ACP

“I learned I can’t sit around and be comfortable all the time. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Go after things you want, even if people say no, ”

Military spouses face many difficulties while PCSing, as the constant move hinders the ability to receive a job promotion, may lead to resume gaps, and impacts job stability. Since the pandemic began in 2020, the uncertainty around this public health crisis has only exacerbated the challenges activeduty spouses endure: A CNBC article reported that 42% of spouses put their work on hold, and unemployment soared to 35% as spouses balance childcare and adjust to new environments.

While it’s demanding to have frequent moves, military spouses demonstrate resiliency, adaptability, and patience as they handle these changes. They channel their evident tenacity into starting their own business.

Manda McVey, a US Army Spouse of over five years, displayed exceptional talent and resolved to utilize her determination when starting her wellness and resilience coaching business, The Healitary Spouse. As the founder and CEO of her company, McVey is making history as she teaches clients how to improve their health and focuses on resilience to enhance their wellness. “I learned I can’t sit around and be comfortable all the time. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Go after things you want, even if people say no, ” McVey says.

Entrepreneurs can set their schedule and work with their laptops from anywherewhether in a coffee shop, a coworking space, or their living room- and this flexibility appeals to military spouses who are PCSing. However, McVey emphasizes that the most noteworthy part of this occupation is providing guidance and comfort to a customer.

“People started coming to me talking about their dietary challenges. I’d get those calls all the time, and I said, Hey, maybe I should start a business! Instead of working for someone else, I decided to be my coach. ”

“I had a story to tell, and there are women like me who have everything on their plate but forget about themselves. I am driven to do things on my own and take the leap. ”

Bailey built a thriving customer base over the past year due to her authenticity. “Being exactly who I am is how I get the trust of new clients and inspire women on how to change their lives. If you have that rawness and connect personally, that’s how you bring people in. ”

Both Bailey and McVey are mentees in American Corporate Partner’s mentoring program. This nationwide nonprofit organization focuses on the professional development of Post-9/11 veterans and active-duty military spouses. McVey is in a small business-based mentorship program and reveals that her mentor is instrumental in her career growth.

“My ACP mentor reminded me that a lot of the time, entrepreneurs started as volunteers, so we are natural givers, but we have to be receivers. We started this business to make a living for ourselves, so we must ensure the time is valuable. ”

Since its inception in 2008, ACP has played a crucial role in a mentee’s life, and now there are over 25,000 program alumni. Selfless corporate professionals from distinguished Fortune 500 companies such as McKinsey, Disney, and MLB are ready to help transitioning veterans and active-duty military spouses. Interested applicants may apply through this link: https://www.acpusa.org/mentoring-program/veteranapplication.

BY MAYA YEGOROVA, OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE AT AMERICAN CORPORATE PARTNERS