Meet Sierra Rehrer

We recently connected with Sierra Rehrer and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

It was somewhat difficult to choose which question to answer, as there were so many that I resonated with, such as overcoming imposter syndrome, developing good communication skills, and establishing self-discipline. For me, it all comes down to adopting the principles of a good work ethic. I chose this question as it is a quality that has helped me make the most of my recent years as a wife and full-time mama to two, one of whom has special needs and requires my full mental and physical dedication and decision-making at all times. In the midst of this beautiful journey of motherhood, I have been able to start two small businesses, which I attribute to developing a good work ethic throughout my formative years. I am unsure if this is a cliché or common response, but I must attribute the first roots of my idea of work ethic and self-motivation to my youth, when I played various sports, which ultimately developed into a passion for pursuing excellence.

In my younger years, through softball, basketball, and other team sports, I unknowingly began cultivating a growth mindset. While a fixed mindset says, “I’m just not capable,” a growth mindset asks, “Teach me how, and I will do it.” Oftentimes, we will not see the results we would like to see right away, and we must keep the long-term goal in mind. My parents were amazing encouragers of mine in this way. Progress wasn’t always immediate, and I learned early on the importance of keeping the long-term vision in focus. My parents played a crucial role in shaping this perspective. When I began pitching at age six, my dad spent countless hours in the yard with me, catching, teaching, inventing ways to help me build strength, studying techniques, and driving me to lessons. On the days I lacked motivation, he reminded me that somewhere, someone else was putting in the work, and that what I got out of it would reflect what I was willing to put in.

This principle of working hard to achieve what I wanted was established then, and I became a learner. I began to practice on my own without my dad’s encouragement. As an 8th grader, I wanted to improve my ball-handling skills for high school basketball, so every night when I got home from school and practice, I would spend hours in our basement doing Pistol Pete ball-handling drills. I knew the effort I put in would shape the results I’d see later. What I didn’t realize then was just how deeply this mindset would influence every aspect of my life, shaping who I am today as a wife, mother, and multifaceted entrepreneur.

Although softball and basketball were not a career path for me, I know that the foundation of a good work ethic and other qualities I learned then have been invaluable in my life as an adult. At some point during my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue a career as a physical therapist, which meant I had to be accepted into a doctoral program. Knowing that no one could do this for me, I set my mind to getting as close to a 4.0 GPA as possible. I worked hard, prioritizing my studies above all else. This would mean working late hours in the library, attending group study sessions, and turning down some fun invitations. I am proud to say that it paid off, and I got accepted into a physical therapy program in San Marcos, CA. While in this program, I studied harder than ever before, initially to ensure that I passed my tests and remained in the program. I realized that once again, I would get out what I was willing to put in for my career and my ability to help people. In this case, it was an opportunity not only to memorize information to pass a test, but also to truly understand the body and the musculoskeletal system, which would help me in my future jobs. This motivation helped me establish a solid foundation upon which to build after graduating.

The opportunity to move from small-town Indiana to San Marcos, CA, would allow me to achieve another dream of mine: to live by the ocean and learn to surf. Alongside studying more than ever, I found an entirely new life than I had known before, and I fell in love with the ocean. While studying in a coffee shop, I met my husband, a surfer and spearfisherman, who was preparing to enroll in a Physician’s Assistant program. We eventually married and moved away from the ocean for a bit while he was in school. (So not only did my work ethic get me a doctorate degree, but it also got me a husband)!

During our time away from the ocean, when I could no longer surf in my free time, I began painting the ocean and beach life I loved. Initially, I painted to create greeting card designs with surf culture and coastal life themes. What started as a fun side hobby while my husband was studying has now become a steady source of income and a lifelong passion. That was in 2016. During that time, I also worked two physical therapy jobs, both to support our family’s needs and to gain valuable hands-on experience. I understood that developing the knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise necessary to thrive as a physical therapist required immersing myself in real-world patient care as much as possible.

During that time, I developed a strong interest in specializing in pelvic health physical therapy. As we were considering a move back to Hawaiʻi, I reached out to a pelvic health therapist on the islands to explore the possibility of shadowing her. To my surprise and delight, she offered me a job—a unique opportunity to learn and work alongside her. Accepting the position meant committing to a rigorous, three-level training course to become a pelvic health specialist, but I was eager and grateful for the opportunity.

With that incentive, we moved back to Hawaii once my husband graduated from his medical program. There, I began a new chapter in my career, diving into women’s health physical therapy with a focus on pelvic health. I had the privilege of training under the mentorship of Jolene Smith, a trailblazer in the field and one of the first women’s health physical therapists in the South Pacific. Over the next three years, I treated a wide range of pelvic health conditions, which made up 80–90% of my caseload. During that time, I completed all three levels of certification, officially qualifying me as a pelvic health specialist. It was a significant milestone in my professional journey, and one that I found deeply fulfilling.

