Trailblazers: Cameron Laurent

If you are a woman who is feeling stuck, bored, or generally uninspired, Cameron Laurent wants to help - and she knows of what she speaks. Cameron not only talks the talk, she has blazed the trail herself - stepping away from a traditional job to carve out a path that enables her to spend time with her (adorable) children while supporting and empowering women in creative ways. To learn more about what inspires her - and how to learn from her experience, read on.

How did you know it was time to make a change?
 
I had been in my previous job in international development for over 5 years and felt I was ready for a change but didn’t know what. During this time I became a certified yoga instructor and began teaching my colleagues. I also started a women’s book club.  I always had a spiritual side that I didn’t share much with others but found the more I learned and explored personal development, spirituality and wellness in my own life, the more it felt like my authentic path. I got to a point where I was really burned out of my 9-5 job and knew it was time for me to pursue something more authentic to who I am. It was scary but liberating at the same time.
 

What gave you the confidence you needed to move forward?
 
I had about a years worth of savings in my bank account so I had the financial freedom to leave my job and try something new. I figured if it didn’t work out, I could always go back to a more stable position in the future. In the meantime, I trained as a Holistic Health Coach and began my own wellness practice and continued to teach yoga. It definitely wasn’t as lucrative as my previous job, and I had to change my lifestyle a bit, but I was doing work that truly fulfilled me in a way I had never experienced before.
 
 
Who/what inspires you today?
 
I’m a big fan of Brene Brown (watch her TED talks if you haven’t already) and Elizabeth Gilbert, particularly her recent book Big Magic. I continue to be inspired by women following their hearts and blazing their own trails such as my yoga instructor, Faith Hunter, and Tara Mohr, founder of the global leadership program, Playing Big.

What are you dreaming about now?
 
Honestly, I’m dreaming about a third baby! That’s been something I’ve wanted for a while but with our big move across the ocean, I’ve had to re-prioritize these last few months. My dream would be to have time with my kids while being able to continue to support, nurture and empower women in creative ways. Running my program, The Reconnect, for the second year in a row has been really empowering and I hope to continue programs like this in the future. I’ve recently started writing for Elephant Journal, so that has been really fun, and I hope to do more of that in the future. I’m also considering coursework in prenatal studies, which would allow me to facilitate prenatal trainings/yoga for women in the UK.
 

What is the best piece of advice you have received?
 
That’s a tough one! I think one of the best things I’ve read was in Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic. There is a part where she talks about creativity and the pressure of making a living. She says that creativity can’t flourish when you’re stressed about making ends meet. If you need to pay your bills, find a job that can do that and then focus on your craft.
 

What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you started?
 
That once you start pursuing an authentic path, it’s hard to turn back! There have been times I’ve wished I was something more cookie cutter, but in the end I am always grateful to have taken that first leap of faith.
 
 
What encouragement can you offer someone who wants to make a change but is apprehensive?
 
I would say the most important thing is to surround yourself with people who support you, inspire you and honor your ideas.  Start small and go from there. If something resonates, go with it. Having a blog is a really great way to start sharing your ideas with the world.
 
 
What book(s) have provided guidance or inspiration for your New Beginning?

Debbie Ford has always been a big inspiration of mine. I loved her book The Right Questions. Marie Forleo’s website is great for spiritual/business/entrepreneurial advice, and Tara Mohr’s book Playing Big is fabulous.


For more information about Cameron and her upcoming e-course, visit her website or Facebook page.