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

Hi Linda, every day, we hear about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Initially, I started a blog as a creative outlet to share my experience and ideas as I was going through a period of transition in my life. Over time, I learned that my stories inspired women around me. Many women are hesitant to venture out towards their bigger dreams and limit themselves in what they can do. So, I decided to explore different avenues how I can encourage women to break limiting beliefs, take time for themselves, and find their unique paths to living their best lives. I engage with my audience through my blog, newsletter, magazine, Instagram, and in-person retreats. It has been such a wonderful journey so far, connecting with many brilliant women and helping them see new horizons for themselves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While I have had a full time job working with social impact and environmental non-profits for most of my professional life, a few years ago, I started my own initiative, called Ficus Boutique, helping women live their best lives. Focusing on fitness, nature, and travel, I help women explore new possibilities for themselves, gain more balance, and truly live the lives they desire. I have come to appreciate how different it is to run my own initiative as opposed to being an employee. I have learned to put myself out there, find my voice, and be more comfortable with failure. I have also acquired a whole new set of skills that you need to run your own thing. It has been challenging, but it brings me a lot of joy and I feel I am growing as a person every day. I am proud of the close connection with the many women in my community and the stories they share with me of taking action to improve their lives as a result of my work are what energizes me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a big outdoor enthusiast and living in Colorado I would certainly take them out in nature. The places I would explore would be Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park with a stop for a drink at the Stanley Hotel. We would also visit Frisco, as I love the perfect combination of a lake, mountains, and cute downtown. We would spend some time in my home town Fort Collins, relaxing for a bit by the Horsetooth Reservoir and then getting a drink at Odell’s brewery or the adjacent OBC Win Project (you get the best of both worlds here – beer and wine). If we had enough time, I would take a trip to Crested Butte. This little mountain town is my happy place any time of the year, from hiking to skiing to enjoying its main street, it has such a good vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people from good friends to professional mentors who have supported me on my journey that I am very grateful for. If I am to pick one person for this shoutout, I would like to dedicate it to my wonderful coach, Alessia Gandolfo, who has been an invaluable advisor, mentor, and encouraging voice as I have worked to expand my initiative in recent years.

Website: www.ficusboutique.com

Instagram: @ficusboutiquevibes

Other: linda@ficusboutique.com

Image Credits
Zuzana Binova (main photo)

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