On my days off, I continued to paint and eventually created an official line of watercolor greeting cards, which I launched as a small business in 2019, now under the name Sierra Rehrer Designs.

Fast forward to 2020, my life underwent significant changes. We became pregnant with our first baby, who was diagnosed with a severe case of spinal bifida and hydrocephalus at our 18-week anatomy scan. This was a very devastating time, processing some of the setbacks he would have and the extent of the care he would need throughout life. We felt honored to be given this special gift in our beautiful son. We flew to Boston Children’s Hospital to deliver him, as he would need back surgery and brain surgery right at birth, and we wanted to seek out the most skilled hands for this job.

With this significant life change, I decided to stay home as a full-time mom. Although this was a complete career and life-changing event, the decision to stay home with him has given me the freedom to create a work-life balance that I love: furthering my knowledge and practice as a pelvic healthy physical therapist, continue to make art, and recently become an author, while dedicating my life, primarily, to giving my son (and daughter) the most beautiful life we can on Earth.

As I write this on April 2, 2025, I have expanded my art business to include my work in 30 different shops across the U.S., from Hawaii to the West Coast and the East Coast, and I am gaining new clients weekly. Currently, during my 2-year-old’s midday nap and my 4-year-old’s “quiet time,” I diligently dedicate my time to one of my many ongoing projects. So far, I have built both a family website and a physical therapy website, filled with blog posts and other free resources tailored to each demographic. I launched a hand-drawn surf-themed coloring book in 2024, I am releasing a book on preparing for natural birth in the summer of 2025 with another book on self-treatment for urinary urgency and frequency close behind it, I have created new designs for my art business, which now also includes prints and seamless patterns, I started a YouTube Channel that now has 49 videos with free low pressure fitness flows, pregnancy and postpartum exercise routines, and lots to come with educational videos on various pelvic health topics and preparing for natural birth. I am passionate about the journey of preparing for pregnancy and labor, as well as treating all conditions related to the postpartum period. I am also an advocate for helping babies and toddlers sleep, which has created a healthy balance for my family, allowing for rested babies and time for my life’s interests and passions. I plan to write a book on this topic as well, as I believe it is essential for optimal postpartum recovery for all mothers.

I am now a mom of two, with one on the way, which is my biggest joy. I feel grateful for the creative outlet of art and the ability to share the knowledge gained as a women’s health physical therapist on different social platforms. I am hopeful that I will continue to grow in my understanding of motherhood and entrepreneurship throughout my life. I know that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the foundation of a good work ethic. For this, I remain deeply grateful.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

When my son, who was born with spina bifida, turned 1, I began to feel the desire to share my pelvic health knowledge and start my own small physical therapy and wellness business online. In addition to being a full-time Mom, I wanted to utilize the clinical knowledge I had gained over my 7 years of practice, specifically tailored to women’s wellness and pelvic/abdominal health. After much thought, I began writing helpful blog posts on topics related to pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, aging, and all aspects of pelvic health. In 2022, I took a three-level Low Pressure Fitness training course, which I believe is the best form of exercise in pregnancy and postpartum. As mentioned previously, I also started a YouTube channel with free low pressure fitness flows, pregnancy and postpartum exercise routines, and educational videos on preparing for natural birth and other topics related to pelvic health. I am currently finishing a roughly 250-page book on preparing for natural labor and birth, and have another book close behind it on the treatment of urinary urge incontinence and urinary frequency. I will release these self-treatment guides by the end of this year, 2025. I am also developing an online course that will serve as a valuable resource for pregnancy, labor preparation, and postpartum recovery.
As for my Sierra Rehrer Designs business, I am still creating new card and print designs and working on some seamless pattern designs. I hope to branch out a bit more by sharing those on platforms like Etsy and Spoonflower.
On top of that, having my son, Jack, has made me very passionate about sharing encouragement to parents of a child with special needs, as it has been the most life-changing and beautiful gift. I have created a family website to share hope, guidance, and encouragement on raising our children to have hope and purpose. I am also a strong advocate for maintaining a healthy and bonded marriage unit. I am writing a children’s devotional to encourage families to pray, read Scripture, and sing together, as I believe that our greatest hope can only be found in Jesus and in trusting that He has far greater plans than we will ever know or see on this earth, especially when our children are hurting.
All of this is very slow-moving, as I am a full-time mom of two little ones, but I am pursuing all three passions concurrently at all times.

