Healthy Chicks

Happy May, beauties! It’s time for this month’s feature on Healthy Chicks in the Community, a monthly series highlighting rockstar Girl Bosses doing their thang in the wellness world & beyond.

I’m thrilled to feature Founder of Honey Bee Maternity, Sara Benzinger. Through her consignment shop, she sells gently used maternity & nursing wear at a fraction of the price — making it a budget-friendly, sustainable option for new mamas and mamas to be.

In this inspiring interview, we chat with Sara about challenges she’s faced opening up her own business, why she’s prioritizing her self-care practice, and her love for exotic foods!

NAME:

Sara Benzinger

WHERE DO YOU LIVE:

Bethel, CT

GIVE US A SNAPSHOT INTO YOUR BIZ/WHAT YOU DO:

I own Honey Bee Maternity, a maternity and nursing consignment store! I help expecting families save money by offering a curated selection of gently used maternity and nursing wear at a fraction of retail prices. 

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE/LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED OPENING YOUR OWN SHOP:

I’ve had to learn to not be so people-pleasing. In the past I’ve made decisions that benefit others but ultimately weren’t good for my business. I’m learning to find the balance, because my decisions need to be good for me, my customers, AND my business.

NUMBER ONE PASSION OUTSIDE THE JOB:

I love getting crafty! I’ve tried my hand at everything from crocheting to jewelry making. 

INTENTIONS/GOALS YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS:

My immediate focus for this year is improving my self care. And I don’t mean going for mani/pedis, I mean true self care — things like getting enough rest and making time for daily habits that truly improve my mindset and my life.

I struggle with putting myself — physically and emotionally — on the back burner. My intentions for the next 3 years include strengthening positive relationships, and believing in myself (cutting out that negative self-talk).

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D TELL YOUR CHILDHOOD SELF:

I’d say, “The fact that you have to work harder for things right now is going to benefit you down the road.” When I was younger I felt that I was fairly good at a variety of things – I was an “ok” gymnast, I was a “decent” track athlete, I was a “pretty good” student – but there was no one thing that I truly excelled at.

However, it forced me to work for what I wanted. If everything had come easily to me I never would have learned the perseverance or compassion that I need today. 

FOODS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL ALIVE & BRING THE MOST JOY:

Oh my goodness what doesn’t?! I appreciate all the fresh farm-to-table style goodness that this world has to offer. And the weirder it sounds the more likely I am to try it. The things I will always go for: Sushi, oysters, street tacos, prime rib, oven roasted veggies. Oh, also dessert. Never met one I didn’t like.

SONG THAT MOVES YOU:

Right now it’s “I Love Me” by Demi Lovato. It reminds me that I need to give myself as much love as I give to other people. 

THREE FAB THINGS ABOUT YOU: 

I love new experiences, I’m a really good listener, and I’m introverted, but still love spending time with and meeting new people.

FAVORITE BODY PART & WHY: 

Wrists and hands – they’re feminine and capable. 

I GET MY INSPIRATION FROM: 

The women around me in my everyday life. I feel like I learn and absorb something from every one of them. I like to think that I recognize the best in each of them and am continually inspired by it. 

EXERCISE THAT MAKES YOU SHINE:

Anything involving dance! I’ve always loved Zumba, and I used to go line dancing every weekend before I had kids! 

SOMETHING IN YOUR “WELLNESS TOOLBOX” YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: 

Me time — I need space and quiet to reset.