Hidden Gems: Meet Rosie Kosinski of Hidden Warrior

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosie Kosinski.

Hi Rosie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was the strange one in the family when I had a 9-5 corporate job for a few years after college. I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My mother operated a jewelry store, my father was a fine artist, and my sisters pursued flexible careers. Not long ago, I realized I wasn’t cut out for the (highly air-conditioned) office space with strict project guidelines. I wanted to be involved with clients, the creative process, the distribution of deliverables, and follow-up. One of my last positions was as a graphic designer at Verizon, and it felt like digital factory work. Using templates and style guides, I punched in written content and pre-approved photography and submitted work I felt needed to be more creative. After a couple of years, I became a creative director in NYC for a company with lots of creative work, but that was quickly sinking.

My business breakthrough came through the company’s downfall. I had been pursuing freelance projects on the side, and when this company slashed my hours due to budget constraints, I had the resources to stay alive and the time to start building my business – Shattered Pencil Studios. It was a turning point I could have sabotaged by trying to get a more stable job. It was risky. It took a couple of years to start earning anything substantial from my budding business after fumbling through networking events, creative contracting opportunities online, requesting client referrals, and then undercutting my value. I made the best decision I’ve made in my business. I hired a business coach, Frank.

Frank taught me how to sell or how not to sell. He taught me to walk into any room, ask questions, listen, and make genuine connections. From these organic interactions, I was able to help people with their problems in the world of branding, graphic design, and content marketing. I referred my husband Grant, a yoga and movement teacher operating Hidden Warrior, to Frank, and his business exploded. In time, he needed my help on a creative and administrative level. Today, Grant and I run Hidden Warrior to help people get out of pain at home or in the boardroom, and I continue to work with clients on their branding and graphic design needs through Shattered Pencil Studios. The journey has been meandering, and the key has been remaining curious, flexible, and enthusiastic at every turn.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been scenic. I have learned powerful life lessons along the way. I have learned about the power of letting go of results by simply doing your best, being self-compassionate, and being selective with clients, projects, and collaborators. When I started my business, I was so afraid to narrow my scope that I became a Yes Woman. I just wanted jobs. As I refined my process and gained confidence, wisdom, and trust, I learned that narrowing down my scope allowed my business to grow meaningfully and sustainably. I could take on projects within my expertise and delegate work more effectively. I also enjoy operating a business by pursuing and qualifying leads and clients whose visions, values, and businesses align with mine. But I only got to this point with many runaway clients who didn’t pay, communication breakdowns, and straight-up emotional breakdowns! It has all been part of the growth, and for that, I am grateful.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Hidden Warrior Yoga, we use yoga, personal training, and functional movement to work with “Yoga’s not for me,” embrace “Everything hurts!” and challenge “I’m an athlete.” If you want to touch your toes, train for a marathon, relieve office pain, or feel great, we’re here to help you make that happen. And have a good time while we’re at it; why not?

One of our current focuses is redefining and promoting Corporate Wellness. We help companies cultivate a culture of physical and mental well-being. Simply. Whether you run a small firm or your business operates through hundreds of offices, implementing a wellness program within your company can benefit employees and your organization. By nurturing a culture of well-being and support, you will significantly impact various aspects of your business.

The stats & facts on wellness programs in the workplace:

• Boosts employee happiness and satisfaction, leading to up to 20% more productivity.
• Decreases sick days, with companies witnessing a 25% reduction in absenteeism through wellness initiatives.
• Fosters a culture of health and fitness, encouraging employees to adopt healthier lifestyles.
• Promotes camaraderie and team bonding, strengthening relationships within the workforce.
• Demonstrates care for employees’ well-being, building loyalty and trust, which improves employee retention.

We provide virtual or in-person courses, workshops, and training for companies seeking an approachable or supplemental wellness program. For more details, visit: https://hidden-warrior.com/corporate-wellness/

What does success mean to you?
Success for me is being present and having conviction within the present moment. Being present involves embracing this exact moment, the only one that exists, and not wasting it by living in the past or hustling for the future. By being present, I am fully alive in the now. That feels like success. By conviction, I have a forward moment within the moment. I am making the most of it, whatever that may look like. It may be cinching a deal with a killer client. Or it may be changing my baby’s diaper. Either is a success if I am present and pursuing the activity with a positive possibility. Yes, financial stability, growth trajectory in my business, a stable mind, and being surrounded by great people are bonuses to a successful life. But if, through circumstance, all of that falls away, I hope to remain in a success mindset by being truly present in Life’s moments. These momentary decisions accumulate and sculpt a rich and fulfilling life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hidden-warrior.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddenwarrioryoga/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiddenwarrioryoga
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-kosinski/

Image Credits
Charissa Yong Photography