Meet Irina Macare | Sleep Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irina Macare and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, how does your business help the community?
As a sleep coach, I help busy people overcome their sleep issues and increase their energy and mood, ensuring they get the sleep necessary for their unique mind and body. My primary market consists of individuals leading busy lives, striving for peak performance, including entrepreneurs, career-focused individuals, and those prioritizing better health.

We live in a sleep-deprived society, with many people facing sleep issues due to the overwhelming stress from various sources: work, family, volunteering, financial concerns, and societal norms. This stress often leads to high levels of anxiety, resulting in sleep problems.

On the other hand, there are people who wear sleep deprivation as a badge of honor, symbolizing their prioritization of work above all else. This proudly displayed workaholism is seen as a status symbol of success, often resulting from a lack of understanding about how sleep works and the crucial role it plays in their productivity and creativity. They push themselves to the limit, believing that sacrificing sleep is a testament to their dedication and drive, without realizing the long-term detrimental effects on their health and performance.

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to numerous health problems, significantly impacting one’s mental state. When sleep-deprived, people are moody, irritable, and more prone to social conflicts, affecting relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Moreover, sleep deprivation drastically reduces productivity, leading to more mistakes, brain fog, and diminished concentration capabilities.

My mission is to make sleep appealing, encouraging people to view sleep as leverage for a healthy and balanced life and a productivity tool. Well-rested individuals are more emotionally stable, which not only improves their personal well-being but also contributes to creating a better world to live in.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a sleep coach, my authenticity stems from a personal journey of overcoming insomnia triggered by a life-changing car accident due to severe sleep deprivation. Years ago, my sleep was a mess, filled with chronic insomnia, sleepless nights, and exhaustion. I relied on coffee and willpower to get through my days, often finding myself awake in the middle of the night, dreading the toll lost sleep would take on the coming day. This struggle impacted my focus, mood, and productivity, turning my life into a constant battle against fatigue.

The turning point came one day after a particularly hard day at work. I fell asleep behind the wheel while driving home and nearly lost everything in a collision with a truck. This frightening experience was a literal wake-up call, pushing me to realize that I needed to make significant changes in my life.

With the medical system offering only temporary fixes through sleep meds, I embarked on my journey to improve my sleep. I delved into research, learning about sleep hygiene, chronobiology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Through this journey, I discovered the crucial link between stress and disrupted sleep patterns, and the importance of managing stress throughout the day.
As I applied these techniques, my sleep began to improve, leading to positive changes in my work, mood, and relationships. People noticed my transformation and started seeking my advice. This realization inspired me to pursue certification as a sleep coach, formalizing my knowledge and commitment to helping others.

Transitioning from an IT Engineer to a Coach was not easy. I had to build multiple new skills at once. Beyond understanding sleep and the sleep science, I had to learn how to work with people and the psychology of behavior change. Since I am not a doctor, I don’t treat or prescribe. As a coach, I focus on behavior and cognitive change.

When I decided to become a Sleep Coach, I went online and searched for certifications. It was challenging because sleep coaching for adults is a relatively new market, and there aren’t many reputable certification providers. However, when Precision Nutrition, a highly regarded nutrition coaching provider, launched their new certification for Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery, I saw it as a sign. I didn’t stop with that course; I continued searching for more in-depth certifications focused primarily on sleep.

Despite my extensive training, I quickly realized that no number of certifications could replace the experience of working directly with people. Knowing the theory is essential, but learning from interacting with clients is invaluable.

While coaching and science are my passions, I faced a harsh reality when I was ready to work with clients: nobody knew about me. I had to acquire new skills in online marketing, finances, and digital presence. To expedite my growth, I hired a business coach. If you are a new entrepreneur, my biggest advice is: don’t try to DIY. Hire a business coach. It will speed up your growth exponentially. There are so many things to learn, and doing it alone will take ten times longer.

