Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicola McGillicuddy.
Hi Nicola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Around 11 years ago, the entrepreneurial bug bit me when my husband Dan and I founded Sunset Learning Studio, a music school in Redondo Beach, California. With Dan’s lifelong passion for music, we aimed to cultivate a community where the love of music could thrive. Fast forward to today, we’re celebrating our 11th year with two successful locations. Our journey has been filled with love and a deep sense of contributing to our community.
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, new ideas have a way of finding you and igniting a strong desire to create something new. A few years ago, I experienced this firsthand when my niece Colleen and I began discussing the climate crisis and its far-reaching effects on everything we hold dear. Feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, we felt immobilized and powerless.
But then, we posed a question to ourselves: “What positive actions are being taken to combat global warming?” Asking this question opened our eyes to a world of hope and progress. We discovered an abundance of positive solutions and initiatives, from renewable energy projects to conservation efforts and advocacy for environmental justice. Actions are being taken across all levels, from the global stage to local communities, from corporations to individuals.
This type of news rarely makes headlines, but it transformed our mindset from hopelessness to hopefulness and empowerment. It became very clear to us that…
Fear immobilizes, and Positivity moves you forward.
Another significant step we took to change our outlook was to intentionally spend more time in nature. This became a journey of “rewilding” our lives.
It felt like we were replanting ourselves back into nature – getting back in touch with our natural roots. We started to experience more balance, joy, and well-being in our lives! We discovered that being present to Her beauty awakens you to the awe and wonder of life. You feel a deeper connection to our planet and to everyone on it. You have more appreciation and gratitude for our beautiful world.
It’s like nature has a way of restoring our own inner habitat. She “rewilds” you’re thinking, thoughts, mindset, and way of being. You see more clearly how everything in life is interconnected.
This transformation extended to my lifestyle. I felt compelled more than ever to do my part to take care of our planet. I started with making simple lifestyle swaps, then looked at how I could make our home more efficient. This led to adopting sustainable practices like composting, driving an electric car, and becoming a vegetarian. These were gradual steps that took place over time.
Going through this journey, Colleen and I realized there had to be others like us who deeply care about the environment but feel overwhelmed on how they can make a difference.
This realization led us to create the Luv Earth Newsletter, a platform that encourages others to “rewild” their lives through positivity, knowledge, inspiration, and empowerment.
We’ve come to understand that for the world to transform, we must first transform ourselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Time has proven to be our greatest obstacle in developing Luv Earth. Building something new alongside managing an existing business has presented its fair share of challenges. I have a lot of responsibilities and devote long hours to overseeing the day-to-day operations of our music school. I often feel like my attention is pulled in a million different directions throughout the course of a day.
Finding dedicated time to create and nurture something new has been difficult. But when you believe in something that is fueled with passion you find a way.
In the face of frustrations and setbacks, my mantra is always… “Just keep moving forward.”
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Contemplating my personal journey toward sustainable living sparked the idea for the Luv Earth Newsletter. Through the process of “rewilding” my life, I transformed. I became healthier and happier and had a deeper sense of self-love, joy, gratitude, compassion, and love for all life.
I learned that what is good for the planet is also good for me! That our well-beings are interconnected.
I learned that giving your attention to the positive alters your emotional state.
I learned that connecting with nature heals so many things. You expand and awaken in Her presence.
I learned that my actions and choices matter because I am part of something bigger that is driving change.
I learned that continual growth is key to a better life and world.
I learned that living sustainably becomes a pleasure when you are clear on your reasons.
So, the Luv Earth Newsletter goes beyond sharing positive eco news and green living tips; it’s a platform for discussing our transformative journey. We delve into topics such as mindfulness, awareness, connection, and love.
It’s about celebrating life even in the midst of the chaos!
Contact Info:
- Website: luv.earth
- Instagram: @luv.earth_luv.you
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/luvearth0188/
