Alicia Reynoso: Built The Business Of Her Dreams, Exited, And Is Now Helping Others Do What She Did.-1

I do really believe 100% from every part of me that everyone has the capacity to be able to do the things that they want and not to be held back by the mental baggage that's in our head that we want to push through.

Welcome to the do the Thing podcast. In each episode, we get down and personal with people who go after the things they want to make all their wildest dreams come true. Join us as we unveil and dissect a formula for what it takes to do the thing. Here is your host, Stacy Lauren.

Hey, everyone. Welcome to the do the Thing podcast. This is Stacy Lauren. I am so glad you guys are here today. My guest today, it's kind of funny. I was introduced to her originally from a friend of both of ours that we have in common. And then we hadn't connected yet. And then I recently heard her on podcast and she did an interview talking about her business and the different things that she does. And I was honestly kind of obsessed with how awesome she is. And I was like, oh, my God, you have to come on my podcast because you are literally the epitome of doing the thing, and you're also me of helping others do the thing.

So. You're so sweet. Hello, Stacy. I'm so excited to be here. That was the sweetest intro I've ever had. Oh, really? That's cool. Yeah. Well, if you can stuff and tell.

Our listeners a little bit about you and your story.

Yeah, yeah, for sure. Well, I guess going way, way back when I was a teenager, I always wanted, like, an online business. That was like, the goal. That's what I, like, had dreamt about. It was around 2013, 2014Really, that I had learned about the opportunity to sell on Amazon, like Amazon fba. And I was like, well, that's really cool. And so I kind of was looking into that a little bit more and how I could do that. It was basically, you know, just finding products and putting them on Amazon and to sell them. But I knew from the get go, from, like day one, I wanted to create, like, a brand, like something that had a purpose, something that, like, you know, inspired others. My mission was to remind people to live their life with infinite possibilities and to go after their dreams. And so I was like, okay, how could I create a brand that kind of reflects that? What does that mean? And so I launched. Initially, my first product was actually just a cooling towel on Amazon. And I was kind of trying to go towards that outdoors woman, our man, just like, getting outside, living their life. And I ended up being kind of a flop. And my boyfriend and I, we partnered up together, and together we launched water bottles, and that just put us on the map with Amazon, and. And we just kind of. It was just a snowball effect from there of I'm just growing on Amazon as much as we could and riding that wave, and it was so much fun. Until 2018, we kind of hit that plateau of just, like, all right, our business is cool, but it's kind of, like, stalling. What could we do? And that's when we, like, decided to, like, expand off and try to grow our community and really own that mission that I had always wanted to serve. Because before that, we weren't really, like, having a mission. It was just kind of, like, products on Amazon, even though, like, I thought I was creating a brand. But.

Yeah.

And so 2018, we're like, okay, we got to pivot. Let's create a community. And, you know, that's when our brand, like, really took off and grew outside of Amazon onto Shopify and. Yeah. And then, long story short, we ended up finally selling our business last year, 2021. We have now exited, and now my boyfriend and I are actually on the road. We're. We're in Big Bend national park right now, actually in Texas. So, like, we're just on the road enjoying after selling our business.

Oh, my gosh. I'm, like, loving this. You're, like, literally living the dream right now.

No, thank you. Yeah, it's what I always wanted to encourage or remind people that you can do the. Exactly what your podcast is. You can do it. And. And so it just. It feels so surreal. We're only like, a week and a half into traveling now like this, and it just is a constant reminder of, you know, what, like, seven years ago starting that and where it's come to now.

Yeah. And how amazing that you guys did it together, too. So you're, like, enjoying the. The.

You know. Yeah.

From you guys, like, teaming up and doing it together, I think that's amazing.

Yeah. Yeah. It ended up working out really well. It could be dangerous getting a business with your partner, but we're just. We just connected so well, and he was the left side of the brain. I was the right side. It just made the perfect team.

Oh, I love that. Well, you know what's so cool is we share a common. A common. Well, so many common things, I think, but I believe that infinite possibilities. Oh, my gosh. I just absolutely love that.

Thank you. Thank you. I. I'm such a. A cheeseball. I like Corneas. And so it just, just. I don't know, I just wanted to. For some reason, growing up, my whole life, I just had that mentality that I could do anything. Like I was just a very confident kid. Like I could just do anything I wanted. And then I was going through a weird phase, of course. Like post teenage years when you're trying to figure yourself out and you're like, oh my gosh, can I do things? And then that was like the first time, like self doubt creeped in. And that's when I launched my business. Because even though I was. It was like the first time I experienced that doubt in my life. And I'm like, all right, we got to get, we got to step out of this. And I just created a business to remind myself as well as others that you can do anything.

