True Influencers

Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by some pretty exceptional people—individuals who have shaped what I value in this world and the path I have chosen in my business.

Growing up, we worked hard. I was the youngest of three girls raised by our farmer dad Eric and Betty, our hard-working mom who cooked, cleaned and organized our daily lives. They believed in teaching while doing, so we performed chores and helped around the house and farm at an early age. 

My parents instilled a rock-solid work ethic.

They also defined close-knit family. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins—they too were farmers who lived nearby. We helped each other out and when the planting was done, it was time for play.

If our parents weren’t hosting a gathering we were attending one to celebrate the end of the harvesting season in the fall or a snowmobile party in the winter. Each one of my relatives had a significant influence on me as a person.

Family members were my first mentors. 

As I entered into adulthood I discovered many others who would profoundly shape my future. There was Gigi Guyton, instructor for the first business course I took in Portland, Maine, 12 years ago. While my family instilled my work ethic, Gigi influenced my entrepreneurial path. Her guidance and confidence gave me the push I needed to launch my own business.

Then there’s Jula Sampson. We were paired together during a business accelerator program in 2015 and our friendship continues today. She generously shares years of experience and continues to be a great sounding board.

Then I became a mentor.

I’m not a teacher by trade and the thought of speaking in front of a group of people made me incredibly nervous. That changed when I signed up to teach English in the Marshall Islands in my 20s. Years later I took on a fitness class at our local YMCA. I discovered an affinity for helping our community grow stronger and the community kept coming. 

Even through LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls, one of our core missions is to educate others to be responsible in our choices when it comes to the environment—to lead by example and inspire others to do the same.

Mentors share advice based on their knowledge and experiences. They can be incredibly helpful. I’m always open to asking for help and eager to learn from others. Mentors have given me the know-how to raise an independent son and the drive to help educate and empower those around me.