Elizabeth Van Emst - General Manager, Cooperages 1912 (USA)

Years In Industry: 

I started in the wine barrel business in 2008 - it was my first foray into the wine industry after the luxury skincare industry and I absolutely loved it from day one. I spent 5 years in direct sales and then moved into senior management. I now oversee our five wine barrel brands and our North American operations & sales teams.

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:

I travel extensively domestically and abroad, so staying grounded, balanced, and energized is key, but I also need to come home to my two small children and be equally energized and ready to be present for them. So burning out with travel isn’t an option!

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:

I maintain balance at home through yoga, running, meditation and other self care rituals. Figuring out how to amend these rituals while on the road is key for staying grounded and balanced. So I essentially have a ‘road warrior’ kit that helps me bring these rituals on the road; it includes my travel yoga mat, my running gear and my meditation tools (essential oils + palo santo + positive affirmation cards). This provides both the movement and stillness my body craves amidst upended schedules and no hotel gym required. For wellness and immunity, vitamin supplements, adequate water & sufficient sleep are critical. I recommend a brand of vitamins called, Ritual which are developed specifically for women and include magnesium which helps with sleep.

My biggest challenge while on the road is simply finding the discipline for these rituals when hours are long, stamina is depleted and sleep is usually disrupted. It's very easy to let these 'extras' slip from the schedule and so I find that practicing both detachment & consistent effort (something we are always refining in a yoga practice) is key. I try to bookend the days with a little bit of each (movement + meditation) and I let go of how it should look, how long it should be, how many miles or asanas should be completed...allowing myself to be ok with it not looking exactly as it does at home. It's about showing up for these rituals and allowing the movement (or stillness) to do its magic.

Rituals keep us grounded and centered. They allow us to bring a reminder of our stability and peace from home to the road. I encourage all road warriors to reflect on what rituals bring you joy and peace in your daily life at home. Then make some adaptations to bring those rituals onto the road with you. Your future self will thank you!

You can connect with Elizabeth on Instagram at @Elizabethv_yoga or @worldcooperage