An update on Jacquelyn's plans for the future & Powerful Mamas® (Yes - She'll still be here!!!)
But first, as we begin a new year I'd like to share with all of you my tremendous appreciation for each and every one of you! I've received so many heartwarming holiday cards this winter, all with your precious children pictured. Many have grown so big I can barely recognize them!! I hardly believe the years that have passed since I attended my very first birth... (thank you Stacy!) My heart will forever be grateful to you for taking a chance on a new, young, passionate doula!!! :)
These lovely cards are a reminder that each year brings new beginnings for all of us, and with it SO many possibilities... I feel that the air is practically crackling around me with potential, just like the fireplace next to me as I write this letter. It's an exciting time in the Duke household! My own children are growing faster than I can believe, right before my eyes; and as happens in life, Jason and I are entering the next phase of parenthood. Options are opening for our family that could not be part of our previous, beautiful phase of babies, breastfeeding, babywearing and nap times. Part of my heart feels bittersweet as we move past this chapter in our lives, (I'm sure some of you can relate!), but I also feel inspired and ready for what is next...
As my own children's independence has grown, my career is now also ready to expand into new horizons that can allow for more opportunities to travel, engage my brain, and attend my kids' many activities and events, without the caveat that mommy MIGHT not be able to make it if she is at a birth... With that said, please understand that each and every birth has been so, so, so welcomed in our home that it was initially very hard for me to accept that it was time to back down on my labor doula load! This phase of my life has been by far the most fulfilling thing I have ever done, without question. But I've learned to accept that just in labor, there is a phase for everything in life. I began to feel peace about this new phase I'm entering when I discovered a career path SO PERFECT for the skills I've honed as a labor doula...
I'm so excited to announce to you all, my faithful clients, that that career is REAL ESTATE!!!!!!!
Truth be told, this might seem like a jump for those of you that aren't doulas yourselves - but let me assure you it is shockingly similar. The heart of a doula is ultimately about service, helping clients make informed decisions, and guiding folks through potentially stressful times to a (hopefully!) positive outcome they can remember with fondness for years to come...
Now take what I've just said and insert the idea of serving clients through a REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION instead of a birth... Just like in pregnancy, really fabulous Realtors® should walk you through the process of informed decision making when home buying or selling, help connect you with the best possible referrals (such as lenders), just like a doula connects you with the best midwife/doctor/obgyn, and guide folks through potentially high stress real estate closings, just as doulas put out fires BEFORE they can cause issues in the birth room. Now do you see what I mean???
Just like when I became a doula, I've thrown all of my research skills and educational background into becoming the best Realtor® I possibly can be. After all, if you know me well, you know I don't like to do anything half way!!! I am passionate about being prepared... perhaps a little over-prepared even. :) Therefore I've spent the entire fall not only studying for my license, but self-educating by listening and reading every podcast, realty book, and article out there, as well as meeting with some of the best in the business, who I'm proud to call my mentors. Since the beginning of the New Year I've spent almost everyday in trainings, not because they are required, but because I am determined to be the BEST REALTOR® I possibly can be for each and everyone of my clients!
So now, after all of this, I feel ready to officially announce with confidence that I am at your service in this new capacity.
I would be beyond honored if you would allow me to walk along side you, your friends, your coworkers or your family members through what will be ANOTHER major life decision - the purchase of not just a house, but a home - YOUR home. Many of you have trusted me to help bring into the world your most precious treasures ... Now I boldly ask that you consider placing that same faith in me once again.
Please visit and SHARE my new website, www.SellingCentralIowa.com. If you are interested in buying or selling a home within the next year, you'll find many valuable resources, including free Buyer and Seller Guides, informative blog posts, customizable search tools, and more!
I promise that I will bring the same level of commitment, due diligence, and service to my role as your Realtor® at Coldwell Banker, Mid-America Group in Ankeny that I have brought to all of my birth work! Please email me at [email protected] or call today if you'd like to learn more about how I can make the home buying/selling process take less time, involve less stress, and ultimately save you money!
***PS - Powerful Mamas® will still be here for you through our Online Natural Birth Course, Labor Doula Trainings, Repeat Labor Doula Clients, and perhaps my favorite service of all - Placenta Encapsulation!!! Please spread the word Jacquelyn is still serving you for your birth, as well as real estate, needs!!!***