Antoinette Peterson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Antoinette, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I started running last year and did a few 5Ks, but one day I randomly decided I wanted to push myself further so now I’ve got a half marathon coming up in October. Running isn’t easy; it challenges me mentally and physically in ways I never expected, but that’s also what makes it so exciting. I don’t always feel like running, but every time I finish a run I’m left feeling proud, energized, and grateful. Lately, it’s been bringing me so much joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Antoinette! I’m wife, mom, sister, friend, and proud supporter of local businesses. Over time, I’ve shifted from running frequent events of my own to focusing more on building connections and creating collaborative opportunities that uplift our local community.
I’m also the Marketing & Sales Manager at Luna & Co. Soapery in Babylon Village, a role that excites me because it combines two of my passions: marketing and event planning. I love getting to come up with creative event ideas and bringing in local businesses I’ve already built strong relationships with, making every collaboration a true win-win.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that success meant working a 9-5 and that a job was simply a means to an end not necessarily something you had to enjoy. When I worked in healthcare, I struggled with staying in one role for too long. I was constantly transferring specialties or asking for new responsibilities, and my husband would always joke that I needed to create my own job title where I could wear many hats and switch things up, because I was never meant to do the exact same thing every day.
I like to think of myself as a “mom of all trades” because I truly do a little bit of everything. One day I’m coordinating an event, the next I’m helping build furniture and organizing an office space, and other days I’m going through marketing budgets and creating advertising .I’m so grateful that I get to show my kids that work should be about more than just making money it should bring you joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Life isn’t just about earning a paycheck, and I’m proud that I’ve broken free from the mindset I grew up with.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I’m very open on social media and in my life about mental health and my own struggles with anxiety and depression. I don’t believe it’s something to be ashamed of, and I know too many people suffer in silence. My hope is that by speaking openly, I encourage others to find their voice too, so they can seek the help and support they deserve.
After having my kids, things became really clear to me. I began setting boundaries, letting go of toxic relationships, and decided I had spent enough years hiding and suffering quietly. It was time to live my life out loud. Now, everything I do is with the awareness that my kids are watching, and I want to model a healthier path for them where they never feel they have to repeat the struggles I went through.
What once felt like my biggest burden has now become my greatest power, and even though I definitely still struggle with itI use it every day to inspire, connect, and create change.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Aside from what matters most to me which is my family I’d say my closest friends would describe me as someone who deeply values honesty and clear communication. To me, being able to be open and vulnerable, while still being kind and considerate, is the foundation of any strong relationship. I believe that as long as we can be honest with each other and receive that honesty with understanding, we can overcome just about anything.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I don’t do things for praise or recognition, I do it because I genuinely care and see it as a privilege to use my skills to help others. Of course, recognition feels good, but what really fuels me is the fulfillment of seeing an idea I had come to life and make a difference. It’s an indescribable feeling
Contact Info:
- Instagram: TheAntoinetteMarie_
- Facebook: Shop Small Biz LI
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/I7XNwtFO9T
- Other: TikTok Theantoinettemarie
Image Credits
First photo taken by Kreative Kaptures Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