So, to summarize the upcoming projects:

1. The pregnancy and birth prep guidebook is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025. (Title Still Being Decided)
2. Self-treatment guide for urinary urge incontinence and urinary frequency book release by the end of the year
3. Pregnancy, labor prep, and postpartum recovery online course coming soon
4. New blog posts pertaining to women’s wellness and pelvic health are always being updated at www.sierrarehrer.com.
5. New YouTube videos each month at www.youtube.com/@sierra_rehrer
6. New artwork and products available on my website (www.therehrers.com) and for wholesale orders on Faire.com (now in 25 shops across the US).
7. Working on a family devotional and sharing insight on keeping a healthy, loving marriage while raising a child with a disability through blog posts and online resources on our website at www.therehrers.com

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Have a growth mindset- always be a learner and willing to acquire new skills and interests. Be willing to recognize and acknowledge your inadequacies and then work hard to improve them. Seek guidance from those who have gone before you, accept criticism, and set goals for the future.

2. Be willing to be vulnerable and know that you aren’t alone: Do hard things and don’t give up when you (because you will) encounter setbacks. Sometimes, doing something hard simply means being vulnerable- asking a question out loud, displaying your artwork in an art show, hosting your first podcast episode, interviewing for a job you don’t feel qualified for, and just showing up to that first day, knowing your inadequacies. It is ok. We all started somewhere, and most of us felt the exact same way you do! 70-80% of us experience impostor syndrome, so it is likely that on that first day of trying or starting something new, most of the people around you feel just as unqualified to be there, even if they don’t show it. We can encourage each other.

3. Commit to working hard and genuinely learning in your schooling or trade to establish a solid foundation for future growth. Finding your niche may take a bit, but every building block along the way matters.

For those who are early in their journey: Don’t give up on your dreams or ambitions. You can always grow and learn. Even if you must work harder than the person next to you, it doesn’t mean you aren’t smart enough or capable. You can achieve things in your own way and time. I know I had to work harder in school than others around me, but I developed a great work ethic and an ability to see challenges as something I could overcome if I stayed committed and determined. 

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

I am so grateful to my parents. I come from a town of 1200 people in the Midwest. Some of the people I grew up with did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education or significantly alter the course of their lives. My childhood was simple and beautiful, and looking back, I can see the many ways my parents made decisions with my future in mind.

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was establish the mindset that my opportunities in life would have no limits. They never limited my dreams. My father worked, and my mom stayed home to raise my brother, sister, and me. Not having had the opportunity to attend school herself, my mother set her mind to giving us the best opportunities in life she possibly could. As I mentioned, they gave us every opportunity to participate in higher-level sports, and I got a scholarship to play softball for two years in college. They also provided the necessary resources for every academic opportunity, intending to help me rise up on their shoulders to better my life and my children’s future. On my father’s one-income job, they managed to save enough money to pay for my doctoral program in cash, agreeing that I would repay them, interest-free. This provided me with an interest-free loan for my doctor of physical therapy program, which was over $100,000. On top of that, they loaded up our car and drove me to California when I was 23 years old to pursue this higher level of education, even though they never had the opportunity to do so themselves.

Looking back, I see that my parents sacrificed over and over what was best for them for what was best for me and my siblings. I don’t remember either of them spending money on themselves. They never bought new cars, clothes, furniture, or fancy meals. I believe they had a long-term financial goal of providing for my future needs. The only reason I have had the opportunities I have is because of them, their love for me, and their sacrifice.

To summarize, my parents’ most significant impact on my life was to instill in me the mindset that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, provided I was willing to put in the hard work. They also decided to make sacrifices to help me accomplish it. They each contributed to my work ethic in their own way. As I mentioned above, my dad motivated me to work hard towards my personal performance and physical ability goals, and my mom consistently reminded me of the principle of getting out what I was willing to put in and not giving up. They taught me that hard work does pay off and that finishing something knowing I had given my best will ultimately matter. At the end of my life, I am confident I will look back knowing I gave my best to steward well every opportunity I was given.

Contact Info:

• Website: Physical Therapy Website: www.sierrarehrer.com, Family, Marriage, Parenting, Spina Bifida Resources Website: www.therehrers.com
• Instagram: Physical Therapy: @arise.ptandwellness, Family: @therehrers.hawaii, Artwork: @sierrarehrer.designs
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Sierra_rehrer
• Other: “Surfy Days” Coloring Book sold on Amazon: https://a.co/d/aQCv2dx
  Email Sign-Up Link For Book Release And Other Free Resources: https://sierrarehrer.com/resources/