Cristin Smith / EOA San Diego
After selling half of her business after the 2008 stock market crash, Cristin Smith took a six-month sabbatical to Mexico. Two months in, doctors found four tumors rapidly growing in her neck and thyroid. For a year, Smith coordinated with a variety of doctors from Tijuana to Los Angeles, in order to find the root problem and a cure. Smith found herself synthesizing the doctors’ diagnoses and recommendations since none of them were communicating with each other.
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“I kept asking myself, why isn't there one place where all of these people are under one roof and speaking to one another instead of getting contradictory diagnosis, recommendations and treatment plans?” Smith said.
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In September 2017, Smith opened Saffron and Sage, an integrative health clinic, in Little Italy, San Diego. The 6,000 square foot space has three treatment and therapy rooms, an IV lounge, a boutique, a plant-based pharmacy, a laboratory, gathering rooms for workshops and events, and a studio for movements, meditations and sacred circles.
In 2019, Smith brought on some strategic partners and investors. One of the investors, an EO member, said her only stipulation was for Smith to apply and join EO Accelerator with part of her investments. She now serves as Events Chair for the EO Accelerator Board and the EO Accelerator Representative on the EO Board.⠀⠀⠀
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Cristin Smith said her favorite aspects of the EO Accelerator program are the community, the camaraderie and the “badge of honor.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Smith said being part of EO Accelerator is similar to how the Better Business Bureau was viewed 10 years ago.
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“I think there is kind of an ethical badge in the EOA community, like oh wow, you are part of this elite group of entrepreneurs, and you are building a strong, stable and scalable business. You're also successful and reputable in the community,” Smith said.
Since she became an EOA participant, her biggest takeaway from the EO Accelerator program is the community. Smith said she built relationships that have opened doors in so many ways, such as to individuals and clients, who have helped direct her focus.