We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sandy Grassi-Doll a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sandy, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I wasn’t always a confident person with high self-esteem, and my journey to develop these qualities has been a work in progress. Through life’s ups and downs, I have learned invaluable lessons that drive me to cultivate confidence and self-assurance daily. My journey toward confidence began with the strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents. Embracing this foundation, I continually push myself beyond my comfort zone, taking on new challenges each day. I believe it is crucial to maintain curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. Knowledge is power, and it undoubtedly bolsters confidence.
Recognition and validation from my peers when I excel in my endeavors play a crucial role in boosting my self-assurance. Surrounding myself with inspiring mentors has been instrumental in my growth as well. Their guidance and support have provided me with invaluable insights, helping me to navigate my journey with greater confidence and self-esteem.
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 am currently a community volunteer, actively involved in fundraising and supporting various local organizations. Giving back to my community has always been a priority, making it a natural transition when my husband and I purchased a historic 1800’s home. After my husband restored the home to its former glory, in 2019 I transformed it into an event center, serving both the public and my charitable endeavors.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the business to close in 2020, I had plenty of idle time on my hands. During the lockdown, I took the opportunity to pursue a new venture: opening a full-service restaurant. Despite having no prior experience in the restaurant industry, I carefully curated a menu and invited friends and family to test my recipes. In July 2021, I launched Social at the Stone House in Massillon, Ohio, which has been an incredible journey. I am passionate about bringing people together and creating unforgettable memories through their dining experiences at the restaurant.
My latest endeavor is WishCraft Lifestyle, a social media-based lifestyle company. Through WishCraft, I share creative recipes and entertaining tips, inspiring others who share similar interests.
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?
Stay humble, work diligently, and cultivate positive relationships. Persevere, even when it’s daunting, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Have a clear plan, maintain a positive outlook, and prioritize progress over perfection. Immerse yourself in learning as much as you can about your chosen industry. Give back to your community, and the rest will fall into place. If something isn’t working, don’t get discouraged—make adjustments and keep moving forward.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I have been following Tony Robbins since my early 20s, and his messages resonate deeply with me. “Unleash the Power Within” is my favorite. Here are some of the quotes that inspire me the most: “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” “Where focus goes, energy flows.” “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.”
More recently, I have been inspired by James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. The concept of making tiny changes to achieve remarkable results is truly brilliant. Some key takeaways for me are: “If you can get 1% better each day for one year, you’ll end up 37 times better by the time you’re done.” “Ultimately, your habits matter because they help you become the type of person you wish to be.”
Contact Info:
- Website: socialstonehouse.com
- Instagram: socialstonehouse / wishcraftlifestyle
- Facebook: Social at the Stone House / WishCraft Lifestyle
- Youtube: Wishcraft Lifestyle
Image Credits
Nick Andrisin, Nathan Clapper
