FAQ: Interview with Renée

Please take a moment to print this out and read before hiring Renée.

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Calm Mama Mentor?

To answer this question, it’s probably best that I share with you a defining moment and resulting “compelling story” that brought me to where I am today, coaching people like you on exactly how to live life with long-lasting, creative innergy…no matter what the day brings you.

That defining moment in my life happened in late 2009.

I became a Mommy!

Years, and I’m talking years before, I’d been living my life in a very dominating left brain way.  A way that was fast, fearful, worrisome and stressful.

For most of my life I chose to saturate my mind with “head spinning” nutrition information so I could eat right and exercise for a happy and healthy life.

This led me to quit teaching elementary school and become a Certified Health Coach.  At the same time, I was super excited to help others eat more wholesome, nutritious foods to better themselves.

But after I had my daughter, I began to notice some internal shifts occurring.

One day, while grocery shopping with my daughter, I looked down at my cart that was filled with wholesome, organic foods.

I thought to myself, “I eat this food every day.  Every week.  Every month.  I cook almost all my food from scratch.  You’d think I’d be bouncing off the walls with natural energy, but I’m not.  I’m so tired and exhausted”.

I looked at my daughter, who was upbeat, happy and loving life and then it hit me, “I’m spending way too much of my life concerned with food.  Eat this. Not that.  I’m not loving life in a way that I should be.  It’s not the food.  It’s my thoughts.  I’m not filling my life up with what I truly love.  I don’t want to model this heavily, saturated, one-sided view of food to my daughter. I don’t want her to head to be filled with “spinning” thoughts on food like mine is and has been. And, I want her to grow up focusing only on what she loves and has passion for”.

I became more aware that my thoughts were still out of control, even though I ate the healthiest foods on the planet and exercised as much as my “mommy” time would allow.

I was gaining weight, hating military life (not my military man, just all the military moves), fearing food that wasn’t organic, stuck in rut with what my passion was behind my business and I was pushing my “me time” further and further down on my to-do list.

At that very moment, I knew healthy living was way more than saturating my mind with nutrients of food and drowning in sweat on the treadmill. 

But I didn’t REALLY realize it until I honored my inner creative itch that had been calling out to me (and for years) during my pregnancy with my daughter.

Before that moment in the grocery store and a few months into my pregnancy, I rediscovered my love for photography and I immersed myself in it as much as I could.  At the same time I was having doubts about focusing so much on food, in a health way, but wasn’t sure what that meant for me.

I continued on with embracing my love for my camera, all while still viewing food in a heavily, one-sided, health related way, but my inner creative itch was still calling out for more.

It was craving something along the lines of coloring with my hands.  I had no idea WHY this inner need to color was calling out to me, but I listened and began to research online art journaling classes.

I thought, “Yes! I want to learn more about this.  This feels right.”

But after signing up, I felt it was way over my head because I never, ever thought I was creative “artist” material.

Then by chance, I came across Whitney Ferré and her Creatively Fit Programs. The second I heard her speak on left and right brain thinking, BIG aha’s exploded like fireworks right before my eyes.

I had been living my life “thinking” in a very left-brain, dominated way.  Full of overwhelm, trying to “figure” it out, stress, worry, anxiety, and my inner voice was craving more right brain, be in the moment, calming thoughts and activities.

For years, I had tried everything to calm my thoughts and my body; yoga, mediation, Chinese balls, walks in nature, jogging, dancing.

My body loved it, but my left-brain chatter (worry, to-do list, eat this-not that) was still taking over.

And that’s when it hit me even more.

I thought, “Even though I’m a health coach and have loads of nutrition information behind me, I’m still trying to figure out HOW to eat right and exercise right with the all the conflicting nutrition information that comes out daily AND on top of that, I’m still trying to figure out how to keep up with life.  How to reconnect with my true passions. How to keep money flowing in for bills. How to stay grounded while being a military wife and moving every 3 to 4 years. How to be the best mom, wife, daughter, friend. How to get meals on the table day in and day out. How to thrive instead of survive adulthood, and most importantly, how to take better care of myself, feel more calm and add more “me” time into my overwhelmed and stressful days.

And at that very moment, I made the commitment to immerse myself in absolutely everything that had to do with calming my mind with creativity.  I took Whitney’s courses and signed up to become one of her Creatively Fit Coaches.  I read every book and Internet article I could find on left and right brain thinking. I even went back through all my nutrition information that I’ve learned and realized how this IS the missing link that I’ve been searching all these years for.

And, most importantly, I became a daily doodler and photographer. Something I never, ever thought I’d do (because, ya know, I’m not creative, right!? And, I’m not a kindergartner anymore, right!? I’m an adult with lots of adult responsibilities, right!?).

But, lo and behold, I learned how to calm my thoughts with daily creativity that involved crayons, colored pencils, paint and photos. I felt more calm. I lost weight.  I had more energy. My body image thoughts turned from negative to positive. I balanced out my heavily, saturated, one-sided thoughts of food with the help of photography and right brain thinking. I connected within and began to listen to my own inner wisdom, instead of the overwhelming, external one’s (because you know, I am the expert of my life).

