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

Hi Emma, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Connection. If there is anything I would share with a new or aspiring business owner, it would be to let connection guide you. It is easy to fall prey to the stressors and never-ending logistics of running a company, but it is just as important, if not more important, to take time to meditate and reflect on the humanness at the core of your work. Whether you’re running a team, or working solo with clients, I believe what sets a business apart is authenticity and a soulful mission to connect with others- be that your team members and colleagues and/or your clients. As the Dali Lama teaches, human beings need and crave connection, it’s fundamental to our humanity. We find strength and validation from being embraced and supported by our community. In fact, it’s transformational. My mission at Connected Transitions is to embody connection and compassion within all aspects of our company. From inside our team to the relationships with our clients. I feel deeply that there is an unspoken power in just meeting others wherever they may be on their personal and professional journeys. Even in a leadership position, or working in your field where you may know more than your peers, I find it crucial to approach all relationships and interactions as equals. Honoring the humanity of those around you, even when you’re feeling challenged or worn out, will lead to not only good things professionally, but people will feel the difference in your work.

What should our readers know about your business?
Connected Transitions is a full service doula company that offers birth and postpartum support, placenta encapsulation, lactation counseling, and baby sleep consulting to families in the Greater Philadelphia Region, including counties of New Jersey and Delaware. Although I am the owner and founder of Connected Transitions, the real credit goes to my fantastic team who truly make up the heartbeat of our company. We work together to help our clients navigate all facets of their birth and postpartum journeys by providing tools for informed decision making, evidence-based education, and a safe space to offer emotional validation and a listening ear. What really sets us apart is our connection-centered approach to support within our client and professional relationships. One of the reasons why I started this company was because through first-hand experience, and the shared feelings of my colleagues, it was clear that many agencies we prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of their doulas and clients. I wanted to change this. My mission was to create a company that carried a soulful passion to serve and honor the journeys of both our clients AND our team members. It is probably my Quaker roots, but as I tell all of my doulas and clients, I want to be here as more than a professional, but your friend. Why? Because there is an unspoken power in knowing you are not alone through the changing tides and transitions of life. That if you need a safe space to learn, grow, and be heard, that Connected Transitions can be that space. Since our opening, I have seen my vision become a company that has nurtured our team and clients. Hearing the positive feedback has made my heart sing, and this is what I am most proud of! Was it easy? Not necessarily. However, the most beautiful, rewarding experiences can be challenging! I think from a leader, business perspective, the hardest part has been setting boundaries and remembering to incorporate self-care into my daily living. I have learned that when I feel nourished, I am able to lead my team and service my clients better. And as ironic as it is, my biggest lesson is that connection really is the antidote to struggle and uncertainty. If it wasn’t for the encouragement and validation of my partner, team, friends, and family, I’m not sure I would have been able to do it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live outside of Philadelphia, and there are so many wonderful things to do and see! I unfortunately don’t get out as much anymore due to my busy schedule, but when I do, I love my “go-to” spots. My favorite restaurants are Talula’s Garden, Pizzeria Stella, and Bistro Romano. If I go outside of the city into the suburbs, I love Terrain Cafe in Devon! As for things to do, in the summertime I absolutely love trying beer gardens around the city, especially the Parks On Tap pop-up beer gardens. I also highly recommend just exploring and walking around the city. My favorite type of day is starting out at Rittenhouse Square when their Farmer’s Market is going on, grabbing a bite to eat and a fresh coffee, and walking around. If there is live music in the square, make sure to pause and listen. It’ll uplift the rest of your day! The last recommendation I would have is getting gelato at Cafe Gran L’Aquila. I mean it when I say it’s as good as gelato straight out of Italy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my incredibly loving and supportive partner, soulmate, and manager of our company, Carolyn. Thank you Carolyn for being my best friend, my rock, and for creating a safe space for me to ramble on for hours about how amazing babies are!

Website: https://connected-transitions.com/

Instagram: connectedtransitionsdoulas

Facebook: connectedtransitionsdoulas

Yelp: Connected Transitions

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