Yeah. And I'm really glad you brought up that with confidence because that actually has become one of the pieces of the formula that's come up several times where people that are doing the thing have confidence. And I'm still trying to determine through the interviews is are you boring with confidence or is it something that you have to practice that muscle to build the confidence?

So what do you. For you.

Sounds like you had it initially. Was that something you were born with? But then you sort of like not lost it, but it went down a little and then brought it back up. Can you talk a little bit about that?

Yeah, no, I love that. That's just such a great question. Yeah. Because I honestly, I feel like I was born with it initially. Just a very, very confident kid. Obviously I was. Had my own insecurities and I was a tomboy and, you know, those kind of things. But I always knew I could do anything, achieve anything if I wanted to. And then when I lost it, you know, I was 19 and coming out of high school and dating boys and you like start to get insecure about things and. And I like went through like a whole year where I didn't have that confidence anymore. And that was like so hard for me. And so like how. Okay, it took me like a long time to like really figure out and try to dig back into that inner child confidence that I always had. And it's a muscle for sure. And I'm kind of glad that I lost it for a minute there because it's a good experience to remind yourself. And everyone has self doubt. I always have self doubt all the time, every day still. But it's like, you know, always reminding yourself that you really can do anything. And even if sometimes you might. I had to do that at that time when I was 19, like, all right. Even though I'm like severely doubting myself, it was just like I practiced saying that and you can do this. And that's when I like launched the business. Even though I was. It was like the prime of my insecurity is when I decided just to launch it. Because you just have to do it kind of just like jump in the cold water and just talk yourself day to day that you can do it. And you wouldn't think that that's when I would launch the business that I ended up selling. But when you're in that like self doubt phase, you just, you just kind of have to push through it a little bit, practice. It might. It's like it's uncomfortable for a long time. You're like, don't believe yourself for a long time that you can. But then you get back to it. It's a muscle. And needless long story short, it's a muscle for sure. Yeah.

And so you did a really great job of explaining that too, I think, because so many people have that self doubt and sometimes they just live with it and it really can hold you back. And so I love that you. And I love that you're grateful for it coming where you almost didn't have it. And then all of a sudden it came and you're like, oh, I'm actually grateful for that because almost.

Yeah.

Where you are now. Right, right. My question is, okay, so you basically were using it. You had to rebuild your conf. It sounds like the ways that you did that was through words of affirmation, like reminding yourself you can do anything. And then was there anything else that you did to rebuild it or was it just jumping in and starting that business and then you started getting confidence through that?

Yeah, I would say it was just mainly jumping in and doing it. And it's like the hardest part for sure, because I mean, as a teenager I always wanted a business. Since 14, 15 years old, I was like playing on the Internet, like, how can I create something? But I always put it to the side because I knew one day I could do it. I was like, oh, you know, I'm still a kid, I'm playing basketball, I've got friends and I would like dabble in it, put it to the side because I knew I could do it. And so that's why I'm kind of grateful for that moment of insecurity because it was like I always had it on the sideline because I Knew, like, do it. But when I felt like I couldn't do it, it was like, it can't sit on the sideline anymore. I just have to, like, if I really think I can do this, like, I just have to do it and try. And. And my, like I said, my very first product was a flop, the cooling towel. And it just, it didn't really work out. But with everything in life, the biggest thing that I found that has helped with being successful in anything is just consistency. Because it's, you know, that was, that was a flop. And it took 9, 10 months until the water bottles launched and we had the holy shit, this thing, this works moment. So it was just kind of. It was good that I had to bring it off the sideline and face it and be like, okay, I thought I could do this my whole life. Why don't I feel like I can't now? I might as well just try it now, you know, and scary and intimidating, but being consistent and pushing through it, like, slowly built my confidence. I mean, my. It took me definitely a few years. Like, it wasn't just like overnight my confidence was back to the level. It was, it was, it was a building process for sure. But the consistency of doing is what did it.

Yeah. And it sounds like your risk assessment was just try it.

Now.

Was there anything else that went alongside that? Did you do like a worst case scenario or was there anything that came into your mind with that?

To be honest, I kind of had the, the, I guess the fortune of being 19 and done. Like, I was like, I didn't have a lot to lose or anything. It was like the worst case scenario wasn't. Was just like I could live back at my mom's house for a little bit longer. So I did have that. Like, and when I think back about that, but even now, what we've built and where we are at and taking on new risks like I absolutely would and do all the time, because it's just like life does fly by and like, I don't know, as cheesy as it sounds, like, what is life if you don't try the risks and, and failure? I don't know, it's just like a necessary part for sure of that learning process. And so, so, yeah, I mean, I think just being 19 kind of played at my advantage there a little bit then.