And during all of these shifts, I created more time for daily yoga, daily doodles, daily “me” time (that my inner voice had been calling out to me to do for years) which resulted in more calm, more creativity, more energy, more passion and more fun in my life, all while taking care of myself, my toddler, my husband and our constant “moving” lifestyle.

But, most importantly, I now create my calming life as a “work in progress”.  I’ll never be free or healed from the stressors of life, but now that I have this creative knowledge in my life, I handle those stressors more calmly than I ever have before.

Soon, my friends and colleagues were asking me, “How are you doing it? How are you having so much fun? I want to know”.

I’d tell them a few things to do, and then they’d tell me, “I’m doodling more and I feel so inspired with what I want to create in my life”!

And since then, I’ve made the commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life to help moms (or anyone who works or is around kids) use creativity to help them feel more calm, relaxed and energized so they can slow down and nourish themselves and their families with beautiful food, colorful doodles and in-the moment photography…no matter how overwhelming the day can be.

What is a Calm Mama Mentor?

As a Certified Creatively Fit and Holistic Health Coach, it’s my job to provide you with specific lifestyle recommendations that are geared toward your creative and nutrition goals and to help you live life more relaxed and energized.  In a nutshell, I basically inspire you to use mindless-creativity activity, doodles, painting and photography, to melt away the stress of the day. Instead of providing you with way-over-your-head arts and crafts activities and a specific diet with strict limitations, I’ll be educating you on what I’ve learned and done for myself on how to feel calm and nourish yourself with balanced thinking around creativity, food and self-care.   Especially nourishment that doesn’t come from food you eat with a fork and a plate.  I provide fabulous tips and tools to help you reconnect with your inner creative self again (because everyone IS creative), all while helping you love delicious and savoring foods. I make it fun to nourish yourself by offering a creative and natural approach to wellness.

Because I’m going to “cheer” you on while you move toward a more calm mama lifestyle, I’ll also provide you with the highest level of support.  By doing this, I’ll help you make a plan geared only toward the changes you want in your life.  These changes will be unique and will not be “general” because everyone is different.  Because of this, the recommendations I’ll be providing will be based on your individual needs.  I’ll keep you accountable while being gentle and positive.

Do you find yourself saying that you just need more time for yourself you can recharge and be a better mom to your kiddos? Have you ever thought that you’re just not creative, even though something creative is calling out to you, but you don’t know what it is, so you just gave up and went on with your life while leaving creativity to the “creative’s”? Have you ever deprived yourself of certain foods, and then realized you just want those foods even more?  Have you tried to hold on to the willpower, but then realized you didn’t succeed so you get upset with yourself for not sticking to it?

I’ve definitely been there, and I know what it’s like.  This approach doesn’t work for the long-term.  If it didn’t work for me, then it probably didn’t work for you.  I’ve figured out how to have success with a completely different approach that doesn’t include “I’m NOT creative” thoughts, deprivation, willpower or exhaustion.

My clients are able to make lifestyle changes that will last because we break creativity and mindset related activities down into small, manageable steps.  All the steps build on one another to create a bigger picture of what we’re trying to achieve.  If you get stuck or don’t follow-through on a recommendation, that’s OK!  I’ll gently support you.  We’ll problem solve and work though your challenges and barriers together.

How are you different than trained Creative Coach?

A Creative Coach is trained to help people who have creative projects that are unfinished, being worked on but are being pushed behind because they’re working another job that doesn’t fulfill them to pay the bills, have huge creative projects and dreams that they want to share with the world but are full of doubt and fear to get them out there, or have achieved success in the creative world but are struggling with what to do next.  The creative information I provide doesn’t replace the advice from a Creative Coach.

If you consider yourself creative already and are working on projects and want to get them out into the world, I encourage you to connect with a Creative Coach.  But I have to tell ya, my work can definitely help people who already consider themselves creative and want to share it with the world confidently, but my work is also for those who have never thought they had any creative sparks in them and for some reason, are having a creative calling and don’t know what it is or how to even start.

The reason why my work can help creative’s and those who think they aren’t creative is that I use creativity as a mindless, slow down activity.  I use it as an activity that helps you take a break from the hectic pace of the world, the external messages that fill our heads every second of the day, and to finally connect within and melt away the worry, fear, doubt and stress of the day.

I’m a Creatively Fit Coach, meaning I’m going to help you calm those overly used left brain, overwhelming “to-do” list thoughts with adding in more right brain, creative activity to help balance and innergize your thinking and the way you do life.

How are you different than a licensed nutritionist and dietician?

A licensed nutritionist or dietician is trained to asses the nutritional needs of individuals; establish priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs; and provide nutrition counseling in health and disease. The nutritional information I provide doesn’t replace the advice of your physician or registered dietician.

I encourage you to continue visiting and being treated by your healthcare professionals, including, without limitation, your physician. I don’t act in capacity of a doctor, licensed nutritionist-dietician, massage therapist, psychologist or other licensed or registered professional.  I don’t provide healthcare, medical or nutrition therapy services and will not diagnose, treat or cure in any manner whatsoever, any disease, condition or other physcial or mental ailment of the human body.  I’m not a healer.  I’m a natural living educator.

