We recently connected with Erin McCaffrey Crespo and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Erin 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?
I was lucky enough to be raised by two of the hardest working people I know. My dad was self employed, so I got a first hand view of the highs and lows of running your own business. I saw him work long hours, take calls on vacations, and constantly work to bring in new business…but I also saw the satisfaction he got from creating his own success. My mom spent the first half of my childhood raising my brother and I (no easy feat!), then went back to college for a whole new degree when we were in middle school and she was ready to return to paid work. She put in incredibly long hours keeping our family life going while also making straight As and beginning her new career. As a mother now myself, I am in awe of her hustle!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a nurse practitioner turned birth doula and childbirth educator on a mission to help families approach birth and early parenthood feeling safe, confident, prepared, and joyful. I love watching families grow and find their rhythm while making choices that work best for THEM.
Next up is a natural path of expansion for me and for the community I serve—fertility doula support. Whether you are starting to think about growing your family and want to optimize your chances, or whether you are walking the path of infertility and need a guide, I’m here to make the journey a little less lonely and complicated.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Flexibility, curiosity, and a healthy of dash of “screw it, I’ll just try it and see what happens.” Building your own business requires you to wear a lot of hats, many of which you have little to no experience with or interest in! You have to be willing to get your hands dirty, try things out and accept that sometimes they won’t go the way you expected. That’s ok. The mess is the precursor to growth.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I am a big fan of a brain dump list. Putting everything on paper (I’m old school) helps reassure me that I’m not forgetting anything. Then I pick the top priority and break that down into manageable chunks.
And when in doubt, fresh air and exercise are never the wrong idea. I’m constantly shocked by how clear headed and creative I feel after I’ve given myself permission to let it all go for a little bit and move my body.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thrive-doula-services.com/
- Instagram: @thrivedoulacolumbus
Image Credits
Aly Romot (women and baby)
Erica Sallie (solo shots of me, gear)
Me (mom and baby, healthcare workers)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
