all on our own journey. We all have our own insecurities, vulnerabilities and challenges. We are not alone (especially as business owners). Through community connections, I was able to recognize this and felt less isolated in my own challenges as a new business owner. I will continue to build community connections because of the incredible opportunity to share wisdom, knowledge and supports.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
Brene Brown. I call her my online mentor. She taught me so much about vulnerability and the shame that I had been unknowingly carrying for so many years. Her stories and research around courage have been instrumental on my journey.
What would you have done differently?
I would have set stronger boundaries in the beginning of building my business. I was saying, "yes" to any meeting or event and then I realized how much time and energy it was taking away from me focusing on my business. I believe community connections are important, however, there needs to be a balance - and I am learning how to implement that now.
With that being said, I know our lives unfold in divine order, and so of course, things have worked out as it were meant to be. I am grateful that I am learning the lesson of boundary setting early, on this journey of entrepreneurship.
-
Soulpreneur, Mental Health & Wellness Trainer, Speaker, Consultant