Who are your clients exactly?

I work with people just like you! My clients are mostly busy women and moms who are really good at what they do; however, have never been taught exactly how to take exceptionally good care of themselves so they feel calm while taking care of everyone else. They’ve ve tried many things in the past to help them de-stress, get creative, lose weight and gain more energy, but have failed and became confused and exhausted, which has resulted in an overflow of negative thoughts.

Many of my clients work with me because they want to have more energy and less stress so they can spend quality time with their family. They want to be calm no matter what, be creative, feel and look healthy, feel at peace with themselves and not feel so run-down.  My clients struggle with their self-care, creativity confidence, weight, energy level, sugar cravings and guiltlessly “me” time, and they simply want to be happy with the way they’re creating, eating and living as a mama. They want a new approach to stress management, creativity and healthy living without beating themselves up with self-defeating thoughts, depriving themselves and feeling guilty.

What type of person do you work best with and what is expected?

The Calm Mama™  programs were created for people who are absolutely excited and motivated about learning how to use colorful, mindless-creativity and savoring foods to help them slow down, tap into their inner creative juices again and create energizing nourishment for themselves from the inside and out so they can end what I call the “I’m-so-tired-that-I-just-want-to-scream” thoughts that replay over and over in their heads day after day.   The programs were created for you to slowly integrate new nourishing, creative habits that result in life-long lifestyle changes.  My approach isn’t a quick-fix.  Think about when you’ve tried a quick-fix?  Did it work for the long-term? It may have worked, but how long did you have to keep doing it? If you took a break from it, did the self-doubt thoughts and weight start coming back? And, if it did, did it pile on fast, so then you found yourself full of negative thinking and back on the “quick-fix” again, until really, you became a slave to it?  My approach is about  making life-long changes.  You may experience some quickly, but others may take some time, and that’s perfectly normal.  And, honestly, you want the changes to take place slowly, because slow = long term results.

Being a highly motivated creative nourishment lifestyle go-getter myself, I’m known to work best with other highly motivated creative nourishment lifestyle go-getters who are super-ready to get going and just want to know exactly what steps to take to enjoy calm mama living. I work best with clients who are ready to put forth energy toward taking care of themselves.  Many of my clients are moms to young children and busy professionals who don’t have a lot of time, but that’s OK.  I actually help them to learn how to take care of themselves and feel more calm and energized, even though they are lacking time, because I’m in their shoes and have done it (and still doing it) myself.  The most important thing is that you’re committed to giving some time for yourself.

Consider what you’ll do with me to be an action learning course. You’ll be expected to follow recommendations and take consistent action. No excuses anymore, just a very different approach to thinking about your creative nourishment with full support while you achieve this incredibly exciting goal: more calm, more energy, more creativity and more positive and confident thoughts so you can slow down down and enjoy your family even more, savor beautiful foods, have healthy energy that lasts throughout the day and more guilt-free “me” time to enjoy it all…no matter what the day brings.

For what type of person is this program NOT going to work?

Please know that I’m very selective in who I work with and I cherry-pick my clients, choosing to (gently) turn away people who aren’t suited for my programs and won’t get the results for which for which they have signed up for (it wouldn’t be fair to them). I choose not to work with people who aren’t willing and ready to invest in themselves with patience, making changes and financially.

The Calm Mama™ programs are NOT for those who are looking for a quick-fix, a magic pill, needs to be told exactly what to eat, down to the calorie count and grams of protein, fat and carbohydrates, and who have no desire of viewing themselves as creative. This includes people who need their nutritional needs assessed or require nutrition counseling in health and disease. These programs are not appropriate for people with serious medical conditions.

What exactly is The Calm Mama™ Program and what does it include?

The Calm Mama™  is a program I created and use with each of my clients to help them to truly enjoy taking care of themselves and feel more calm with mindless-creative activity. My clients achieve more creativity confidence and wholesome nourishment in all areas of their life.  It’s been the key to creating long-lasting changes for myself and for my clients. The Calm Mama™ program is effective, but it’s not a quick-fix and results depend on you.

Here is what the system gets you to do:

Make YOU a priority
First, you’ll need to make the decision to commit to yourself if you want long-lasting changes in your thoughts and lifestyle.  If you want different results from what you have done in the past, then you’ll have to change something.  We’ll make this easy by writing down goals that you want to address to ensure that you’re able to make your whole, creative self a priority.  You’ll be supported with action steps to help you reach these goals and your progress, success and challenges will be positively acknowledged.

Create yourself calm
Always say, “I’m NOT creative”? Good! You’re the perfect fit for this program.  Tired of your thoughts running five miles ahead of you when you try to relax?  Oh yeah!  You’ll be shown the exact tools to help you tap into your inner creative juices again, and at the same time, use those same tools to help you melt away the stress after a very long and overwhelming “to-do” list day.

Love all food
I provide an easy way for you view all food with loving and nourishing thoughts, rather than viewing food with stressful and worrying thoughts.  Instead of being fearful of certain foods (left brain dominated), you’ll learn how to savor high-quality food as beautiful and satisfying (enter right brain thoughts), which releases negative energy and results in balance and weight loss.

