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

Hi Teddy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
There is nothing perfect in owning your own business. It’s messy, complicated and nothing ever works out exactly how you planned or thought it would. I feel this exact same way about balance. Balance is a mythical unicorn and you will only make yourself crazy chasing after it. I have literally tried everything schedules, time slots for work, days off for family, but something always disrupts whatever I thought was working. Now, I work day to day, project to project. I know that when I’m working on something I am sacrificing something…me time, time with my family, time with friends…etc. That’s ok! The beauty of owning my own business is that after I’m done I can clear off a day or even a week to then focus on whatever I sacrificed. Is that balance? I don’t know because it will never be even or equal. We just do the best that we can at the time and learn to do better next time. One tip that has really been powerful for me is to stop comparing! I have to set goals and expectations for what is realistic NOW! My other tip is the power of one! Every night I think about what is the most important thing I need to get done the next day in my business and or for my family. Maybe it’s something huge like sending mail out to all my customers or maybe it’s vacuum the house and posting on social media. Whatever it is, that’s what I tackle first. Getting one thing or even a few things done in a day is HUGE! What is the most important thing that HAS to get done finish that first and start your day crushing it!

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?
I started teaching and selling Young Living’s essential oils, supplements and other wellness products. They had changed our life and I just wanted to share that. People loved my classes and wanted to learn more! At the same time, I was starting to get more involved with the Celiac Disease/Autoimmune Disease and also the Food Allergy communities. These are all hats I wear often and at the same time because for me it all overlaps with myself and my children. So how do I put everything I have learned my entire life and especially the last 13 years I’ve lived with autoimmune diseases into one thing? Wyldflower Wellness was born. Health and Wellness in general seems so overwhelming to most people. My job is to break down those walls and show them how simple it can be. I think some gurus or health professionals try to validate their worth, show what they know and complicate things. People feel intimidated after reading or listening to something.  There are times I’ve made that mistake and didn’t even know it. I want others to see that they can do this! They can eat and live cleaner, healthier and happier. I don’t want to fit into the role or box of doctor, nutritionist or even coach and I’m quick to recommend those that I know in those areas. That’s not me. I want to be more like a friend that can come alongside and encourage you until you’re doing it yourself. I can teach you how to read labels, order safely at a restaurant or show you my favorite oily DIY. Sometimes people just need someone that understands what they’re going through to listen. That’s where I fit in and what sets me apart. I am most proud of when people tell me how I have helped them. I get before/after pictures, texts, comments, messages and calls all the time about how their life has changed or how they just feel encouraged. My favorite is when they say things like…”I have learned more from you in 5 min than I have from searching for years.” Even something simple like, “I love seeing new recipes, products and ideas in your feed.” To me those things are a big deal! Food Allergies, Autoimmune Diseases, Invisible Illness, pain or sickness in general can be extremely lonely and overwhelming. If I can post a tip, meal or encouragement that makes it just a little bit easier…I’ve done my job. I’m excited for the future because anything is possible. I’m just going wherever God leads me and loving on whoever He sends to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born in Atlanta and raised around it my whole life. Most people don’t realize the best part about where we live is that you can go pick apples, peaches, blueberries…etc. all day and then drive into the city and have the best night! For families: The Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, The Silver Comet Trail or one of the local festivals or Farmer’s Markets. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, or hanging out on of the lakes…there is always something to do outside in and around Atlanta. One little hidden gem is Splendor Oaks in Canton. It is owned by a friend of mine and her family. They have created the coolest little Eco farm. You can stay overnight in their Stay Bird Bus or their Eden Tree House. Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia so that is definitely one of my favorite spots. My brother Truett Lollis is a blues/rock guitarist and song writer so I definitely have the inside scoop on who’s playing and where to go. If he’s in town I’m there! FOOD!!!! I first have to give a shoutout to some of my FAVORITE places around town to get Gluten Free and other food allergy safe foods and treats! The Local Expedition WFG in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta, Sally’s Gluten Free Bakery in Sandy Springs, North Druid Hills & Alpharetta, 2B Whole Bakery in Alpharetta, HUH Foods in Roswell, Frozen Cow in Kennesaw and Woodstock, Four Fat Cows in Alpharetta, Marietta and Athens, Bartaco (several locations in Atlanta), Hola Taqueria (Roswell), Rico’s Tropical Grill (Kennesaw), Roll on In (East Cobb).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God has blessed me with an incredible family and friends that are daily praying for us, sending love or helping however they can. First, I have to thank my husband. Invisible illness isn’t so invisible to the ones you’re closest to and he sees it all and never complains.  My girls are young but they help sort business mail, come up with ideas for pictures or posts, and do a lot of taste testing. They are very patient with Mama’s business. My parents have always been supportive of whatever I do and this business is no different. My mom was the first person to buy oils from me and she has kept my girls while I’ve worked, taught classes or needed to travel. My dad has always encouraged me by sharing about my company and what has helped him but also encouraging me to do more. And yes, Dad I will write a book someday, I promise! Our family has always been close and I’m grateful to my sister, brother and their spouses for all of their love and support too. A huge shout-out to all of the incredible ladies I have on my team that feel as passionately about health, wellness and empowering others as I do. They work so hard to not just educate others but donate and share whatever they can. All of my instagram followers @peachesandpasta…ya’ll are the BEST!

Website: https://theoilery.net/teddy-garguilo/
Instagram: @peachesandpasta

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