Meet Amy Atwell | Owner and Lead Guide, Personal Nature Project

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

Hi Amy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over time, I have learned that my personal values and my bigger “why” need to inform how I create balance in my life.

More accurately, I seek a sense of harmony rather than balance, because the weight of each priority in life constantly shifts. Some days, my personal health or my family need more attention. Other days, my business takes center stage. I know I am out of harmony when I am not sleeping well or if I begin to stress over small things, and those signals alert me that it’s time for a reset.

I started my business as a way to help other adults reset and find that work-life harmony. Time in nature can serve as such a powerful form of self care. Digging in my garden or walking in a natural space has always helped me pause, refocus and regain creativity and confidence, and studies show that natural spaces have that effect on people.

Over the past several years, I have carved out time to be outdoors and that has made the biggest difference in how I experience my own life. I have gained a greater feeling of appreciation and an ability to stay present in important moments.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Personal Nature Project, grew out of a deep personal passion for wildlife and natural places.

That passion is part of what makes my business unique: A mission to reconnect other adults with nature as a form of self care drives every business decision I make.

I launched this business in 2021 after several years of dreaming and planning, and my proudest accomplishment so far has been connecting with individuals who have been longing for nature connection in their lives. Helping people create new gardens or discover new ways to explore nature fuels me.

My biggest takeaway so far: Focus on building relationships. In the age of social media, “shiny object syndrome” can bombard small business owners and distract us from our purpose. The self-proclaimed marketing and business gurus might have some processes and systems that work, but nothing can replace the relationships you build with your clients. When built on a foundation of authenticity, those relationships will help your business grow in a sustainable way.

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?
Well, you know this week would be full of interesting hikes and exploring nature. My husband, son and I are lucky to live close to Red Rocks, so we would start with a beer at Red Rocks Beer Garden in Morrison and then head up the hill to climb the stairs at the amphitheatre or take in a great concert. Another day, we would stroll through downtown Golden, check out the local shops and walk up the creek path. Then we would head up to one of our favorite Jefferson County Open Space parks west of town for a long hike and birding.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our wild neighbors. The wildlife who inhabit the natural spaces right outside our front doors and beyond continually inspire me, and they are a big part of my “why.”

When I think of harmony in life, the vision in my head always includes birds, deer, elk and other wild creatures alongside my husband, son, family and human community. We humans belong to a much bigger community, and we owe it to ourselves to embrace our own wildness as we work to protect and preserve it.

Website: https://www.personalnatureproject.com/

Instagram: @personalnatureproject

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyjvatwell/

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

Other: https://www.udemy.com/course/personal-nature-project-discover-yourself-in-nature/