Create with confidence
Have a creative itch calling out to you from deep within you? Want to cook more in your kitchen but are full of overwhelm and exhaustion.  Want to reconnect with a passion that’s never left you but has been wanting to be connected with again for years now? You’ll be taught how to easily re-connect with your inner creative juices so you can slow down, connect within and create more energy to do all the things you love in life, or all the things you’ve wanted to reconnect with again.

Enjoy movement
Just like with diets, the same is true with exercising…there is no one right way to exercise.  Exercise is different for everyone, but the key is to be aware of your current lifestyle and find movement that your body loves and craves.  If the movement you do makes you smile and your body is craving it, you’ll stick to it!  I’ll support you to find which types of movement work best for you, whether it is walking, dancing, yoga, biking, hula hooping, gardening or just playing with your kids, because when you honor your body with what it truly craves, you’ll move with pleasure and your body will be smiling on the inside which will radiate on the outside.

Easily pamper yourself
When you think of pampering yourself, does an hour long massage come to mind?  Ahhh, yes, those are wonderful, and something I recommend, but we don’t always have the time or money.  You’ll learn how to easily create “me” time that’s simple, fun and inexpensive.  If you don’t stop and take care of yourself, how are you going to take care of everyone else around you?

Create an attitude of gratitude
We tend to focus on the negative.  It just seems that’s how our society is set up these days. You’ll be supported in bringing out your inner positive self in all areas of your life though creativity. When you’re thinking positive, nourishing thoughts, you’ll be creating a positive, nourishing body, mind and soul, too, which helps you see the world around you with “gratitude” eyes.

Slow down without guilt
Who came up with the idea that being “busy” all the time means we’re successful in life? When we’re constantly on the go, our body and mind feel the affect.  If we don’t ever stop and smell the roses, we end up overwhelmed, exhausted and sick.  The go, go mentality sets us up for depletion and exhaustion.  You’ll be given many tools that’ll help you manage your stress levels and help you press the pause button without feeling guilty about it.

Live in harmony with nature
The climate you live in plays an important role in the foods and activities you partake in.  If you live in New York City, would you be eating pineapple in January?  It’s a healthy food, but not ideal in the winter months in the Northeast.  Food and lifestyle choices change throughout the seasons and depending on where you live.   You’ll learn how to eat seasonally and locally which will leave you feeling energized no matter what season it is.

Rely on long-lasting, creative energy
Do you have a great relationship with the coffee shop down the street or the vending machine at your office?  If so, is it the ideal jump starter for you?  Does it give you long-lasting energy and keep you satisfied? What about after a long day. Do you usually numb out on the couch in front of the TV, but deep down, you really want to do something different to take better care of yourself, but you’re just too exhausted to even move, or, to even think?  I won’t be telling you quit coffee and TV, but I will show you, in a way that’s rarely talked about, on how to enjoy your coffee with pleasure, instead of only using it to help you get through the day, and how to create, long-lasting motivation to do activities that your body, mind and soul crave.  No more start something. End something. Start again. End again cycle.

Nourish your lifestyle
You can be eating the healthiest foods, but if you’re not present with your food while eating, thinking negative thoughts, stressed out, not taking time for yourself, unhappy in one or more areas in your life, then your whole self isn’t being completely nourished, which can cause weight gain, anxiety, depleted energy and stressed-out behaviors.  We’ll look at how and where you are eating your food.  We’ll also look beyond the food that you eat with a fork and look at other areas in your life that feed your soul.  When you begin to nourish your whole self through creativity, all areas in your life will begin to balance, which will create long, lasting feel good energy.

These are the steps of The Calm Mama™ program that I’ve created after working with my clients to achieve lasting results. In addition to these ten categories, you will receive an abundance of support on your journey to living your healthiest, happiest life ever!

Will you be teaching me how to be an Artist? 

I’m not an artist, so I will not be teaching you how to be one, either.  But, what I will be teaching you is how to reconnect with your inner-kindergartner again.  You know, the one that loved coloring and painting, without any rules or judgments?  The reason I bring you back to Kindergarten is so that you can calm your left brain (to-do) thoughts and let your right brain (ahhhh, relaxation thoughts) speak up for a change.  I teach you how to mindlessly-create, with crayons and paint, to calm the stress of the day and to to help you nourish your true self with more ease.

Will I need to buy lots of expensive Art supplies for this course?  

Not at all.  The best part about my programs is that you don’t need to put much “thought” into the activities.  For all the mindless-creative activities, you can use kids crayons and paints, or, if you’d like, you can go to an arts and crafts store for your supplies.  The choice is yours.  There’s no set rules.  You’ll need and art journal, crayons, colored pencils, acrylic paints (only primary colors), paintbrushes, a few canvas’, a paper plate and a water container to get the full benefits of my program.  All of the supplies are outlined in your Welcome Packet with visuals and links. Because, if you’re like me, it’s been quite some time since you’ve said hello to your inner-kindergartner, so all these supplies may be fuzzy to you, like they were to me.  Have no fear.  I’m here to support you and provide a safe place for you so that you’ll be well on your way to incorporating de-stressing mindless-creative activity into your life.