Yeah. And I love what you said.

I love.

What is life if you don't try it? I mean, that's amazing. I'm quoting that right now for you.

Aw. Love it.

What's your quotable.

What's your quotable? That's awesome.

So. So, yeah, so post that today.

No, just kidding. Post that and tag. You definitely will. So.

Okay, so you. And I think you kind of answered this, but I want to make sure before we move forward, because I do want to get into the challenges and all that, because that's fascinating to me, the cooling towels. So when that did not work out, and then in between that and then deciding to go forward and then have your boyfriend join and then do the water bottles, what made you decide to. To do it again, to go for it again? Was it literally what you just said, or was there more to it than that?

I think, like, it was a flop, but, like, I got a few sales. It wasn't like my life had changed. I built this business, but I saw the potential. I was like, okay, even if it's just, like, the smallest glimpse, like, glimpse. It was like a. It was like a mountain of failure with a smallest glimpse of hope. Like, you have to just look at that at all times. Okay. Like, I know, like, this product kind of was a waste of time. Like, it's didn't change my life. It's not, but it sold a few, you know? And so I just looked at that, and I was like, okay, what if we just did it better? And that's what I'm saying. Failure is just absolutely necessary, because if I didn't learn with that cooling towel what makes a successful product and, like, what I can change and how I can change it, we probably never would have launched the water bottles and got to where we were. And if I would have just quit at the cooling towels, like, my whole life would be different. So it's like, I had to fail at that to learn about. See the potential of what was ahead of us and change and fix it. So I think it was just. You always have to look at that little. Little sparkle of success against a mountain of what you think is failure.

Oh, my gosh. That's so good. What if we just did it better?

Yeah.

It's so simple and it's so true because it's easy to get. To get into that, oh, this wasn't good. I'm gonna get a job or whatever it is. There's so many different rabbit holes you could have gone down, and I love that you just literally said, what if I just did. Did it better?

No, exactly.

That's great. Okay, so now I'd love to move forward and talk more about your. Your business, the one that you sold. Because what I was hearing on that episode that I listened to you and Ryan Daniel Moran did a great job on that, explaining the community. So you guys check that out if you. If you want to. But what really struck me was the challenge idea, because you probably got to see people doing the thing and not doing the thing. So I thought maybe you could just talk a little bit about how you did those challenges. And I know that's what you're currently doing. I think I even got on your list just to kind of see what you're. What you're up to.

Yeah. So.

Because as I said in the beginning, I'm kind of obsessed with all things Alicia right now.

You're so awesome. Yeah.

So why don't you talk a little bit about that so everyone kind of knows what I'm talking about and then we can dive in a little bit into that part in terms of doing the thing with the challenges.

Yeah. So kind of just like the challenge structure for our business is what you're saying.

Exactly.

Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Well, like I was saying before, like, in 2018, we hit a plateau at this point. Like, we knew we wanted to sell the business, but then we had to change something. And. And it was kind of hard to figure out what that was. And then I just. It was like the end of 2019 that I had listened to this podcast. I think it was actually. I think it was Ryan Rand with George Bryant, and he just talked so much about serving your customers and, like, getting them their results without them ever even paying you. It, like, hit me like a brick wall. It was exactly what I had been trying to do, you know, from day one. Like, I wanted to create, like a mission based brand and help inspire people and help and motivate them. But I just, I had no idea, like, how to get that message across, how to actually serve them. And so, like, being, like, reminded of, like, of the potential of your business and growing it by just like really serving your customers, I was like, I gotta figure out a way to do that. And I just got really excited and I came up with all these ideas of all these things and resources I was gonna give them that was like, free. And it was like, here's goal setting journal and here's a hydration recipe book, and here's all these things. And it was just so overwhelming because we were just a super, super small team of three. Me, my boyfriend, and our best friend. And I was like, in charge of all things creative. And I'm like, I can't make all those assets. And so then I thought of putting it into a challenge and taking the community that we had and inviting them to, like, take part. It was 60 day hydration challenge. But beyond just drinking water, I knew our customers. The mission of Live Infinitely and my brand was to remind people to, like, to live their life with infinite possibilities and go after their dreams. And so, like, I wanted to structure the 60 day challenge to not only, like, help them stay hydrated, but like, also to remind them to believe in themselves and to go after their goals and to like, have self love and build their confidence and all the things I had been trying. So basically I structured it to where they would pledge to join us, you know, for 60 days to drink their water. But every week I challenge them further on, like, this is gratitude week or this is self love. This is goal setting, this is fitness, you know, and it was just, it was like by far of all the years in running my business from 2014 to 2021, those last two years, doing that was like, so fulfilling. It was just so fun because it was like I finally was able to connect with my customers and like, truly change their lives, even if they didn't buy the product, which most of them always ended up doing anyways, because then they, like, are grateful. They love you. And it's, it's just so cool. It was like a big snowball effect in like feeling like you're doing something with your brand and helping people and making a difference and then growing your business. So it's like it was just cool in that sense.

