If you've been following us for a while, you've probably heard us reiterate our motto, Wild. Beautiful. This three-word motto is a core pillar of what we do and who we are as a company.
What Wild. Beautiful. Means to us
It represents our transparency, innovation, and intention as a company, along with our mindfulness of the planet. It also encapsulates our interactions with each other; the heart of Wild. Beautiful. is one of love and humanity.
These core values extend to our community as well; that's how our Wild. Beautiful. Award was borne. It was a chance for our customers and fans to nominate an individual who embodies and exemplifies our three core values in their everyday lives.
And now, at long last, the day has come. So without further ado…
introducing our first wild. beautiful. awardee
We'd like you to meet Linda Sharp, our very first Wild. Beautiful. Awardee!
Linda is a music teacher at an elementary school and a major force in her community—and after 15 years and close to 5,000 children, it’s safe to say that she’s answered her life’s calling with grace, energy, and empathy.
Check out our interview with Linda below.
What do you do for a career, for fun?
I am a public-school general music educator for grades Kindergarten – 6th, a piano teacher, and a church musician. Since my days are so busy, I don't have a lot of time for recreation.
But when I do have time off, I take an 8-hour fun trip to see my side of the family. I enjoy exercising with my friends at the local robotic toning gym several times a week.
Who do you feel you are today? Has there been an event that has defined your life?
I am a music teacher and musician. My school classroom is filled with keyboards, guitars, xylophones, drums, recorders, bells and more. I love to teach music to children.
My defining moment was when I was 7 years old and my first piano teacher offered to give me free piano lessons if I promised to share my music. She must have seen something in me, since I chose music as my career.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My health is my biggest challenge. Sometimes, it is a daily battle to get up and go. I press on because I know the children need music. My kind husband helps me at home with my therapies and lots of housework.
What does Wild. Beautiful. mean to you?
I want to be the best I can be, so I can help others be their best. When I am free of toxins and environmental stress, my body and mind can perform at its best so that I can be wild about school. I feel beautiful when I can live my life with purpose.
What do you find beauty in your day to day life?
Beauty is when my child says, “Hi, mom!” each day when I come home and when our family says, “I love you” at bedtime.
Beauty is knowing someone cares for you with all your imperfections and that you are still valued.
Do you have any mantras or principals you live by?
Excellence is a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.
What are you passionate about?
There is nothing better to me than seeing a little child play the piano with all his might. The child is young, honest, unrefined, enthusiastic, and unaware of the world around him.
Many times, the child has fought through multiple learning challenges just to play the song. I am honored to be a teacher!
Congratulations, Linda. You truly represent Wild. Beautiful. inside and out!
Congrats and I think you must be a wonderful music teacher Linda 🙂
Thank you for so many things reflected in this post. Thank you for the positivity cultivated in a contest for a person/people who embody the qualities wild, honest, beautiful. Thank you for being a force for good by creating a company with such an intentional community culture. Thank you for products that embody those ideals in a world where products are more often defined by their bottom line, irregardless of the well-being of the consumer. And finally, thank you for sharing the story of this inspiring woman. There will ne quotes on my bulletin board inspiring me long after reading the post. I would love to hear all the stories. So on that note, a suggestion: what about posting monthly stories of other WHB women that came to light during the selection process? We could all use regular doses of inspiration! Thanks again for this beautiful post. Denise
Congratulations Linda! You represent the dedication of deserving educators everywhere. As a now retiring professor who has trained teachers for the last 28 years, I hear the light of passion and love shining through your voice. I cannot teach that to pre-service educators. Make every day a new one and thank you for giving of yourself in an under recognized profession.
What a wonderful award for a company to give!! I’m impressed with how your commitment to the quality and integrity of your products flows through to the commitment to your community! And, delighted to read that this year’s recipient is a music teacher. Congratulations Linda for a well-deserved award and the important work you do in the world!