Will you be teaching me how to be a photographer and will I need photography experience and fancy equipment?

I will not be teaching you how to be a professional photographer, but I might throw in some pointers on how to take photos. It will be a few here and there and just little pointers on how I take my own photos.  This isn’t a photography course where you’ll be graded and critiqued, so you won’t need any photography background for the programs.  And, no you don’t need a fancy camera for this program either.  You can use your cell phone camera, point and shoot or DSLR. There’s no special requirement.  The only requirement is no rules, only fun!

 Do your programs really work?

Yes!  All of my clients have had amazing, long-lasting results when it comes to what they’re creating and and how they’re living. In fact, they’re usually amazed and excited by the number of changes they have made while working with me.  When you truly start listening to your body and your self-care needs, everything will fall into place and you’ll see many, many positive results. (See more Client Testimonials)

What results can I expect?

You can expect to:

* Create inspiration with specific “continue on with” steps.

* Make simple ‘calm mama’ lifestyle changes.

* More creative activity in your life; things that you used to love as a kid will blossom more than ever.

* Easy and inexpensive ways to de-stress after a long, and hectic day.

* Integrate delicious and beautiful food into your diet.

* Increase energy throughout the day (no more relying on caffeine and sugar)

* Your mind will be at ease because you won’t be confused on how to take care of yourself (no more low fat, no fat, low carb, eat less, exercise more…the diet roller coaster that makes your head spin).

* Not only a better relationship with food, but also with your body and mind (there is so much more to it than just eating beautiful foods).

* Learn to listen to your body instead of outside sources (you are the expert).

* Fearless around all food.

* More confident trips to the arts and craft store.

* Feel and look GREAT!

* Handle mommy duties with calm and ease.

* Have more knowledge on how to cook beautiful foods that are quick, easy and delicious, even if you’re schedule is a busy one (you will LOVE your kitchen, even if you’ve never cooked before).

* Weight loss.

* Discover fitness routines that you will not only have fun doing, but you’re passionate about.

* FEEL like a kid again.

* Focus on FUN ways to nourish and pamper yourself (no more feeling guilty about this one).

* Love yourself from the inside and out.

* Seasonal eating.

* Balanced thinking, which will result in a positive mindset and a positive life.

* Reduce worry and stress.

* Be more peaceful and relaxed.

* Quickly quiet your mind.

* Positive mind-set toward body, mind and life.

* Less guilt.

* Revive your inner, creative child.

* Less overwhelm.

* More energy to play with your kids.

* Positive results that will last, and your family will too!

* Living life with colorful FUN!

* And so much more…

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it’s like to work with you?

Yes!  I encourage you to! Please go to the Client Testimonials page and read all of them. See which ones you feel drawn to, either because the person received the results you want to get too, or perhaps because that person is in a similar situation.  Then let me know who you want to speak with and I will give you their e-mail and phone number and you can call or e-mail them and ask what they got from working with me.  Then e-mail me to let me know how it went.

How quickly can I expect results?

This obviously depends on your specific situation and the effort you put into the following the specific recommendations. That said, many clients start to experience changes after one or two sessions.  Changes may include, among others, reconnecting with inner, creative passions again, more present with their family, increased energy, inner peace, changes in weight, more positivity in their life, more awareness of how they think about food and how they eat food.

What do I need to do to guarantee that I get the most of the program and reach my goals? 

To get the most of your program, your success depends on you.  This program is not a “quick-fix”. But, it is a tool-kit that will last a lifetime.  In order for you to get the best results, you’ll need to follow the recommendations that are given, show up for your sessions on time, give me me honest feedback on how you’re doing, what’s working for you, what’s not and what current needs you’d like addressed.

How will we work together and what do your programs entail?

You will receive my support during our one-on-one coaching sessions by phone or email.  During the sessions we’ll talk about what you want to address when it comes to achieving more creativity and nourishment for yourself. We start with what is most important to you at the time. I provide unlimited support during your sessions and through e-mail, and I offer guidance when recommending simple and fun action steps to help you reach your goals.  At the beginning of each session we’ll check-in to see how the, what I like to call “continue one with” steps went from the last session.

After each session, you’ll be provided notes that include: topics discussed, continue on with steps and positive changes, mindless creative, activities, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to make, and an assortment of handouts and educational materials that will compliment what we discuss during your sessions. Some programs include creativity and foods samples, self-care products, healthy shopping and cooking DVDs, unlimited e-mail support and weekly check-in calls.

How long are the programs?

I offer 4 different programs via phone and email for new clients and they’re 3 to 6 months long.  All programs will result in positive, long-lasting, lifestyle changes. Having programs that last 3 to 6 months allows us to insure that changes you make at the beginning of the program are still being implemented toward the middle, end and beyond your program.  This also provides you to really learn and become more aware of what works best for you.

Do people continue past 6 months?

Yes, many people love the ongoing support. Most people find that they successfully obtained their original goals by the end of the program, but often they want to go to the next level. I’m always happy to continue working with a client.

What are your coaching programs like?

As a new client, you have 3 different coaching options via phone and email to choose from, depending on how much time you want to focus on your creative nutrition lifestyle, or based on budget level. These programs were created to offer something for everyone.

