Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce Women With Vision Luncheon about the importance of finding the “why” behind your business.

I was lucky to find mine, though it wasn’t an easy journey. During my first pregnancy, I was given 24 hours to live due to severe complications from hyperemesis gravidarum. During my time in the hospital, I constantly questioned God: “Why?” Why was I going through this? Why was I struggling when everyone else seemed to have a “normal” pregnancy? I survived, but my next two pregnancies were similarly terrible.

When I realized I was pregnant with my fourth child, I knew that I needed to do something different; I decided to be proactive and changed my diet and lifestyle. When I discovered natural products that allowed me to chase my kids around the yard, rather than laying in a hospital bed, I knew that I had found the purpose behind my pain: I felt called to help other women on their wellness journeys.

In 2015, I founded Pink Stork, The Wellness Brand for Women®. We create clean, natural supplements that address the root cause of women’s health issues. But we also come alongside women and support them hand in hand on their wellness journeys. We even have a Customer Obsession Team that’s dedicated to being there for our customers -- whether they need to cry or want to celebrate. My company has grown from our tiny apartment on a military base in Virginia to one of the top 30 fastest-growing privately-owned companies in Florida. But I still haven’t lost touch with my “why.” Everything we do comes back to it, and I think that’s why we’ve been able to create so many dedicated fans. Our customers can feel that we care, and it’s because I -- and many of the women who work for me -- have been there, too. 

I think it’s so important to ask yourself: “Why?” Why do I think the world needs what I’m offering? Why am I doing what I’m doing? It’s important to have a strong foundation for your business, and every decision should flow from that center. You probably started a business (or want to start one) for a particular reason, perhaps because you experienced a problem or because someone you love did. And At Pink Stork, I’m not just in business to be in business. I want to help all women feel their best and feel supported as they try to reach their goals. Now that you know my "why," the real question is: What’s yours?