Yeah, and I love that, like that idea of just creating a community and then you're like, not making them buy the thing. You're, you're just, you're basically giving them an opportunity to use the resources and then if they want to buy it, they can buy it. And I think that's really, really cool.

Yeah, exactly. Because that's. I feel like you don't find that very often. And so when somebody like comes to you with a problem and you solve it for them without them even paying you, then they're like, that's like how you build that. Lifelong raving fans, lifelong customers. And it's just, it's just cool. It's a cool way to do business.

So were you able to see who, who actually was drinking? Who was doing the. Who was completing the hydration challenge versus who wasn't? Like, did you, I'm curious, did you keep any, like, stats? Did you know? Or was it all just kind of like, we're moving and join us if you want to kind of thing?

No, I was. I did weekly accountability like a roll call of paycheck in. Because I gave them calendars and pledge cards and all these like, tools to be accountable and keep track. And so every single week I had asked them to submit that to kind of like show that they drank their water. And it was all on honor system, of course. Like, they could write on their calendar whether they did or didn't, and they can make it up. But it was like we emphasized this is you, this is for you. So most people were very honest and would just submit like however many that they drink their water throughout the week. And it's. That accountability is. Is really nice. They're like, people like to have that and that's like a big part of having or joining the community is having people support you and keep you accountable.

Yeah. Did you do it? What was your medium? Was it Facebook or how did you have them post it?

Yeah, Facebook. Facebook groups, by far, like the coolest place, at least right now, the best place to host the community because it's just you can keep things systemized. There's analytics, you can do Facebook live videos, which is like a huge, huge component of the community, having those live videos to connect and talk with them live and have real, real feedback or real time feedback. And so Facebook groups for sure.

Yeah. So in terms of the people that you noticed that were doing that were finishing the hydration challenge, then was there anything else besides the accountability that you noticed that was like a secret for them, being able to do the thing which is hydration?

Yeah, no, that's. That's a really good question, I think. Yeah, just the accountability, knowing that everyone else was joining in, like having. When people would post it would keep them accountable. But also like the weekly challenges was just like a huge way to re. Motivate and re. Re Excite them. And also, like, I just blasted, you know, my mission every live video of just if you had a bad week, don't stop, you know, like, pick yourself back up. You only fail when you quit. And. And so I would just remind them all the time that like, everyone's gonna have a bad day. And that's just human nature. And it's when you beat yourself up and, and just drop out. That's. It's just. You just gotta accept it, move forward, and no one's perfect. And so I was like, it was part of my mission or the mission of my brand was, you know, reminding them of that. And just even if you had better two weeks, even if you dropped out for half of the challenge. We invite you to come back in and start with us because that's all that matters. And then a lot of people would get discouraged because they would pledge higher, a higher amount than, you know, that they can actually reach. And while I'm all about, like accountability and hitting the goals that you set, I would also remind them, okay, maybe you set 100 ounces and you're just getting 40 every day. That's 40 more than you were doing before. Just take that win and keep moving forward and build on that. And so there's just a lot of that in our live videos and the culture that was built in our community.

But so amazing because I've done gym challenges before, the six week challenges, and it's totally different where you're like shamed for, for not doing it. And I love that you just totally flipped the script on the whole thing and you used it as a, as a place for support, encouragement and positivity. I think that's amazing.

Well, thank you. Yeah, I, I think that's important because we all fell and we all like have bad days. And that's, that's a shame, you know, that there's that so sad that the other programs that you had seen or would shame would shame you because that's just what everyone does. It's human nature. And like I said, while I like to hold myself and others to like, the goals that they said, it's a work in progress and it's just not going to happen tomorrow or the next day. Like, you just gotta keep moving forward on it.

Yeah. So I am so curious. I'm wondering if, you know this man, this would be really interesting is like when the people that completed the challenge, what else did it do for them, you know, in their life? Because they got to be in this like supportive, loving and community. Did anything else in their life change?

