[quote style=”boxed”]I self reflect to make sure that I handle myself with class and that I not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. If I speak it, I do it. Always be humble and make the other person feel special. You will be remembered.[/quote]
Tracey began fulfilling her dreams from an early age. She has trained and coached people from many different walks of life–from the successful millionaire CEO to the professional athlete to the first time mom working hard to get her body and life back after having a baby. Tracey believes that every new experience is a chance to make a difference in someone’s life. As she says, “The people I work with trust and depend on me to be the very best I can be for them. It is my privilege to work with these individuals.”
After marrying her soulmate, Tom, in 1994, Tracey and her husband headed to Scottsdale to begin their journey together. Tracey hit the ground running. She started doing personal training, which is what she had done in Chesterfield, Missouri before her relocation. Tracey soon realized that she wasn’t happy with the facilities available to her, so she checked a dream of hers off her to do list and opened her own gym. Soon she began taking on the role of coach, adviser and trainer to her clients, members and staff. Tracey’s real love was training clients and changing lives–not the handling of day-to-day operations and running a business. She sold her gym after her first daughter was born.
Tracey wanted to stay home with her new, little angel, but she began growing restless for the creative part of her soul. Yet another dream became a reality with the launch of the very successful and celebrity-loved Baby Butter Originals children’s clothing line. The line grew and is now being sold at more than 100 boutiques, as well as in Nordstrom Department Stores. Tracey’s second daughter was born around the time that Baby Butter was becoming a national brand. She worked around the clock, but she had her two muses to keep her inspired.
Although at that point Tracey was content, she still felt she needed to expand her awareness of life. Once again, she worked at making her dreams a reality. Tracey went back to school to study transformational life coaching. She began taking on clients and speaking with women’s groups, as well as combining coaching with her love of fashion, by becoming an image coach. All this prepared her for her biggest dream to date: the launch of REBIRTH, a woman’s line of handbags and statement accessories. Rebirth is a symbol that Tracey hopes will inspire others to follow their true passions and dreams in life!!
Tracey is still happily married to her soulmate of 18 years, and is raising her beautiful daughters Mekenna and Marina.
What are you working on right now?
I have just launched Rebirth handbags and accessories. I am also finishing up my personal website for my life strategist and image coaching.
Where did the idea for Rebirth come from?
I had been designing my women’s and children’s lines when I decided to go back to school to study life coaching. The line is called Rebirth because I want to send a message to women to always embrace their own personal evolution. The bags are made of handmade rugs from India. The symbolism lies in the fact that a rug, which is used on the floor and usually covered with dirt, can be made into something beautiful and desired. That is the message I want women to hear. No matter what life throws at you and what difficult circumstances you have been through, you can grow into the best you and come out a beautiful soul.
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day for me starts at 5:30 a.m. with an hour of cardio. Then I wake my girls up and get them ready for school. After seeing my husband off to work, I drop my oldest daughter off at school. An hour later my youngest starts school and I drop her off. I then come back to my home office and work on designs, research fabrics, make phone calls and look at images. I might head to the office to meet with my partner to go over business stuff. I usually have one or two life coaching or imaging coaching clients.
Then it is back to “mommy mode.” I pick up my oldest at school, then head over to get my other daughter. We sometimes stop for a healthy, after-school snack, and then go home to do homework. Later I start dinner and wait for my husband to get home to do the grilling. We sit and eat together. I then usually do some laundry and everyone cleans up. Some nights are spent at the barn watching my daughter ride horses, or at the soccer field with my youngest, or at the gym for a weight workout. I try and make time once a day to catch up with a friend–either on the phone or by grabbing a quick tea together. My days are very full to say the least. I also make sure to talk with my parents almost every day!
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am willing to do the work and do whatever it takes–whether it involves making the actual prototype or researching all the components and then heading to the office to have my partner help me. I usually start with a drawing.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I really don’t like the word “trend.” However, I like to see people working on their own personal growth. That’s something that seems to be more common these days.
What was the worst job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?
I was lucky. I only worked in one fast food restaurant when I was younger. Otherwise, I worked for my dad before starting my personal fitness training business and opening my own fitness center.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. I love where I am. I love the people who have come into my life and moved me forward on my journey. Some are still here and some have gone on. However, it was all part of my growth and journey.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I self reflect to make sure that I handle myself with class and that I not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. If I speak it, I do it. Always be humble and make the other person feel special. You will be remembered.
What is one problem you encountered as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I believe we encounter a lot of problems as entrepreneurs. I believe, however, that things happen to teach us and to challenge us. When I run into problems, I think through them. I always listen to my intuition!
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I believe that everyone has a passion and a purpose. Sit quietly and meditate on whether or not you are happy, fulfilled and making a difference. Listen to the little voice and act on it.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and how would you go about it?
Acceptance of one another’s differences. This is something that needs to start with the parents and trickle down to the children. Women wonder why their children bully or judge. Sometimes your children hear you complain about someone at work or at a store, and you’re not even aware you’re doing it. They are aware! Be a responsible parent. You make the difference in your children’s lives. They watch your every move and listen to how you handle yourself. I would love to speak with women about lifting one another up and supporting one another.
Tell us a secret.
I steal 20 minutes for myself before I pick up my kids, in order to transition from work mode to mommy mode. That way I am fully present to hear about their day and let go of mine for a while.
What are your favorite online tools or resources, and what do you love about them?
I use Google for research and Pinterest for inspiration.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Any book by Russell Simmons.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
Russell Simmons, Deepok Chopra and Rebirthstyle! They’re all about following your heart to your purpose.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
About an hour ago. I was talking with a girlfriend at the gym about a class she just took.
Who is your hero?
I have two heroes: my mom and dad. They’ve been married for 51 years. They are still in love and show each other respect and affection every day. My father started a company when he was in his early twenties and built it into a multimillion-dollar business. My mom was our rock and allowed us to spread our wings. She never missed a cheerleading event, horse show, soccer game or softball game. We were raised on 20 acres of land with lots of work to do. We even grew all of our own produce. My parents gave me the foundation for my work ethic, integrity and ability to follow my dreams. I would say I hit the parent lottery!
Why did you decide to name your line Rebirth?
We are a conscious brand. I want to leave women with a life-changing message–something that will get them thinking and reflecting on what they are doing or not doing in their lives.
Who inspires you every day?
Both of my daughters, but especially my oldest. She has Alopecia Universalis. She goes to school every day with her little bald head out there for the world to see. She is the president of her Student Council, has an amazing singing voice and lives to the fullest!
Also, my husband of 18 years. He allows me to be me!
Connect:
Rebirth Style on Twitter: @rebirth_style
Rebirth Style’s Website:
Rebirth Style on Facebook: Rebirth Handbags by Tracey Martin
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.