Connie Bowman

Hire good people that you trust. Don’t try to do everything yourself.

 

Connie Bowman is a wife and mom, an actress and voiceover talent (film, tv, commercials and theatre), a yoga teacher and an author. She is also the host of Happy Healthy You! a podcast about living a whole life in mind, body and spirit. She lives in Maryland with her husband and chocolate lab Sophie. Her most recent projects are two children’s picture books, There’s an Elephant in My Bathtub and Super Socks, a story about acceptance and celebration of our differences. Bth books also have an accompanying music video on Youtube.

Where did the idea for your books come from?

I started jotting down ideas for children’s books a few years ago. The elephant book idea came when a young friend left a whole bunch of small animal figures around my house. I thought, this could be a story! I love the idea of using creativity and kindness to solve a problem as the dad in the Elephant book does so sweetly. Super Socks started as a story about wearing mismatched socks as a symbol of acceptance and when I found out that there is an actual day that people wear socks to be in solidarity with those with Down syndrome (it’s March 21st) I had to make the story about that!

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I try to start each day with a spiritual practice like prayer, meditation and/or a bit of yoga. It sets the tone for the day. If I miss it I can tell! Then, depending on what’s on the schedule (a freelance acting gig, yoga teaching, or book reading) I figure out how to squeeze some exercise in. I also make sure to get enough sleep and eat a high quality (mostly vegetarian) diet to fuel me and keep me energized. I am most happy spending most evenings at home with my husband and pup. We will have a quiet dinner on our deck on warm evenings. That’s my happy place!

How do you bring ideas to life?

I believe in the power of creativity that comes from a higher source. I call that source God. I try to be open to that source by maintaining consistent spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, some journaling, and yoga. When I follow spirit, good things emerge. If I push back or ignore the nudges, things just don’t flow as smoothly. With age, the wisdom to recognize when something wants to be birthed has become clearer. That’s fun!

What’s one trend that excites you?

Kindness. I see it emerging everywhere I look. It’s time. Bring it on!

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One habit that keeps me productive is staying as healthy as I can. If we don’t have our health we’re kind of screwed. I eat well, exercise, have a healthy spiritual life and when I need help I reach out to friends, counselors, clergy, etc. I am passionate about this. Balance in mind, body and spirit is always my goal.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Relax. It’s all gonna be fine!

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Deep down, everyone is good. Everyone.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Sleep. (And floss)

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Hire good people that you trust. Don’t try to do everything yourself.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Tried to do everything myself! No bueno!

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Someone should open a little breakfast and lunch place that serves really healthy meals and has a back room for yoga classes and invites authors to come in everyday to share their books. You could host a book club there too. I would visit every day, especially if you make really good lattes!

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A really delicious dinner that included a veggie burger and fries and a perfect pinot noir. It under $100 but I am still thinking about it a couple of weeks later. I am a cheap date and pretty easy to please.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

My laptop is where I do all my creating, writing, editing videos and voiceovers, communicating. I often forget to back it up and that will keep me up at night!

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Super Socks of course. And watch the youtube video too. It’ll change your life. (Oh, and then share it!)

What is your favorite quote?

I have two. “A rising tide lifts all boats.” John F Kennedy and “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” (From the movie Jaws).

Key Learnings:

• Take care of yourself (mind, body and spirit)
• Stay in the creative flow
• Be bold. Your gifts are to be shared. Share them unapologetically and excessively.

Connect:

website: www.conniebowman.com

Youtube:
Instagram:
Linkedin:
Pinterest:
Buying Links:

 

1. There’s an Elephant in My Bathtub:

Amazon:

Barnes and Noble: bathtub-connie-bowman/1129630227?ean=9781947860261
IndieBound:
Publisher: theresanelephantinmybathtub.html? fbclid=IwAR2WRYPGE2qXuvE2bQ_Xxr-06ruVtFToki5S2M_fT2PgsT2e1eAqdcDX ECE

2. Back to Happy
Amazon: ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_.K-FCbXX43TW6
Barnes and Noble: bowman/1120888767?ean=9781502768544
Indie Bound: