Investing in ourselves is hard—but necessary.

Trusting that we have the intuition and know-how to make big decisions (especially in business) can be an uphill battle. It takes a lot of self-confidence to comfortably (or uncomfortably) ditch a desk job and become an independent entrepreneur.

So, meet Lydia Jarjoura, the owner of Lunar Nourishment. After working for the City of Austin for three years, she decided to quit and fully own her business. For the last four months, she's been funneling her efforts (and her expertise) into what she feels most passionate about—self-love products and support through yoga, meditation, sustainable living and Reiki.

Get to know Lydia:

Q: What inspired you to start your business? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?

A: I think my biggest inspiration, oddly, has been myself. I started this business to help other women. I suffered from debilitating anxiety for years. Back when I was in college, I used to have panic attacks that would make my face go numb. After many doctor and therapist visits and years of anti-anxiety medicine, I moved to Austin, started meditating and doing yoga and have been med-free for a few years now and have learned what I need to cope. It's been such a hard journey but I have made it to a place within myself that, when I am practicing self-care and self-love every single day, I feel in my heart that I'm okay; I'm so grateful to be able to share that with other women who may be going through the same thing.

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: Yes; JUST DO IT! If you feel passionate about something, then let your intuition guide you. She is what speaks the loudest when we take the time to listen to her.

Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?

A: One of my favorite memories is the day that Lunar Nourishment was created! I had been teaching yoga and making these body products for many years but one morning, a Sunday, I woke up had this "ah ha" moment. I called my twin sister, Marlena (my biggest support!) and we talked on the phone for almost five hours! In one day I knew exactly what Lunar Nourishment would offer and what I wanted it to become. I quit my full-time job four months ago and have been chasing this dream ever since!

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: My most challenging moments have been not the highs or lows, but the in-betweens. When I had a desk job, I used to struggle every morning to feel happy about, not the career I was in, but the impact that I was making on individual people. The challenge, for me, wasn't worth my health and my sanity.

Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?

A: I quit said job this past July. I was a full-time employee for the City's Office of Sustainability. I was with the City full-time for three years and couldn't do it anymore. So now, when I'm not working on Lunar Nourishment, I teach yoga a few days a week and mix in some design work in between.

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: I run away from my heart and into my head. Being discouraged is when I'm not feeling but am thinking—too much. It's when my instinct is faded from my blaring thoughts. So, I tend to try and run back down into my heart and my gut as quickly as I can!

Your favorite band: Every day I listen to an album called "Liquid Bloom." It's an intentional sound healing project produced by Amani Friend of Desert Dwellers! It's amazing and really takes me to another place. I love playing it during my meditation classes; most of my students end up falling asleep!

Your favorite book: "Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. It will probably be my favorite book for the rest of my life—it's an absolutely empowering and amazing way of merging folklore with modern thoughts on the wild woman and living a true life. Highly recommend.

Your local Austin gem: I don't buy much or go many places these days, but I will say that my friend Shay, owns Bunglo, a textile company. It's so amazing to see her watercolors and artwork made into pillows, pouches and even furniture. I love that her company has a story and it really inspires me!

Your social media handles: @lunarnourishment on Instagram. You can email me at connect@lunarnourishment.com if any of you Austin ladies are interested in coming to the monthly New Moon Circles!

Catch Lunar Nourishment at our Wellness Retreat (currently sold out; sorry y'all)! Lydia will be offering Lunar Kits, as well as providing personalized Herbal Tea consultations. Stop by her table, tell her your physical/emotional state, and she'll create a custom herbal tea blend for you.

One of the Babes: Lunar Nourishment

✸ Future Front is a 501c3 arts and culture nonprofit, homegrown in Texas. ✸