From Nurse to Movement Coach: Emily Castellani's Journey to Wellness and Entrepreneurship

Emily Castellani, co-founder of Carlington Movement and Massage, has a remarkable story of transformation—a journey from nursing to becoming a movement coach and entrepreneur. Her path is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions, overcoming personal challenges, and ultimately using those experiences to help others.

The Shift from Nursing to Wellness

Emily's career began in nursing, driven by a deep desire to make a difference in people's lives. However, during her time in nursing school, she began to realize that the hospital environment, where suffering was often the focus, didn’t align with her vision of helping people. She felt limited in her ability to truly improve the lives of her patients in the way she had hoped.

Her personal struggles also played a key role in the career shift. Emily experienced chronic foot pain that traditional medical solutions couldn't alleviate. Frustrated with the lack of effective treatments, she sought alternative methods, which eventually led her to a more holistic view of health and wellness. This newfound approach to health—focusing not just on symptoms but on the whole person—was transformative, sparking a passion for movement coaching and holistic healing.

Finding Purpose in Movement

Emily’s transition into the world of movement coaching wasn't just about escaping the frustrations of nursing. It was about discovering a new way to help people feel better—physically, emotionally, and mentally. She emphasizes that wellness isn’t just about exercise; it’s about the connection we form with others and with ourselves. "At the end of the day, it’s about connection," she explains.

This perspective has driven Emily to specialize in movement coaching for seniors—something she never anticipated during her nursing career. In nursing, she often found herself overwhelmed by the suffering of her elderly patients and felt helpless in providing lasting relief. However, as a movement coach, Emily has found immense fulfillment in teaching seniors how to move more freely and comfortably, improving their overall quality of life. Whether it’s helping them go up and down stairs pain-free or enabling them to get on the floor to play with their grandchildren, Emily’s work brings a sense of purpose and joy.

Her work with seniors has also brought her valuable life lessons. She appreciates the unique opportunity to learn about aging, not just from textbooks, but from the lived experiences of those who have seen decades of change. It’s a perspective that not only enriches her coaching but also deepens her understanding of what it means to age well.

A Journey of Balance and Reflection

Emily’s journey as an entrepreneur has been one of growth and self-reflection. Unlike many founders driven by the pursuit of rapid expansion, Emily is content with the balance she has achieved between work and life. She finds joy in her current business and has no desire to chase the idea of passive income or scaling for the sake of growth. In her own words, she’s “coasting” in a way that allows her to enjoy the fruits of her hard work while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

But as with all journeys, change is inevitable. Recently, Emily discovered she was pregnant, an exciting milestone that has also brought with it a wave of uncertainty. As she navigates the idea of balancing motherhood with her business, Emily has been open with her clients about her feelings. She finds support in their diverse perspectives, gaining wisdom from their advice and experiences. The emotions she’s experiencing are a mix of excitement, fear, and uncertainty, but Emily is embracing these emotions as part of her personal and professional growth.

A Lesson in Entrepreneurship

For those considering a leap into entrepreneurship, Emily’s story offers valuable lessons. One of the most important? “Just start. Tell people what you want to do,” she encourages. The road to success isn’t always linear, and mistakes are part of the journey. But by embracing those mistakes, learning from them, and staying true to one’s purpose, it’s possible to create a fulfilling career that aligns with personal values and passions.

Embrace Change, Cultivate Wellness

Emily Castellani’s journey from nurse to movement coach reminds us that our careers and paths can evolve in unexpected ways. Her story is a powerful example of how challenges, when met with an open mind and a willingness to grow, can transform into opportunities for both personal and professional success.

Tune into episode 08 where Emily shares more about her journey, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how she’s navigating this exciting new chapter of her life. You won’t want to miss her inspiring story and valuable insights!