Yeah, I think that is actually like the coolest part is they think they're joining this hydration challenge and then by the end of it, like their results are just like I always had them shared. The last week of our challenge, I was like, share, because I think that's so important and anything you do is take the moment to reflect and appreciate what you did. So that last week I was like, this is the week for you to share what you're most proud of and what you accomplished in the last 60 days. And most of people, yes, people were like, I gave up soda, I drank my water. But most of the people had life transformational stories of just, I Stuck to something for 60 days. A lot of people had never stuck to something for that long. And even if it didn't look perfect, they were so proud of themselves who are just, like, sticking to it. And that just, like, changed. It was like a snowball for other things in their lives. And they would share those stories of how, like, having the confidence just to stick to one thing, like, as simple as just drinking water every single day for 60 days. Like, I just changed their confidence in being able to do the other things that they wanted. And. And the fact that I said, we do the weekly challenges for, like, confidence and goal setting and fitness and stuff. So a lot of them were introduced to different mindsets that they had never even thought of or different ways of working out. And so that was just the coolest part and why it was so fulfilling, because I felt like people, like, actually had these big breakthroughs that they had been waiting for.

Well, yeah, and even just that concept of not shaming yourself when you don't reach your goal and finding, like, the good parts, it's just. That's something that you almost reprogrammed part of their brain by. By doing the challenge this way, where they're able to maybe do that with something else. I think that's so cool.

Yeah, no, thanks. It was fun, for sure.

Yeah, I was actually. I was having a conversation with my boyfriend this weekend just about. I'm trying to get him on the podcast.

Oh, yeah, that's awesome.

And I was like, telling him, I'm like, you're, like, the most. I've never met anyone with more self control. If he ever wants to do something, he just does it. Right. Most people can't do that. And anyway, he was basically, like, telling me willpower is a muscle. And so he always is trying to test it, doing different things. Even if it's something he may not be as interested in, he's, like, testing it to build that muscle. And so it's just. I feel like this is this. This. What you did with this challenge is similar not just with willpower, but just with being able to just say, okay, I did enough. This was good. Or that even what you're with, you know, what if I did it better? Just that reprogramming of how easy it is to go negative and you're showing how to go positive, basically.

That's so funny. Your boyfriend, he sounds like a cool guy. That's like, my. My boyfriend always makes fun of me, like, why are you. Why are you doing that? Or, like, I can't even Think of a good example right now. But he's like, why are you making that harder? And I'm like, because I have to test myself. I have to see if I can push through this or like, I like to do hard things and just try hard things or I feel very satisfied after like a really hard work workout or hike or. You know what I mean? So it's, it's, it is a muscle and I've definitely, it's, it's cyclical though. And I found myself like getting down on myself when that muscle's out of practice. Oh, geez. Like my self control or my willpower is feeling down. But it's like this just like it bobs and flows or whatever that is. It just comes and goes and. But when you get back in practice it and push yourself to do the things that are hard, it is a muscle and then it can stay strong and then it just, it's like, it bobs and flows. But it's just funny that you'd say that because my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy sometimes.

Yeah, no, that's cool because. Yeah, we were just talking about, we were talking about like a 10 day fast and. Yeah. And like he was just saying, oh, I just did it. Like, it wasn't for even any health reasons. He just did it just to prove.

You know, just to test. Yeah.

Like literally just to do it.

I was like, oh my gosh.

It's like amazing.

That's so funny. Yeah.

Okay, so this is so great. I am just like, yeah, I just. Gosh, to me, I just love that you created this, that you created this experience for people. Because I just. The ripple on that is, is amazing on what else that. What you were saying where so much other stuff happened for them doing this challenge. So what has been, what do you think has been the hardest thing for you just throughout your experience in terms of doing the thing?

Probably imposter syndrome. I struggle with that a lot. Surprisingly, I always had a lot of confidence. But for like, for the first few years of running our business, we kind of. My boyfriend and I like went into a cave and just like worked really hard and didn't like really do a lot or socialize. And so coming out of that and like leading this group, I was just like, who am I to lead these women and like to say these things? And, and so that was like, that was a huge, huge obstacle for me. And even now, you know, like with doing what I do and like teaching people to build communities or like build an E commerce business, like, I'M like, who am I to say that? And it's just, like, it's so silly because, like, I have. I have a lot of experience that people would love to hear about or learn from. And so even, like, now I still have those times where we struggle with who am I? And the biggest thing that I had realized, I was reading a book. I think it was Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson. And he had said there comes a time in everyone's life where you get, like, a tap on the shoulder to show up and share your gifts with a group of people or whatever. And what a shame if you're not prepared. Or, like, what a shame if you decline that or something like that. I totally budge that. But that was, like, a huge thing for me because I think back and, like, what a shame if I wouldn't have started that group because I was so afraid, you know, like, what a shame, like, of all the people that, like, I had come in contact with and communicated with and seen their lives change. Like, what a shame if I just let my fear of not being, like, educated enough or, like, an expert enough to, like, tell them to drink their water. I'm not a nutritionist. I'm not. You know what I mean? And so, like. But then I realized that I do have my own set of gifts. And though I'm not, like, qualified, like, professionally or technically, I do have a lot of life experience that these, like, women that I had this community with benefited from and learned from. And so I just think about that a lot. And that's, you know, probably definitely the biggest. Biggest thing. Like, I was. I was shaking when I would do my live videos. At first, Like, I was so afraid of doing live videos. But I just think now, like, what a shame if I would have let that fear stop me.

