Christine Carley is a mother of two young girls, the naturopath and owner of Love Thy Health and the naturopath at Western Health Collective in West Footscray. She is a passionate, holistic naturopathic and herbal practitioner who has a strong desire to assist people in being the best that they can be in life and in health. Much of her work has stemmed from working with emotional health and wellness, which she has immersed herself in training in since 1999. She also has a homemade range of Kalm & sleep essences for children and adults.
What were you doing before you had kids?
Ha! I am really just coming out of the closet with this one… not many of my clients know I have been playing in bands for more than 20 years. I am a bass player. I love it…it is a hobby now. I also worked for Big Day Out in the Sydney site office for several years in the 90s. As well as facilitating mindfulness and self-care workshops for 10 years.
Tell us about yourself, your children and where you live.
I am a mother of two girls aged 10 and 15 with my husband. He is a musician and still gigs regularly as a drummer. I grew up in Newport with my single European, hard working mum. I love living in what is now fondly known as ‘WeFO’ and have been part of the Seddon Organic Collective Committee now for 9 years. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else …Oh maybe New York, just for a little. I couldn’t leave our new dog and herb garden for too long.
What do you love best about what you do?
I really do love working with people, especially in women’s health and with children. I love seeing my clients flourish in their health and for some, who come out of the fog of fatigue and pain they have been struggling with for years, this is life changing. I have always been passionate about being in nature and working with plants and herbal medicine. I also have my own range of Kalm & sleep essences for adults and children – this is my passion project. It is an honour and very humbling to be on my client’s healing journey with them.
Why did you become a naturopath?
I had a chronic condition called fibromyalgia for over seven years. In hindsight I really never did feel energetic or well, even through childhood. I am now pain free and the most healthy and energetic I have ever been at 46. I have always used herbal medicine even as a child mixing up potions and soaking up my big sister’s herbal books. So I thought, I am going to do this properly and just went and got my bachelor degree. My friend Catherine drove me to the Uni and said “sign up for this”. It was a natural progression for me to first heal myself and then naturally go on with the wholehearted intention of supporting others.
How do you juggle being a mum and running your health practice?
I remind myself, working for myself is very rewarding. My husband is my greatest support. I do sometimes spend hours on complex cases, mapping out, health plans and really trying to put the puzzle together for my clients. I try to keep life simple with not too many activities for the children. We Just hang out, chill out and have us time.
How can mums look after themselves when their children are small?
Great question! Sleep when your baby sleeps and try not to get too hung up over housework. ASK FOR HELP and accept any help offered. Don’t forget to eat! Even if you end up eating that organic delicious mushy meal you just made for your precious one. FIND YOUR TRIBE of mammas. If not your mothers group, then join a playgroup or exercise group. This community can really be there when you need it most.
What advice do you have for other aspiring business mums?
If you love what you do, it will sustain and fulfill you. Listen to your inner self. How does it feel when you think about your, work, your idea or product? What does your intuition or gut tell you? You are bookkeeper, marketer, producer and director. It takes hard work and gumption to run your own business.
Is there anything that has really helped you on this journey?
When unsure – taking the path of least resistance. If there is anything that I am struggling with, I investigate those thoughts and never ignore my gut feelings or the elephant in the room. I have had to learn that I am good enough to do this.
Where can we find you?
I am very proud to be part of our exceptional team of practitioners at Western Health Collective, on Barkly Street, WeFo. I really love that Jennifer and Bruce Cook are so passionate about a collaborative approach to health care especially chronic conditions. I also practice from my own clinic in my home in West Footscray.
Look me up at lovethyhealth.com.au & westernhealthcollective.com.au
Facebook.com/LoveThyHealth
Instagram.com/naturopathlovethyhealth
Love Thy Health at Western Health Collective
571 Barkly Street, West Footscray
9687 5670 or 0409 027 221