We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Alicia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It can be energetically taxing working closely with people starting a family, probably one the most intense times in a persons life. Even though so much of my work as an doula has given back to me 10 fold, it’s very easy to get burned out quickly in this business. After almost 10 years I have learned so much about how I can make my business more sustainable by creating work life balance. Being a business owner can mean being on the clock 24/7, especially being on call for birth. This makes it hard to set up schedules/ routines, but it has helped me become very flexible when I need to, and also disciplined when I need to. When I’m not working I’m making sure I am staying present and not letting work take up more mental space than it needs to. I am alway prioritizing nutrition, rest, and exercise. And of course as an herbalist, constantly using plants to support my adrenals and nervous system. I also am careful to not equate my self worth with my business. Understanding boundaries, that I am not my business, it is something I do, not who I am, has helped me create more peace and balance.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have made my business a reflection of my heritage and personal interests, which I believe has set me apart. I doula through the lens of herbalism, botany, Ayurveda, and indigenous birth and postpartum practices. I love speaking on bridging eastern and western medicine through herbs, somatic healing and indigenous spiritual practices. I started from very humble beginnings and have taken big risks to get to where I am now, ultimately because I believed in myself. I have always had a lot of self confidence in my work ethic and follow through. It has been hard work building my business over the last 10 years but at the same time it has felt very fluid and destined. I feel very lucky that I have met some life long friends through doula work and amazing teachers and mentors. For me I really feel like I was born to do this work and I feel that’s reflected in my success and passion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting for a weekend, I would first head to Brunsdale park for a picnic with some Italian subs from Uncle Paulie’s. We would also defiantly hit the beach in Malibu for a day and then go for a beautiful stroll around lake Hollywood. We would have to hit a farmers market or apothecary and I would suggest a movie at cinespia if there are movies playing. Lastly I would be sure to stop by at Chaumount bakery before heading to the airport!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My business would not be here today without two of my greatest my teachers. Paula Mallis & Karen Rose. Two mentors that I have learned so much from and received so much support and guidance. I also wouldn’t be here without my ancestors, who’s knowledge I have been passed and footsteps I have followed.

Website: www.laurenaliciadoula.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacred.doula/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmDz6issCKwEeDUUCmRrvg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sacred.doula?lang=en

Image Credits
Herbal photos by Melissa of loose beauty photography, Portraits by Jenna Culloti.

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