Yeah. Yeah. And so they almost watch you, like, grow up in a way. You're.

Yeah.

Maybe that even got them to get more. What is that word?

More vulnerable, or step. Step out of their comfort zones, even.

Yeah, they're seeing you step out of your comfort zone. And then. And then they're like, well, why can't I kind of.

Yeah, exactly. Because I was vulnerable about it. I was like, guys, I've never done this, never done live videos, but let's learn together. And they're like, whoa. And so then they would make videos and post videos, and, like, they'd always say, this is my first time making a video. I'm so nervous. But, hi, guys. And so, yeah, it's just. It was cool for that Reason. Yeah.

Yeah. So when you're going through that, who am I? Is that what you're. Is that what you're then doing is you're just kind of reminding yourself, like, who you are, that you have or is there anything else that you do that helps you get through that?

Again with. Honestly, this. That book was a really good book in this for that time in my life and on the. That phrase. And then just the one of it was that movie catch me if you can. And he was like, it's based on a true story where this guy, like, does all the. Gets himself into all these professions that he's not qualified for. And one of them was like a philosopher teacher, professor. And somebody asked him, like, how did you teach a college philosophy class if you've never become a philosopher teacher, philosophy teacher, or whatever? And he's like, oh, it's so simple. You just have to be one page ahead. And I remind my. I think about that all the time. Like, as I was like, leading them and helping them talk about, like, healthy eating, working out, and like setting vision boards, like, these are the things I truly did in my life. It wasn't like I was making up these things. Like, these are the things that were effective in my life and helping me. So I considered that to be like, you know, you don't have to be the most expert. I am definitely not like the nutritionist of nutritionists or like the goal setter of goal setters, but I am at least just one page ahead. Does that make sense? That was like. Yeah, yeah, that was helpful. Yeah.

It's funny you said that because I. When I first started doing this podcast, I didn't even have it published yet. And I ended up the guy that I'm doing the. The podcast on, like, the platform, he had recommended me to someone that was doing a. It's called a cohort, but I think it's similar to a challenge to help people start a podcast. And anyway, she asked me to speak to her group about starting a podcast, and I'm like, literally had five episodes and it wasn't even published yet. But because I had been one step ahead of those people, when I did start a podcast, she said that I was valuable because I'm at the beginning of it, but I also have already done it. And so that's exactly what it. That's what it. That's what's coming to mind is. Yeah, it was just one step ahead. It wasn't like, burgery thing.

Yeah, that's so cool.

Yeah. I don't Think people realize that? Yeah, it's just, it's just that extra experience can, can help for sure.

Yeah. I think, I think oftentimes we think we have to be the most experienced to be qualified, and it's just not the case. Yeah. And like, that's, that's a really good, cool example of just like five episodes in. But that's like, where other people want to be and you can help them just get to where you were. And it's just. You don't have to be the most expert, but I think it's. It's easy to forget that sometimes. Yeah.

Okay. So what do you think gets in the way for other people on doing the thing from what you saw from your challenges?

Oh, man, that's a good question. Other people doing the things.

Yeah. So the people that are like, maybe we could think about the hydration challenge. Did they post when they were, like, not doing well? Is there anything that was getting in their way?

Yeah. And I hate to say this because it just, it makes me sad, but, but I saw this way too many times of just being a victim, like people, because there's always. There's always something in everyone's life that's hard. You know, everyone has something that could stop them. And so I just saw that so much in the group of. And that actually became a rule in, in the community of, you know, no sob stories. We're here to uplift and constructively help you, like if there's something. But like, be accountable in, in where you're at and why you're there instead of saying, oh, like, because people would post all the time, I just can't do this because of this. And I, you know, and it's so easy to, to find the excuses or the things in our lives that are hard and just blame it forever instead of just looking in the mirror and saying, that's. I'm not going to let that stop me. And so that's. That was the biggest thing. And it was like, really hard for me to see because. And I would just try to remind people and like, be, be compassionate about like, their, their stories. But then if it was like, people would post something like, oh, I can't do. I can't drink my water because of this. And we had a million people comment like, you can do it. Don't worry. And then they would just come excuse after excuse after all of these, like, constructive feedback that they would receive from the community. It was just like, more excuses. And then there was those kind of posts that I would just Send them a message and say, hey, we're. We're open to chat with you and find a constructive answer, but we're going to take this out of the group because it's just not productive for anybody. And so that was actually, like. It was. Made me sad to see, but there's. There's a lot of people that would just live in the victim of their circumstance instead of pushing forward.