Working online is challenging. You need to make your voice heard amidst a cacophony of noise and hope your clients find you. You rely on platforms over which you have little control, and the journey is not linear. The frustration is real, and despite your efforts, there will be downs as well as ups. Just don’t give up. Keep your head down and move forward. Don’t stop and persevere.

When it gets tough, return to your mission and core values and remind yourself why you are doing this.

Today, I stand not just as a survivor of insomnia, but as a guide for others on their sleep journey. My journey has taught me that true change comes from understanding the complexities of sleep and addressing them with a holistic approach. I offer a tailored approach that recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, considering physical and mental health alongside personal life complexities.

At the core of my business is transparency and radical responsibility. These principles guide me to openly acknowledge imperfections, learn from experiences, and adapt as I grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the Pacific Northwest, I’d ensure they experienced the best of our region, blending nature, culture, and fantastic food into an unforgettable week.

Given that the Pacific Northwest is renowned for its natural beauty, we’d start the adventure in nature. One of the highlights would be an incredible hike on Mt. Rainier, specifically the Paradise Loop. This trail is a absolutely amazing, offering breathtaking views and it truly feels like a piece of paradise.

Another day would be dedicated to exploring Bainbridge Island. We’d take a ferry ride from Seattle to this idyllic place, known for its charming town, local shops, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, Bainbridge Island is the only real location from Seattle that appears in Grey’s Anatomy, adding a fun pop culture touch to our visit.

Back in Seattle, there are several iconic landmarks we’d have to visit. The Space Needle the true landmark for which Seattle is known, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit showcases stunning glass sculptures. We’d also visit the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to get a taste of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Of course, no trip to Seattle is complete without enjoying its great food. For a memorable dining experience, I’d take them to The Pink Door, where the food is amazing, or Cutters Crabhouse for incredible seafood with a beautiful view over the water. We’d also make a stop at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery to see how coffee is roasted and enjoy a fresh cup of java.

For a unique perspective of the city, we’d rent kayaks on Lake Union. Paddling around the lake provides stunning views of Seattle’s skyline and the charming houseboats on the water. Another must-see is the 74th floor of the Columbia Tower, where we can enjoy a 360-degree view of Seattle and its surroundings.

To round out the trip, we’d explore some of Seattle’s local gems. Pike Place Market is a busy spot where we’d try local foods and watch the famous fish throwers. Discovery Park offers a peaceful escape with its hiking trails and picturesque lighthouse.

And for a final dining experience, Ray’s Boathouse provides delicious seafood and stunning sunset views over Puget Sound.

This blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration would ensure my friend experiences the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey to becoming a sleep coach had a lot of ups and downs, and without the support of certain people, it probably would not have become a reality.

I decided to become a Sleep Coach with the hope of helping people. I left a 16-year career in IT to follow my dream. Without the support of my husband, that would not have been possible. He encouraged and supported me from day one, never once saying that I was abandoning something I had worked for so long, something that was secure and provided us with a good and steady income, for something very new and niche. He believed in me, and that meant everything to me.

I am very grateful for my first business coach, Jill Colleman, who is an amazing coach. She helped me figure out how to start my business online and promote myself and my services so that people could know about and benefit from them. Over time, even after working with other business coaches, I often find myself going back to the lessons I learned from Jill and still applying them.

Being in Jill’s community, I created amazing friendships with powerful women who supported me and helped me trust myself, getting up and moving forward when things got hard. Years later, Justine Feitelson and Morgan Shepard are still my friends, and we continue to support each other in this entrepreneurial journey.

And last but not least, my mentor, Brendon Burchard, who came into my life when I needed it most and showed me that it’s possible to be a high achiever without sacrificing your health and personal life.

Website: https://www.irinamacare.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irina_macare/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-macare-sleep-coaching/

Twitter: @IrinaMacare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irinaMacare

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@irinamacare

Image Credits
I have the rights and permissions of the photos