How to Thrive in Business and Marriage Together

Women's Journal Staff on September 13, 2024

By: Trip Chaser

Teaming up with your life partner when it comes to business can be a double-edged sword. Having someone you like, trust, and know well by your side can be a huge advantage. The seamless communication, the shared values and goals, and the mutual support can definitely make running a business with your husband an awesome experience.

However, there are also a lot of issues that can arise when mixing marriage and business. The risks of conflicts, disagreements, and power struggles can bleed into both your personal and professional life. It can be a stressful and challenging experience to balance both at the same time.

For Dalene and Pete Heck, the couple behind the travel card game Trip Chaser, juggling business and marriage is an adventure in itself. Famous for their world travels, this couple, now putting down roots in Nova Scotia, shared tips on how to make running a business with your spouse awesome rather than terrifying.

Leverage Your Shared Passions

After getting stuck at home during the pandemic, Dalene and Pete brainstormed on what could be next for them. It was their idea of inventing a travel-themed card game that sparked excitement, given that they spent eight years seeing the world as digital nomads.

“It’s important to find a common ground that both of you are excited about. For us, it was our love for travel,” Dalene said. “Having a shared passion can create a strong foundation and help you stay motivated in your business.”

It’s this passion that birthed Trip Chaser, a game that turns armchair travelers into explorers, one card at a time. The Hecks’ travels across 60 countries infused the game with authentic experiences, making it more than just a product, it’s a piece of their shared journey.

Dalene explains, “We wanted to channel our experiences into something that could bring joy to others. With Trip Chaser, even people who may not have the resources or time to travel can still experience the thrill and adventure of it.”

Learn How to Adapt

The path to success is often littered with unforeseen challenges, something the Hecks know all too well. Their free-wheeling travel ways came to a screeching halt in 2016 when Dalene was diagnosed with leukemia, and then after recovering from that, the global impact of COVID-19 tested their resilience further. Yet, they turned these obstacles into opportunities for innovation.

“When life throws curveballs, we pivot,” Dalene shared. “It was definitely difficult to start from scratch after our nomadic lifestyle was abruptly halted, but we found new ways to continue pursuing our passions through new projects. A lot of times, partners, whether in business or in life, can either crumble or come out stronger when faced with tough times. We chose the latter.”

During trying times, the easy way out is to blame the nearest thing you can find: your partner. But the Hecks learned that supporting each other so they can adapt to change is key.

Separate Business and Personal Time

Unlike the typical husband and wife who go their own way in the morning and reconvene at night to catch up over dinner, working with your partner means you are together 24/7. While this may seem daunting, the Hecks advise keeping a healthy balance between personal and professional time.

“One moment you’re talking about what you’re having for lunch and then the next, you’re discussing a work-related project,” Dalene shared. “While it may seem convenient at first, you’re also running the risk of having your business take over your personal life. Make sure to set boundaries and schedule quality time for yourselves where work is off limits.”

Dalene also stressed the importance of having your own solo time, whether it’s for self-care or pursuing individual interests. “It’s vital to have some alone time to recharge and reflect,” she said. “This helps keep our relationship strong and allows us to bring our great selves into our work.”

Celebrate Small Wins Together

When Dalene and Pete started their travel journey way back in 2009, they never expected to be recognized for it. It was a life-changing decision they made motivated by the realization that life is indeed so short,

When they started getting awards like being named National Geographic’s Travelers of the Year, it was a pleasant surprise that they celebrated together. Another milestone was finally being able to launch the Trip Chaser card game after years of conceptualization, beta testing, and production.

As working partners, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate each other’s achievements, no matter how big or small they may seem. These moments not only strengthen your bond as a couple but also motivate and inspire you to continue pushing toward your goals together.

“Having our travel experiences and even mishaps turned into a fun card game was definitely an important milestone for us,” Dalene shared. “And sharing this momentous achievement with my husband is perhaps one of the most awesome feelings ever.”

Want to experience traveling in the comforts of your own home? Consider checking out the Trip Chaser card game, the armchair travel adventure that might take you around the world without the spending, the hassle, and the suitcases.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Understanding Perimenopause with At-Home Solutions

Women's Journal Staff on September 13, 2024

By: John Glover (MBA)

Perimenopause is a transitional phase that many women experience as they approach menopause. It’s often characterized by a range of symptoms that can be confusing and overwhelming. To help women navigate this life stage with greater ease, Proov has introduced the Proov Empower perimenopause test, a tool designed to provide valuable insights into hormonal health. Amy Beckley, CEO of Proov, shares the inspiration and purpose behind this innovative test.

“We created the Proov Empower perimenopause test because we saw a real need for women to better understand their hormonal health during perimenopause,” says Jane Doe. “This stage of life can be confusing and challenging, with many women feeling unsure about what’s happening in their bodies. We wanted to provide a simple, reliable way for women to get clear information about their hormones and symptoms so they can take charge of their health and feel more confident during this transition. Menopause is inevitable; suffering is not.”

The Proov Empower perimenopause test is designed to make hormone testing accessible and easy to use. It measures four key hormones that are crucial for understanding the changes happening in a woman’s body during perimenopause: FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), estrogen marker E1G (estrone-3-glucuronide), progesterone marker PdG (pregnanediol glucuronide), and LH (Luteinizing Hormone). These hormones play a significant role in influencing symptoms and the overall perimenopause experience.

“The Proov Empower perimenopause test is super easy to use and measures four key hormones that impact a person’s symptoms and perimenopause experience,” Jane explains. “These hormones are crucial for understanding the changes happening in your body during perimenopause. The test analyzes the results over time and can provide insights about your hormone levels as well as help create a custom plan that can help.”

Understanding when to turn to hormone testing can be vital for managing perimenopausal symptoms effectively. Jane emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs and seeking testing when necessary.

“Women should consider hormone testing when they start noticing symptoms and especially when these symptoms start interfering with their daily lives,” Jane advises. “Symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety or feelings of depression, or trouble sleeping are all common and also common to be misdiagnosed or ignored.”

The Proov Empower test is specifically designed for women from their mid-30s onwards, as this is when perimenopause can begin. It aims to empower women by providing them with the information they need to understand their hormonal changes and take proactive steps to manage their health.

“Proov Empower is designed for women from their mid-30s onwards, which is when perimenopause can start to begin,” Jane notes. “It’s especially helpful for those who want to understand their hormonal changes better and take proactive steps to manage their health. With Proov Empower, we aim to make hormone testing easy and accessible so you can make informed decisions about your well-being.”

For women who may have doubts or concerns about the accuracy of the Proov Empower perimenopause test, Jane offers reassurance about the reliability and scientific backing of the test.

“If you have any doubts or concerns about the accuracy of these tests, we want to assure you that the Proov Empower perimenopause test is based on significant and ongoing scientific research and leverages validated and tested methods,” she explains. “We know how important accurate results are for your health, so our tests are designed to be easy to use at home, giving you convenience without sacrificing reliability. We’re here to support you and answer any questions you might have so you can feel confident and informed about your hormonal health.”

In summary, the Proov Empower perimenopause test represents a significant step forward in women’s health, providing a valuable tool for understanding and managing the complex hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause. With this innovative test, women can gain the knowledge they need to navigate this life stage with confidence and take control of their health.

About Proov:

Proov is a company dedicated to empowering women by providing innovative solutions for understanding and managing hormonal health. With a focus on science-backed products, Proov aims to make hormone testing accessible and easy to use, helping women make informed decisions about their well-being.

Published by: Nelly Chavez