Community Series: Carter Reid

Carter Reid is a Toronto based Holistic Nutritionist, mother, fitness enthusiast, and founder of The Wellnss Practice- a virtual wellness centre and community that aims to empower and mobilize womxn towards reaching their highest potential by helping them access the power of their mind and create intentional wellness practices that support the most authentic expression of their lives.

Social links: @carterreid / @thewellnsspractice 

We know that as a business owner, you wear many hats. If you could give yourself a fun & unique job title, what would it be? Life learner, Superfood Researcher, Soul healing Guide 

Where are you a local (city/cities)? Toronto!

What are your favourite food spots in the city? It’s been so long since I’ve gone out for food!! I do miss it. I’ve been really trying to support my local community as much as possible, and the local food businesses. I live in The Junction and a few of my favourites there are @thebeetto, @bunner, @thebutternutbakingco, as well as @mamaearthorganics - not only do they support local farmers, they also have several organizations of their own (ones that I’m particularly passionate about) and support over half a dozen other NPO’s. 

What are some of your favourites in terms of art and entertainment? Again, such a challenging time for arts and entertainment this year, though I love exploring local boutiques, shops and markets to discover new artists, creators and brands. Getting to see a show or play is something I always take such pleasure in, coming from a performing arts background.

Times being what they are, I’ve been enjoying podcasts, IGTV Lives, and other digital forms of entertainment. Education is something I’m super passionate about so I love learning more about topics I’m interested in and being introduced to new people pushing boundaries in their niche is so inspiring to me! Lemon Water, Glow Deep, The Doctor’s Farmacy, Super Soul Conversations, The Skinny Confidential, Goop, On Being, The Expanded Podcast and Second Life are some of my go to’s. Recently getting into ‘More Than One Thing’ by Athena Colderone- which I’ve been loving! 

What does your self-care routine look like? 

Morning- I wake up early because I love the stillness and solitude that early mornings offer. I also love to take my time in the morning rather than rush around and be thrust into the day. I spent many mornings for many years rushing around, being thrust from one place to the next, so I’ve grown to cherish my mornings now. My routine always includes skincare, meditation, movement and some reading or listening to a podcast before I jump into planning my day.  

Evening- I try to shut everything down around 7 pm and step away from technology and set aside my phone. I take my time with my evening skincare routine. Lately, my focus has been incorporating different facial tools to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage for decongestion, muscle and tissue tone and elasticity. Facial massages have also been a core part of my self-care routine! 
Sleep is huge for me! If I do not get enough sleep I really struggle, in more ways than one. I call it quits pretty early and usually go to bed at the same time as Salem. I’ve found that nothing productive happens with time if I stay up after putting Salem to bed and I usually end up draining rather than preserving my energy for the next day. I love enjoying tea and cuddles with Salem, and reading before bed. 

What has been one of the most challenging aspects of starting and growing your business? For me it’s been letting go of perfectionism, getting comfortable taking uncomfortable action, and being honest with myself about what tasks I want to take on and what aspects to seek help with or outsource in order to move the needle forward. Finding my day to day rhythm and workflow, especially during this time, while simultaneously taking on things like motherhood and homeschooling during traditional work hours has been another major challenge. However, this process has taught me so many valuable lessons; respecting the process, understanding that things take time and can’t always be rushed, prioritizing rest, etc. have all contributed to overall growth. 

What is one of the most rewarding things about being a business owner? Realizing the true meaning of responsibility and the level of empowerment that can be felt on the other side of that realization. For me, it's been incredibly special to sink deeper and deeper into self awareness and self knowledge and strengthen the relationship I have with myself. It’s been a really beautiful journey so far and I’m so excited to see what 2021 has in store. 

What are you loving right now? I am obsessed with giving myself facial massages and using facial tools while simplifying my skincare routine. I’m very much into reading biographies lately- Mandela, Princess Diana, Churchill, and Ab Lincln are on the current list. As well, Jay Shetty’s ‘Think Like a Monk’ and Barack’s ‘A Promised Land’ 

What are you most grateful for today? My health- mind/body/soul, my family, the incredible relationships around me and the lessons I’ve learned so far.  

Can you tell us about The Wellnss Practice? The Wellnss Practice focuses on body detoxification as well as holistic nutrition and wellness support for mental health and cognitive function. They aim to understand the root causes that prevent healing and introduce new self serving practices that work to heal and support an intentional and purpose driven life. Head to @thewellnsspractice or https://thewellnsspractice.com, to book a free 20 min consultation.