Do you offer programs via phone? 

Yes! And here’s what they include: 

1.  The 6-Month Calm Mama “Mega Support” Program

This program is for the individual who’s highly motivated to improve their creative lifestyle and who would like a lot of time with me.  I’ll be providing many tips and tools that will help you with your creative nutrition goals.  We’ll be able to handle all the overwhelming “to-do” list thoughts because we’ll have so much time together.

Two fifty-minute recorded sessions per month – 12 sessions total/6 months
Twice a month we will meet via phone to discuss your creative lifestyle and nutrition goals, your progress, your successes and your obstacles.  This is your safe place to discuss what matters to you most. You’ll be able to ask questions and receive help on any challenges that you may face along the way.  At the end of your session you will be given simple, easy and fun “continue on with” steps and recommendations to help you on your creative nutrition lifestyle journey. Each session will be recorded and e-mailed to you, so you can review them over and over again.

Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes, Photography and Self-Care Tips
After each session, I’ll email you quick and easy creative activities that will help calm you down and reconnect you with your inner creative sparks again, recipes that you’ll love and savor and self-care tips and tools.  The creative activities are perfect for those who haven’t picked up a crayon in years and, at the same time, they’re great for those who have, because they’re being used to help you melt away the stress of the day and your perfectionism thoughts.  The recipes will help you to easily prepare meals at home and help you save time.  Even if you don’t cook!  I provide in-the-moment photography inspiration to help you slow down and connect with the present moment and self-care tips that don’t require you to leave your home and bust your budget and are easy, fun and oh, so comforting.

Educational Materials
After each session, I’ll email you handouts and materials that will relate to topics discussed during your session.  These materials are for your information and for you to read at your leisure.  They’ll provide you wilt more knowledge while you become your own creative nutrition expert.  I’ll encourage you to place these in a beautiful binder, decorated by you, of course.  As your binder blossoms with useful information, your life will blossom, too!  Your jammed packed binder is a great resource to have for your creative nutrition lifestyle!

Unlimited E-mail Support
You’ll not only have access to me during sessions, but you can email me anytime with questions, your successes or obstacles at anytime.  I’m your personal advocate for achieving success; so I do ask that you use me as much as needed during our time together, so if you need me in between your sessions, please e-mail me.  I’ll respond back to you within 48 hours or less.

Unlimited Phone Access
While working through your program you may experience a time when you feel stuck or overwhelmed.  Or you may just have a question.  Because of this, I provide weekly open office hours where you can call in for a 15-minute check-in. These calls are only available to clients participating in this program.  This is your chance to write down any questions that may come up between sessions or what’s challenging you.  I’ll provide you with specific answers to help you stay on track or if you just need extra support and motivation.

Unlimited Free Access to Classes and Events
You’ll have unlimited free access to all of my healthy living teleclasses, talks and events during and after your program. This is a great way for you to keep learning way beyond your mega support program.

Natural Foods Shopping DVD
Do you know what a health food store is?  Do you avoid health food stores because you have no idea what to buy?  Do you just walk past certain foods in the produce section because you are clueless on how to cook them?  You’ll receive a Healthy Shopping DVD that will show you how to shop for healthy foods; how to shop on a budget; how to choose high-quality produce, meat and dairy; and how to read food labels and pick healthy packaged meals.

Natural Foods Cooking DVD
You’ll receive a Healthy Cooking DVD that will show you how to cook the foods that you have learned about on your Healthy Shopping DVD and the foods you pick up at your health food store or farmers market.  This DVD comes will all the recipes that are shown too!

Total Body Workout DVD
You will receive a fun and easy Total Body Workout DVD.  It’ll motivate you to move your body in a positive and encouraging way.

Mega Nourishment Goodie Package
At the beginning of your program, you’ll receive a package that’s filled with creative tools, food samples and self-care items that compliment each session.  Each item will be labeled for you to open at each session.  This makes it fun for you to try new creative activities, foods and self-care tips discussed during your sessions.  This way you can try them right away to see if you like them before spending money on something you may or may not like.

This is the only program that offers:

❀ Unlimited Phone Access
❀ Unlimited Free Access to Calm Mama and Events
❀ Healthy Shopping DVD
❀ Healthy Cooking DVD
❀ Total Body Workout DVD
❀ Mega Nourishment Goodie Package

2. The 6-Month Calm Mama “Whole Support” Program

This program was created for individuals who are highly motivated to take care of their creative self.  You’ll have support and guidance, but this is great for someone who doesn’t feel that they need extra time with me.

This program includes: 

❀ Two fifty-minute sessions per month – 12 sessions total/6 months}
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Educational Materials
❀ E-mail Support

3.  The 3-Month Calm Mama “Creative Express” Support Program

This program was created for individuals who are independent self-starters and are highly motivated to take care of their creative self but aren’t ready to fully commit to six months.

This program includes:

❀ Two fifty-minute sessions per month – 6 sessions total/3 months
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Educational Materials
❀ E-mail Support

4.  Calm Mama Group Programs

This program was created for individual’s who are highly motivated to take care of their creative self in a group setting. Not only will you have Renée’s support, but you’ll also have extra support from a “buddy” or “buddies” throughout your program.  This a great program to do with your friends, family or co-workers!