Yeah. So what would be the thing that would help that? Like, if you were. If you were talking to that person, what would be the thing that would help them not be the victim of their circumstance?

I think just. I always quote books. I realized the book for Agreements. I read this when I was, I don't know, 20 or something, and it just. It just completely changed my life. And one of the agreements was, like, not. Not take nothing personally or nothing's personal. That was, like, a huge thing. And that's what I tried to, like, emphasize in the live videos was just like, life is life, and, like, stuff happens. And even if you. Sometimes you feel like something's happening directly to you from, like, a person or situation, like, nothing. Nothing is personal. And so, like, you have to, like, remind yourself of that and just remind yourself that you are 100% responsible for your life, regardless of your childhood, your circumstances, your situations, your thoughts, your emotions, Your reactions are 100% yours, regardless of what happens externally. Excuse me, My throat. We did a hike this morning, so my throat's a little dry, but just that you do have the power to react however you want to. Anything as bad as it might be, even, like, the worst situations, and. And it can suck, but, like, you do have the power to react and respond however you want. Yeah.

Yeah, I love that. It's good. Okay, you guys, you hear that? If you're in that situation, That was magic.

So. Yeah.

And now I'm wondering, okay, you're going to have to pull this out because you've already given such great advice. This is going to come from the archives.

The archives.

If you had, like, your number one piece of advice for people on doing the thing, what would it be?

It's kind of just going back to my brand, I guess. Or live infinitely. And as hard as it might be, just like reminding, like, I like, it's. It 100% is a mindset all the time of, like, I can't even tell you how many times my life feels like it was at a roadblock, but then I just changed my mindset and it, like, can help push you through or see different perspectives. I Feel like if you sometimes you don't know the answers, this is what actually what I was telling my little aunt, she's younger than me, she's like, I don't know what I'm doing with my life or like, what to do next. And I said, there's so many times that I didn't either. As long as you keep a good mindset and keep your mind open, answers do come. But you have to be looking, you have to have that mind of my life is moving forward. I'm going to be doing the thing next. I don't know how, I don't know when, but as long as you keep that mindset, the answers do come. It's insane how many times I always wanted an online business. Always like, I'm like, I don't know how, I don't know when. And I just booked and I looked as like a teenager. I don't know what the answer is. I tried different things and then I actually got an email from Ryan Moran when I was 19 of hey, you can sell on Amazon. And I had stopped looking at my emails for quite some time because, like, my confidence, I was just like, you know, in a weird place. But I was like, I. I'm moving forward. And I went to my computer and there was my answer. So it's just like, you don't have to know the answers. No one does. No one knows the answers. But you just have to keep your mind open and knowing that you're going to move forward on this thing. And the answers do come how? Yeah.

So do you think that that's the first step then, in terms of changing your mindset is keeping your mind open?

Yeah, yeah, that and just, just acknowledging that you don't, you don't have to know how or when or the answers, but just you have to keep them, your mind open. So, yeah, absolutely. That's the first step. And then the answers come and then it's just a matter of putting aside your imposter syndrome, putting aside like your excuses and any victimness of I can't do this because. And just doing it and exercising that muscle until that. Until you build the confidence in what you're doing.

Yeah. So what are you, what do you have planned next? Do you have any thoughts or are you just enjoying life?

Yeah, we are. So we are on the road the rest of the year and we're just gonna drive around, hit up all the national parks and travel and get outside again. It feels like forever. We were working, but. But him and my boyfriend, I are Also just too ambitious and like too young to just not do anything. And I enjoy E Commerce and helping people. And so now we've been. I've been personally helping E commerce brands build a community like ours and create challenges to like, grow their. Grow their business that way, as well as like consulting other E commerce brands that just need help with vision and marketing and, and stuff like that. And so that's kind of the plan, you know, to take on work that we enjoy and that you feel purposeful with. I mean, just like this podcast, it's so fun for me to be able to like, meet people like you and have these kind of conversations and that we both walk away, like, feeling cool, cool and good about. And it's just like, I just keep doing stuff like that and, and travel and get a lot of blisters from hiking.

I love it. I love it. I think that's so cool. I think it's so great that you're just taking this time to just enjoy life.

Yeah, I know we, we needed to get back outside. Well, you.

