We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darcie Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Darcie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up I watched both of my parents work hard and get the job done no matter what, simply because it had to get done. As I entered the workforce at 14, I took that same energy and haven’t stopped, no matter my role or what the job is, I’m generally all in; it just can’t be helped. Having been a single parent as well for much of my parenting journey, it also pushes you to keep going ; nobody is coming to save you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Certified Professional Midwife and owner of my practice as well as a Nurse serving families that are primarily growing their family and want Midwifery Care. We catch babies in homes vs the hospital however we have supported families who choose to have their little one at the hospital as well. Being able to provide care from the first positive pregnancy test to 12 weeks postpartum is such a joy and honor; seeing folks blossom and grow is such a gift. The relationship that develops is one that is intimate, sacred, personalized, and built on deep trust of one another. We are a welcoming, affirming, trauma informed practice that cares for folks from all backgrounds and walks of life and it’s the literal best! We get to serve the community not a community and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
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?
Looking back when I first opened the practice 8 years ago, my being patient with growth, sticking to what I wanted to offer, even when’s it challenging/different than what others provide, and really being your genuine, authentic self were crucial to building up the business from the ground up. When you are doing a new-to-you anything, remembering your why helps as you persevere through challenges and imposter syndrome. Passion with strong work ethic can take you places you’ve only dreamed of and knowing that whatever has been placed in your heart to do will happen exactly when and how it’s supposed to occur-sometimes you have to get out of your own way and allow it to bloom and blossom. Finally, finding your support system and mentors to help keep you on your path.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
Both are equally important to growth and development as a person and professionally. Yes, play up your strengths, own them and be humble and self-aware enough to know where you need to grow and improve. There is always more to learn and know in this life and to focus solely on what your great at while choosing to skip over your weaknesses limits your potential. We learned in nursing school that lifelong learning is essential to professional development and is the foundation to continuous improvement. That same principle is needed not only academically, but professionally and personally to truly be successful, inside and out. Never stop growing and learning!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamingtreewomenscare.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreaming_tree_womens_care/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamingtreewomenscare
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