40 Under 40: Colleen Kavanagh Pioneering a New Path in Holistic Health Solutions

The Courage to Create: One Entrepreneur’s Journey to Empower Health and Wellness

In a world where conventional paths are often preferred, the journey of an entrepreneur can be both daunting and exhilarating. For one determined mother, the leap into entrepreneurship was ignited by the birth of her first child. With her newborn in one arm and an audacious vision in the other, she embarked on a mission to transform the landscape of health care through her company, SoulBeing. This article delves into her remarkable journey, current state of mind, and the passion project that fills her life with purpose and meaning.

A Leap into the Unknown

Becoming an entrepreneur is often described as a journey fraught with uncertainty, and for her, this journey began when her first child was just six months old. Summoning the courage to step away from a stable job and establish her own venture required not just bravery but also maternal intuition. “The persistence to see the company through multiple pivots, the strength to keep the business alive through the pandemic (and the birth of a second baby), and the confidence to grow SoulBeing into what we are today” reflects an unyielding spirit driven by purpose. Balancing the challenges of motherhood while navigating the tumultuous world of startups has molded her into a resilient leader.

Embracing Peace and Plenty

Today, her current state of mind is captured beautifully in her family motto: “Peace and plenty.” This mantra serves as a guiding principle through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and parenting. Amidst the whirlwind of running a business and raising two young children, she has cultivated an environment of calmness and fulfillment. This balance not only enriches her personal life but allows her to steer SoulBeing with clarity and passion.

SoulBeing: A Passion Project in Action

SoulBeing represents more than just a professional endeavor; it embodies her life’s work. The idea of a “passion project” resonates deeply with her as she integrates her ambitions with the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Juggling two full-time-plus roles, she emphasizes that both motherhood and entrepreneurship are uniquely significant and fulfilling. Each day is an opportunity to weave these roles together, creating a tapestry of rich experiences that contribute to her family’s well-being and the growth of her business.

The ‘Lightbulb’ Moment

A pivotal experience in her career came while working for GE Healthcare, where she discovered that a staggering 70% of patients in hospitals were being treated for preventable illnesses. This moment was nothing short of a revelation, giving rise to a compelling urge to develop a system that enhanced access to evidence-based health care services focused on holistic and preventative care. It ignited a spark within her—one that would drive the creation of SoulBeing and a mission to transform health care into a resource for well-being.

An Audacious Goal

With such profound insights emerged an audacious goal: to shift society’s perspective on health care by promoting a comprehensive understanding of available options for enhancing overall well-being. Her mission is not just limited to providing information but extends to empowering individuals with the resources necessary for self-care and community support. It is this drive to enact social change at a fundamental level that fuels her entrepreneurial spirit.

A Source of Inspiration

Many influential figures and works have shaped her outlook on life and business. One of her favorite quotes by Joan Didion, “To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves — there lies the great, the singular power of self-respect,” speaks to the core of her ideology. Additionally, Atul Gawande’s “Being Mortal” profoundly reframed her understanding of the role of medicine and the importance of enabling well-being—not merely ensuring survival.

Finding Joy and Recharge

Despite her busy life, she remains grounded and finds joy in the simplest of pleasures. Time spent with her children, whether at the ocean or on wooded trails, provides essential moments of recharging that nourish her soul. She indulges in a myriad of activities, from reading across genres, creating art (even if imperfectly), engaging in dance, and finding solace in yoga. Cooking brings her joy, while aspirations in gardening and tennis add further depth to her passions.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead to the age of 60, she envisions a timeline filled with meaningful work and philanthropy. Her dreams include writing books, playing tennis and golf, and cherishing moments with her adult children and beloved husband, Matt, by the shores of Maine. As she grows older, she anticipates embracing her eccentricities—exploring astrology, mentoring budding entrepreneurs, and engaging in angel investing—all while being surrounded by her ever-growing pack of rescue dogs.

Conclusion

The journey of this entrepreneur exemplifies courage, persistence, and an unwavering spirit of empowerment. From taking the leap into entrepreneurship as a new mother to fostering a family-centered mindset in her business practices, her story inspires many. Through SoulBeing, she is not only cultivating a thriving enterprise but also embodying a holistic approach to health and wellness that can transform lives. As she balances her roles, her enduring belief in the pursuit of peace and plenty echoes loudly, reminding us all that the most fulfilling journeys are often those driven by passion, purpose, and a desire to uplift others.

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