We recently connected with Maria Cebrian and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
In the world of entrepreneurship, the word “resilience” may seem like a worn-out cliché, but for me, it’s nothing short of the secret sauce to success. Picture this: the rhythmic pounding of my running shoes against the trail as I navigate through the vast expanse of mountains. As a long-distance mountain runner, I’ve learned that the journey to triumph mirrors the undulating terrain of a challenging race.
Building a business? It’s a similar adventure. Just like conquering the lows in a race, resilience becomes the lifeline in the entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from my experiences as a runner, I understand the power of tapping into my inner strength, maintaining a positive outlook, and staying laser-focused on what truly matters.
Life, much like a roller coaster, has its highs and lows. But in the midst of the twists and turns, there’s an undeniable sense of calm at the center of the storm. Every hurdle, no matter how formidable, is just a fleeting moment. Resilience, to me, is not just a catchphrase—it’s the unwritten narrative that propels us forward, reminding us that, in the end, every storm passes, making the journey all the more worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Spain, I wear the badge of a third-time entrepreneur and a fervent advocate for the vegan lifestyle. My journey towards veganism is deeply rooted in my profound love for nature and animals. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings, I embarked on a quest to align my values with my actions, believing that adopting a vegan lifestyle was the most impactful way to support our planet and its delicate ecosystems.
My transition began with embracing vegetarianism, a step that resonated with my commitment to ethical living. However, the shift to full veganism presented a challenge as I grappled with feelings of fatigue and mental fog. Being an avid long-distance mountain runner, the concern for obtaining the essential nutrients became paramount.
In my pursuit of a wholesome vegan lifestyle, I found myself relying on an array of six different supplements, each encased in layers of plastic packaging. To my dismay, further investigation revealed that these pills and their ingredients were not entirely vegan and were sourced from obscure origins. This realization prompted a deeper exploration into the dark side of the supplement industry.
What I uncovered was staggering—annually, the US supplement industry contributes to the loss of billions of animal lives and churns out billions of plastic pill bottles, wreaking havoc on our planet’s most vital ecosystems. The sheer scale of environmental damage was appalling, serving as the catalyst for a transformative mission.
Driven by a commitment to simplicity and sustainability, I set out on a mission to found Terraseed to create the most ethical and sustainable supplements on earth. My vision extends beyond mere supplementation; it seeks to revolutionize the industry by drastically reducing carbon footprints and minimizing the adverse impact on our planet. This venture is not just a business endeavor; it’s a heartfelt pledge to contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that proved immensely impactful were Honesty, Optimism, and Love. Let’s delve into these attributes and explore how they shaped my path.
Honesty: It’s not just a virtue; it’s a game-changer, especially in the dynamic hustle of building a business. Being honest with oneself and others provides a crystal-clear mindset crucial for making the right decisions. Acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses is vital. Recently, I had to confront my own limitations and admit I wasn’t effectively leading a project at my company. This honesty led me to pass the baton to my partner, resulting in a thriving team with the right person in charge.
Optimism: Coupled with a dash of naivety, optimism is a powerful force. Believing that anything is possible may seem risky, possibly leading to oversight of potential risks or hiccups. However, as an entrepreneur with grand aspirations, maintaining a positive outlook is essential. Fear can stifle creativity, and while excessive optimism has its pitfalls, it propels me to set audacious goals. These goals, often seemingly beyond my reach, are achieved because the notion of impossibility never crosses my mind.
Love: Beyond the trio mentioned earlier, a profound love—for the planet, others, and animals—has been a cornerstone of my journey. This love fuels a sense of purpose and commitment to ethical practices. It motivates me to make choices that not only benefit my business but contribute positively to the world. It goes beyond mere transactions; it’s a commitment to creating a better, more compassionate world.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
1. Honesty: Embrace self-awareness. Be honest about your capabilities and shortcomings. Seek feedback, learn, and adapt. Accepting your limitations is a stepping stone to growth.
2. Optimism: Cultivate a positive mindset. Acknowledge challenges but focus on the possibilities. Set ambitious goals, even if they seem beyond reach. The belief in the achievable will drive you to overcome obstacles.
3. Love: Infuse passion into your endeavors. Find a cause or purpose that resonates with you. Whether it’s environmental sustainability, social impact, or animal welfare, let love be the driving force behind your actions. It transforms business from a transactional endeavor to a meaningful journey.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One of the pivotal books that have significantly influenced my personal development is “Awareness” by Anthony De Mello. De Mello’s insights have been instrumental in shaping my approach to life, urging me to delve deeper into understanding both my internal world and the external environment.
The central lesson from “Awareness” revolves around the transformative power of true self-awareness. De Mello argues that genuine understanding of ourselves and the world around us is the key to breaking free from the autopilot mode that often governs our actions. This resonated deeply with me, prompting a conscious effort to think before I act and to reflect before reacting in various situations.
A key takeaway from the book is the notion of seeing everything as if it’s happening to someone else. This perspective, free from judgment and the immediate impulse to act, fosters a profound level of understanding. De Mello’s emphasis on this kind of awareness is akin to Viktor E. Frankl’s idea of choosing one’s response to life’s challenges, reinforcing the importance of intentional reflection.
The concept of waking up to life’s realities is a recurrent theme in “Awareness.” De Mello outlines several ways to achieve this, drawing parallels with the need for change in Frankl’s work. Admitting the necessity for change, being open to discovering something new, and dropping barriers erected by preconceived notions are all crucial steps in the journey toward heightened awareness.
Additionally, De Mello encourages us to recognize negative feelings as originating from within, empowering us to take responsibility for our emotions. This mirrors Frankl’s emphasis on the freedom to choose one’s attitude even in challenging circumstances, highlighting the liberating effect of this mindset.
In summary, “Awareness” by Anthony De Mello has been a guiding force in my personal development journey. Its lessons on self-awareness, intentional reflection, and embracing change have influenced the way I approach challenges and navigate the complexities of life. The book serves as a constant reminder that, through awareness, we gain the power to shape our responses and live more authentically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://terraseed.com/
- Instagram: @terraseed_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-cebrian-fernandez/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@terraseed
Image Credits
Terraseed