This program includes:

❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Education Materials
❀ Unlimited E-mail Support

2 people: 12, 60-minute sessions
3 people: 12, 90-minute sessions
4 people: 12, 90-minute sessions

*Additional private sessions are available during group programs if needed.

The Calm Mama “Welcome Back” Program

This program was created for clients who have completed a 6-month program and would like to come back for additional support.  This is great for a client who wants to stay on track and get continued support when challenges arise while living their creative, colorful life.   

This program includes:

❀ One fifty-minute session per month
❀ Unlimited E-mail Support

Which of these programs would work best for you?  If you were to do this, when do you see yourself wanting to start?

Do you offer programs via E-mail?

Yes! And here’s what they include: 

This type of coaching is perfect for those who currently don’t have the time to coach via phone, have their days filled which won’t allow a break in the schedule for phone coaching or just for someone who would rather be coached via writing though email, than on the phone. (I personally have done e-coaching.  It worked great when I was at home taking care of my daughter.  Once she was in bed, or napping, I could sit down and write an email to my coach, no matter what time it was. Genius!).

It works pretty much the same as individual coaching via phone.  I’ll send you a Welcome Packet, you’ll fill it in with all your hopes and dreams for the most awesome creative nutrition lifestyle and then we correspond back and forth via email.  I’ll be giving you a time frame, too, just like in my phone programs, that way you will stay supported through you creative “virtual” journey.

1.   The 6-Month Calm Mama “Virtual Mega Support” Program

This program is for the individual who’s highly motivated to improve their creative lifestyle and who would like a lot of time with me.  I’ll be providing many tips and tools that will help you with your creative nutrition goals.  We’ll be able to handle all the overwhelming “to-do” list thoughts because we’ll have so much time together.

Two email sessions per month – 12 sessions total/6 months
Twice a month we’ll meet via email to discuss your creative nutrition lifestyle goals, your progress, your successes and your obstacles.  This is your safe place to discuss what matters to you most.  You’ll be able to ask questions and receive help on any challenges that you may face along the way.  At the end of your session you’ll be given simple, fun and easy “continue on with” steps and recommendations to help you on your creative nutrition lifestyle journey.  Each session will be emailed to you, so you can print them out and keep them in a nice fancy binder to review over and over again.

Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes, Photography and Self-Care Tips
After each session, I’ll email you quick and easy creative activities that will help calm you down and reconnect you with your inner creative sparks again, recipes that you’ll love and savor and self-care tips and tools.  The creative activities are perfect for those who haven’t picked up a crayon in years and, at the same time, they’re great for those who have, because they’re being used to help you melt away the stress of the day and your perfectionism thoughts.  The recipes will help you to easily prepare meals at home and help you save time.  Even if you don’t cook!  I provide in-the-moment photography inspiration to help you slow down and connect with the present moment and self-care tips that don’t require you to leave your home and bust your budget and are easy, fun and oh, so comforting.

Educational Materials
After each session, I’ll email you handouts and materials that will relate to topics discussed during your session.  These materials are for your information and for you to read at your leisure.  They’ll provide you wilt more knowledge while you become your own creative nutrition expert.  I’ll encourage you to place these in a beautiful binder, decorated by you, of course.  As your binder blossoms with useful information, your life will blossom, too!  Your jammed packed binder is a great resource to have for your creative nutrition lifestyle!

Unlimited Email Support
You’ll not only have access to me during our email sessions, but you can email me anytime with questions, your successes or obstacles at anytime.  I’m your personal advocate for achieving success; I do ask that you use me as much as needed during our time together, so if you need me in between your sessions, please email me.  I’ll respond back to you within 48 hours or less.

Unlimited Phone Access
While working though your email program you may experience a time when you feel stuck or overwhelmed.  Or you may just have a question.  Because of this, I’ll provide weekly office hours where you can call in for a 15-minute check-in.  These calls are only available to clients participating in this program.  This is your chance to write down any questions that my come up between sessions or what’s challenging you.  I’ll provide you with specific answers to help you stay on track or if you just need extra support and motivation outside of email.

Unlimited Free Access to Classes and Events
You’ll have unlimited free access to all of my creative nutrition teleclasses, talks and events during and after your program.  This is a great way for you to keep learning beyond your “virtual mega” program.

Virtual Mega Nourishment Goodie Package
During the beginning of your email program, you’ll receive a package that’s filled with creative tools, food samples and self-care items that compliment each session.  Each item will be labeled for you to open at each session.  This makes it fun for you to try new creative activities, foods and self-care tips discussed during your sessions.  This way you can try them right away to see if you like them before spending money on something you may or may not like.

This is the only program that offers:

❀ Unlimited Phone Access
❀ Unlimited Free Access to Calm Mama Classes and Events
❀ Virtual Mega Goodie Package

2. The 6-Month Calm Mama “Virtual Whole Support” Program

This program was created for individuals who are highly motivated to take care of their creative self.  You’ll have support and guidance, but this is great for someone who doesn’t feel that they need extra time with me.

