Women Who Inspire : Belle HAHN

May 2

Tell me about your business. What is your mission?

BelleHahn.com is in the launching stage...yet the mission has been a lifelong journey. My website guides the soul through the chakras, and through my personal stories. I am showing up in total vulnerability in hopes that it will inspire others to take off the masks that do not serve them, and ask for help when needed. The dream is to support others on their healing journeys by empowering them with tools for each energy center in the body/through the chakras. The colors are representational of the rainbow that resides in all of us. I would love for everyone to feel taken care of when they need support...it is a horrible feeling to be stranded in your "me too" not knowing the next steps to take. My hope is to ask "now what?”...and in that now, come back to community and tribe, where we take care of ourselves and each other.

What’s the most challenging part about being a business owner and how did/do you overcome it? I used to have an event company and I loved working with clients who were dreaming...right now I am co-dreaming the magic of what's to come. I am currently figuring out how to orchestrate a marketing plan as well as many other business related things I have never done. I am SO grateful I am not alone in this and have a team - a web of women who have gotten me here (Chakra Red) - and now Abigail Lorick has taken the helm in next steps for bellehahn.com. I have total trust that the next steps in the process will happen..but it IS step by step (cue Whitney Houston's "Step By Step”). This has been years in the making and it took my whole life thus far to get here, so I am simply trusting and surrendering with hope that this will serve others. My fears have resided in wanting to give more, wanting more time for it all…which has proven difficult as I have such a full plate and children to take care of. The children are my priority and my honor, but my current challenge is in harmonizing it all (a dear friend reframed that for me when I couldn't say balance).

What advice would you give to women who are considering launching into entrepreneurship? “Get out of the bath tub." My muse and best friend Abigail's advice. When she was turning from Model to Fashion Designer, she was told to "get out of the bathtub”. No one wants to leave the warm cozy waters and step into the cold outside air, but when you just do it you stop questioning and you put the faith in yourself, the possibilities in your world shift. Yes you can...you can do it. It's cold at first and then there is a cozy warm robe and beautiful magic waiting on the other side of the tub.

How do you manage the stress?

I use every tool in my tool box. Breath, yoga, meditation, writing, laughing, playing dress up, baking with my babes, and Lotusland (the garden of my heart). I love playing tennis, beach runs and being with delicious people when I am not restoring myself. It is vital to balance that with the social realm. Being depleted is not a joy, so I make sure to play a lot...giggling with my children and family is one of my favorite stress relievers! And dance parties!

How are you taking care of your mental health?

More tools! Therapy (all kinds). Kim Vincent is a healer in Ojai that I am in love with for hypnosis and beyond. I go to Alquima (also in Ojai) for a day pass to get back to my center. People think I go to a ton of parties...I have and I still go to the ones I truly love but I am much more selective than I ever have been. Discernment and boundaries are vital I am learning... "saying nos to protect your yesses”. Robin Arzon from Pelaton is another therapy of mine...movement is truly medicine. As is stillness. Learning the harmony of the two is an evolution...

What are your values and ideals?

Self love. Healing...when we take care of ourselves, usually the love that we turn inward always radiates out...beauty works this way too. I value kindness above most things. I have no energy for cruel behavior. I say no to that. And my ideals…I ideally want to be my most authentic, kind, loving, funny, and gracious self.

How do you deal with self-doubt and doubt from others?

I attempt to see from their lens or my own narrative if I am doubting myself... usually the story comes from some childhood stuckness, and I work on having more compassion every day. Just the other day, I watched a stewardess so stressed out, she was spewing negative energy all over the plane. At first I thought..."what's her problem?” Then I really thought about it…"what is her probelm? Does she like her job? Is there something else going on in her world and she doesn't have the tools to deal with it? Maybe she is going through something really challenging and transferring that energy to everyone else." In those moments, as hard as it is, I return to my breath and do my best to send love back...like a CareBear stare in those childhood days...

What’s your favorite quote?

"There came a time when the risk to stay tight in the bud was more painful than the risk to grow." Anais Nin

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Be still and know." -Glennon Doyle

What’s your favorite book?

"When I Was Little” and "Untamed"

What inspires you?

My muses are all around me...every person has a unique soul and I love meeting new characters along with adoring the ones in my life. My women have been my roots for years. The men around me have shown me great love and warmth..I choose beautiful people to surround myself with...I don't have time to live in negative energy. I have recently been discovering the masculine and feminine energy within me and I am very inspired by my own self love right now. Siddhi Ellinghoven is one of the most inspirational souls I have ever known. Truman. Exploration of Self inspired me - my most recent retreat. My children and all children are and have always been my greatest inspiration. Their spirits are so connected...their instincts are so clear. I like to just observe sometimes.

What’s your greatest dream?

Ever since I was little, it was to be an actress. I love channeling different characters and I love performing. My former abuse has been a bit like an elephant sitting on my throat chakra, so the fear comes in, but I am working with this energy and hope to be performing again soon.

What do you think is your greatest asset?

My heart: I love very deeply. I also love my lioness eyes. They see right through...always have.

What do you love about yourself?

Everything. ESPECIALLY what seem like the road blocks: they are actually the gateways to learn to love yourself even more. I have always had a senstive tummy...people with childhood trauma likely do...and I have struggled with it my whole life. Yet, I am in love with what my tummy is teaching me. Slow down, take something off your plate that's too hard to digest right now, be gentle and loving and compassionate, sweet Belle...with yourself. My tummy is not "killing me" the way I used to think it was...it is awakening me to what I need to look into...and move through.