Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other. She’s a Woman On Fire! member and we want you to know her. Please say hello to…
Christiana Simpson
Los Angeles, California
Member #00169
Please tell us about YOU, your family, your work, what you are “on fire” about, etc.
I’m a Midwest girl at heart living in Los Angeles. So that means I love watching Ohio State football on a Saturday morning and then spending the rest of the day outside in the sunshine. I recently joined Women on Fire and can’t wait for my first tea here in L.A.
I’m on fire about my new project. Alongside my sister and mom, I’m in the development phase of a unique product for mothers of young children. I recently became a mom through the gift of open adoption so it was important to me that the product be relevant for ALL kinds of moms no matter how they started their family. I’m having so much fun working with my mom and sister to turn our idea into reality while increasing awareness of open adoption. Stay tuned for our product launch in early 2014!.
How did you originally connect to Women on Fire?
My family has been connected to Debbie Phillips for nearly 30 years since she was Press Secretary to the former Governor of Ohio who also happens to be my uncle. Recently, my mom Bobbie Celeste attended a Women on Fire tea in Columbus and came back completely energized. I knew I had to be involved.
What’s your favorite component of the Women on Fire membership?
I look forward to the live chats every month. Debbie is a firecracker and just exudes positivity. Plus even though it’s virtual, I can feel all the WOF’s feelings, inspiration and support coming right out of the computer into my living room.
Your favorite part of the day?
Around 7pm every night, my hubby, baby, doggy and I go for a walk. It’s a chance to catch up on our day and since we live in Los Angeles, the sky is always blue! I don’t think it’s possible to be in a bad mood when you are on a walk.
The last book you read that you would recommend to other Women on Fire?
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. I saw her speak and was so inspired by her direct, humorous approach. I finished it in two days, and I just started reading it again!
One thing you’re proudest of?
I’m a risk taker. I moved to L.A. over 15 years ago without a job or a place to live. I landed on my feet and was very happy. Flash forward 10 years to the recession. When most people were clinging to their jobs for dear life, I quit mine. I’ve been a successful consultant since then. Now I’m diving headfirst into a world I know nothing about – the apparel industry. I always liked that quote, “Leap and the net will appear.”
If you had an unexpected free day, how would you spend it?
I’d hop on my bike and ride to the beach where my son and I would play in the ocean. Then I’d meet lots of friends for an impromptu kickball game and finish the afternoon with a gin and tonic on a rooftop somewhere watching the sunset with my husband.
Share a special Women on Fire moment or experience.
I was looking to get connected with someone at a specific ad agency in L.A. When I checked on LinkedIn, I saw that WOF Meredith Schoenberger had a connection there. When I asked her for an introduction, she didn’t wait a day or a week to get back to me. She immediately sent an email on my behalf to the woman at the agency. I was so appreciative that she made my request a priority. I feel so supported by the WOF members!
What’s your big dream?
I’m leading a team of creative, like-minded people who find our collaborative work fulfilling. The product that we develop becomes a big hit with moms around the world. My family has the financial freedom to travel whenever we want so my son can experience a global perspective on the world. We donate a portion of our wealth to organizations that are important to us. I’m frequently interviewed by TV, radio and online outlets about both the success of our woman-owned company and as a spokesperson for open adoption.
What is something that we might be surprised to learn about you?
When I was younger, I wanted to be in the circus. I even looked into attending Circus University in Florida. Some version of flying through the air has come true for me. I’ve taken trapeze lessons, been trampolining, hang gliding, parasailing, zip lining, rappelling, rope climbing and will always take a turn in a bounce house. When I worked at Resource in Columbus, Ohio Fridays meant “trampoline lunch” in my front yard!
What are the top 3 songs on your iPod right now?
“Anything Could Happen” by Ellie Goulding – Just love the upbeat rhythm and refrain of the chorus.
“I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons – I listened to this one a lot during our adoption process. “I will wait, I will wait for you.” I still get teary-eyed every time I hear it.
“Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2 & Soweto Gospel Choir – You must download this song right away. It’s the most breathtaking version of this song I’ve ever heard.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?
As long as I can remember, my dream was to have children. My husband and I tried for years to have a baby. After countless pokes, prods, injections, rejections, tears and fears, we decided to forgo any further medical treatment and pursue our family through open adoption. For us, open adoption was the right fit because we liked the idea that a birth mom would choose us to raise her child and we’d continue to have ongoing contact over the years.
But for another two years, we experienced the heart wrenching ups and downs of endless paperwork, nervous phone calls, and even birth mothers who changed their mind a few weeks before the baby was born. The whole experience was the most challenging emotional experience I’d ever faced. It was very, very difficult to realize I didn’t have control of anything and I felt so isolated when everyone around me was having babies so easily.
I overcame it by going to an adoption support group once a month and eventually totally giving up control to the universe. Of course as soon as I surrendered control, we were contacted by Brandy who was six months pregnant and grew up in Ohio. It was an instant connection and we all got along like we’d known each other for years.
Now we have a sweet, happy baby named Callan and a bonus extended family. It’s one big love fest!
When you reflect on your life so far, what is the first word or two that comes to your mind?
Sunny! I’m an optimist who always believes that things will work out. My mom inspired me with her positive attitude, “Don’t worry until it’s time to worry.” So that’s how I’ve embraced life.
More about Christiana Simpson…
Christiana has over 15 years experience working with some of the biggest brand names including Sony, TV Guide, Dick Clark Productions, The Ritz-Carlton, E! Entertainment and the YMCA. In 2011 she started her own marketing and communications company, simpsoncreativegroup.com, to guide individuals, non-profits and small businesses to speak clearly about their purpose. She’s a member of Step Up Women’s Network, SMARTY for entrepreneurial women and a pro bono Consultant for Taproot Foundation.
With her sister and mom, she recently started Tolutina, a company whose name is loosely translated as “Three Mothers” in Fijian. Christiana looks forward to launching their first product and sharing her experience about open adoption. tolutina.com
You are welcome to say hello to her at christiana@simpsoncreativegroup.com
~ Compiled by Women on Fire Senior Writer Becky Adams