This program includes:

❀ Two email sessions per month – 12 sessions total/6 months
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Educational Materials
❀ Unlimited Email Support

3. The 3-Month Calm Mama “Virtual Creative Express” Program

This program was created for individuals who are independent self-starters and are highly motivated to take care of their creative self but aren’t ready to fully commit to six months.

This program includes:

❀ Two email sessions per month – 6 sessions total/ 3 months
❀ Mindless-Creative Activity, Recipes, Photography and Self-Care Tips
❀ Educational Materials
❀ Unlimited Email Support

The Calm Mama “Virtual Welcome Back” Program

This program was created for clients who have completed a 6-month program and would like to come back for additional support.  This is great for a client who wants to stay on track and get continued support when challenges arise while living their creative, colorful life.

This program includes:

❀ Two email sessions per month
❀ Unlimited Email Support

Where are you located? Do you only work with local clients?

My office is located in Slidell, Louisiana, but I work with my clients via phone and email.  My clients are located both locally and in other parts of the country and world.  I’ve found that working with clients by phone and email is extremely effective and I’ve developed incredible relationships with them.  What’s really great about working on the phone is that my clients sessions start on time and end on time, or by email, any time in a 2 week period, but all in the comfort of their own home so they can really make their sessions a “me” time event.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes! Actually, I only accept credit cards. You can either pay on a monthly basis or pay the whole program at once. It’s totally up to you.   Clients who choose to pay in full receive a bookkeeping discount.

I’m not sure if I can afford the monthly payments right now. Do you offer extended payment plans?

Yes!  I offer extended payment plans that are based on your individual needs. I understand that that at times money can be tight, so if you are truly ready to sign-up for one of my programs, I will provide a way to make it work for you! Contact me today for optional payment plans.

OK!  I know which programs I want.  How do we get started?

Great!  The first step toward creative nutrition living is making YOU number one on your to-do list. If this feels like the right time to focus on YOU and your needs, then go for it!

Here’s what you do:  just contact me at renee@reneeyemma.com to schedule a complimentary “get acquainted” phone session.  During this session we will discuss your creative nutrition goals and we’ll see if you’re a good fit for my programs.  At the end you’ll have a chance to let me know which program works best for you in terms of the results you want to get.  We’ll set up a day and time to start your program and you’ll receive a welcome packet via e-mail.  In it, you’ll fill out your client information and goals.  You’ll send this back to me at least 2 days before your first session.  I’ll review your information and then customize a plan that meets your goals and where you are currently at so you can achieve the best possible results.  I can’t wait to meet you to get started on your path to living your most creative,  innergized life ever!

If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it’s the right solution for me?

A way to sample The Calm Mama™ program  is by scheduling a complimentary “Feel Calm Mama” session by phone or email with me. We’ll discuss your specific situation and whether I can help you.  It’s a great way to see how your sessions will be.  It’s very similar to the program sessions.  Contact me at renee@reneeyemma.com to schedule your complimentary “Feel Calm Mama” email session.

You can sample my work by subscribing to my e-mail newsletter. It is filled with calm mama articles and tips.  Subscribe here.

Another way is to attend one of my upcoming workshops or teleclasses (workshop by phone). Many of them are free of charge and you will get a sense of my philosophy and how I work with clients.  If you enjoy the workshops, imagine what you could enjoy in my program.  Click here to view my upcoming events and workshops.

Can I do one or two sessions and see if I like it?

The best part about my program is that you will get to do a complimentary “Feel Calm Mama” session that works just like the sessions throughout the program. This is a great time to see if this is something you would like to take part in and see if we would work well together. Making lasting changes takes time, but it’s worth it it! The program is a gradual progress and each session builds on each other.  If you follow the simple recommendations and are honest, you will see lasting positive results.  Because you’re a unique individual, we will work on your health goals that suit your individual needs.  If something doesn’t work for you, that’s OK, we’ll work together to find the right fit for you.

I know starting a program like this takes time and commitment, so that’s why I’m here to fully support you in every way possible. If you’ve tried past diets and felt like you struggled and gave up, I promise you that this is completely different.  I’ll be there with you every step, in a gently way.  I’ll also hold you accountable and provide structure that will work for you.  Taking care of you doesn’t have to be hard work or something that you have to schedule into your planner to get done.  This program will show you how easy it can be to live a creatively nourished life without feeling stressed or guilty.

I have a family and a busy life.  Although I want to reach my health goals, I don’t have time to spare.  How much time do I need?

What’s great about my program is that it’s easy to add into your busy schedule.  If you can spare one hour per week, then you’ll be able to take small steps a week. This approach does take longer than if you you learn everything all at once.  And, that’s what will bring long lasting results.  Each small change will result in large changes over time.  But, if you don’t ever start, you’ll never get there.  If you really want this for yourself, you’ll find the time for it!

OK! I’m ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of additional questions.  Can I call you?

Good, sounds like you’re ready to put YOU first. Yes, if you have a couple of questions, just e-mail me at renee@reneeyemma.com.  I’ll be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one will be the very best for you.  I can’t wait to see you succeed and am honored to be the one to help you.  Let’s get going! Here’s to creating a COLORFUL and CALM you!

If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, please email me email me. I’m happy to connect with you!