Did you hear about sue doing the entrepreneur retreat center in Tennessee? You'll have to. When she starts hosting those, you'll have to. We'll have to go. Go at the same time. That would be fun because that's a whole. It's all that whole purpose is getting people out, back out into nature and it's on a really beautiful property and with a creek and everything.

Oh, really?

Yeah.

That is super cool. Do you know when the next one is?

She just is. It's just starting right now, so you'll, you'll. I'm sure you'll probably see it from different things, but I'll keep you posted too, I'm sure. I think she's going to start doing in the next month or two, but it's a really cool property. I actually just went and saw it. But yeah, speaking of getting into nature, it's kind of like that thing, right. Where a lot of us struggle with that. And it's great to be able to just get reconnected in that way.

That's really cool. Yeah, because that would be. That'd be so fun to meet all of you guys in person. We just drove through Austin last week, but I was like, gonna try to call sue, but it was like, it was super quick, like overnight as we were trying to come through to the bottom of Texas. But I was, man, I need to come up here and connect with everyone from capitalism and stuff like that. How did you end up meeting sue or what is Your guys's connection?

Yeah, we, I met her through. I went to capcon and we met there and we just, we share a lot of, like, similar things and just become friends. So just so you guys know, that is our common friend is sue.

And.

She has a podcast interview as well. So look for her on my podcast. And she talks all about her retreat center, but yeah, no, she's. She's so cool and I love what she's doing. But yeah, that's how I originally got connected with her.

And then. Oh, that's awesome.

Yeah. And then I went out to North Carolina and I was like, oh, hey, I'd love to see the property. And then that's when we. She gave me a tour of it. So, yeah, so it's. It's super cool. Okay.

It's really cool.

Yeah. So tell me, is there anything that I didn't ask you that you wish I did?

Honestly, you're really good at this. You asked me really good, hard questions that had me thinking. But no, honestly, you're really, really good. Thank you.

Where can people find out about you?

Yeah, no, that's awesome. Yeah, that's a good question too. This is, this is why you're the host. Yeah. Right now I have my website right now is challengemakers.com that's to help you build a community for E commerce brands. I'm currently working on Alicia Reynoso.com but. But yeah, that might take some time as we're in and out of. Out of working. But challengemakers.com right now has all my contact information or my email is Alicia. Alicia Reynoso.com Perfect.

Yeah, and it's funny. I'm sure I'm going to talk to you about this at some point, but I was wanting. So it's. I'm kind of like you right now, where I'm just kind of enjoying life and exploring different opportunities that fuel me. But at some point I really want to do like a do the thing challenge type thing, so we'll have to.

Oh, that would be awesome. That's like, perfect.

I have. So it's funny, the one that I have in mind isn't even a business one. It's a dating challenge.

Oh, really?

Yeah, to get people to build the muscle. Muscle. Like people that are looking for a partner to get them to build the muscle on, like going on dates. And actually I already have my first success story. My best friend. I gave her homework and she. She met someone.

So.

Yeah. So anyway, so that's something that I'm sure I'll Talk about at some point.

That is so cool. So you started the podcast after you sold your business?

Yeah. Yeah. And. And it was. It's funny, I. I kind of share the story in the podcast, like, where the funniest thing was. The do the Thing podcast is the thing I wasn't doing. You know, I had it in my mind for a while, but then I just was being held back by all those different things in your head that can come up.

Yeah.

Yeah. So. Yeah. So it's funny how. How common we all are. Right. With all these things that we do.

Yeah.

That's the point of the podcast is I'm writing a book, and then the formula will basically, like, show we all go through the same stuff and this is how you can overcome it. So much like a blueprint for being able to do the thing is kind of the end goal of all of this.

That is really cool. That's. I love that it's, like, really aligns with what I had tried or with our brand to remind people because it's. It's a hard. It's a hard thing to. To. To tell somebody because you can just be like, just do this. Well, I can't, because there's all these things in my head. And so, like, the fact that you're going to create a whole formula for them to practice and exercise is really cool. Yeah. Yeah.

Well, you have been. This is a great interview. I really appreciate you taking the time. I'm just so glad that we met and I'm looking forward to. Yeah. Staying connected with you.

Of course.

For sure.

No, for sure. Yeah. Thanks for having me on. This is definitely a lot of fun.

Thanks for listening to the do the Thing podcast. We hope you enjoyed the show. But even more, we hope you'll be inspired to do the thing. Do you have a burning question on Doing the Thing that you'd like answered? How about an inspiring do the Thing story of your own that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear all about it. Just leave us a voice message at do the Thing callcast co. Or email us@helloothethingpodcast.com.