Meet Chrisy Hassold, a passionate paramedic with a unique journey that led her to venture into entrepreneurship. Balancing her full-time paramedic job with her budding business, The Rebels Co., Chrisy shares insights on overcoming challenges, supporting extreme sport athletes, and spreading positivity amidst societal pressures. Her determination to pursue dreams outside the conventional 9-5 structure shines through as she shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and her long-term goals of making a positive impact through her business.
Can you share a bit about your journey from being a paramedic to starting your own business?
Well, it all started as I was 16 years old and went surfing for the very first time in my life. I wanted to connect working and surfing but didn`t knew how. Within a few years I have tried a couple of things but have never stuck to it. Fast foreward to 2019 I made my paramedic as I started to get an interest in first responder medicine. Even tho I am still working as a paramedic full-time I know that this job is no job you can do until you retire. Our current retirement age is 67. And I am certain they will raise the age limit until it would be my turn.
And could you imagine driving an ambulance, and carrying patients from the 5th floor (no elevator) at the age of 50+? Well I actually do not so that`s why after all these years I have started my business idea again.
What challenges or struggles did you face while balancing your full-time job and running your business?
I still have challenges, as I still work as a paramedic. I currently work 12h shifts and because we are understaffed I work a lot! Meaning I didn`t have as much time as I would like to, to be able to work on my shop. Also can`t stay awake the whole night as I am the ambulance driver so my focus must be 200% when I am out on the streets, meaning I simply can`t be awake 24/7 to also work on my shop. The financial part is big part as well. I only work with what I make from my full-time job meaning I have set myself a monthly allowance to pay everything for my shop. Oh, and Marketing.. I still have to figure that one out haha
How did you overcome these challenges, and what lessons did you learn from them?
Honestly, I haven`t overcome the challenges just yet but I have learned to slow down, not to force anything and eventually everything will turn out in time!
What is the significance of supporting extreme sport athletes for you, and how does it tie into your mission of spreading positivity and acceptance of non-traditional job paths?
For me the significance of supporting individuals and spreading positivity and (hopefully soon) supporting athletes is huge part. Every day I see online bullying, hating instead of just letting people do what they want. I love to watch Red Bull TV, WSL (word surf league) just to name a few and seeing them being given the chance in doing what they love and seeing them happy when they are climbing, surfing and much more is just amazing to me. In my Country, Germany, it mostly is all about finishing high school, getting into University and then a Job, house, kids and work until your old and can`t travel anymore and this was never an option for me! If you talk about your dreams or what you would like to do other than a 9-5 Job, many look at you with a slight disgust face and tell you, you will never make it or you are crazy and you shouldn`t even try. Many people over the world still have to struggle with these stereotypes and being called crazy as soon as they want to do something “extraordinary”. I want to spread positivity and also help small athletes to get a step closer to their goal.
What advice would you give to individuals who want to pursue their passions outside of the 9-5 job structure but fear judgment or societal pressure?
Uhm, thats a really good question. I have learned at an early age to barely care what others say. Probably also because my family doesn`t belive in me and like to laugh about me when I tell them about my shop.
My advice is to start, keep going and also stay with your 9-5 until you can make a living from your business, or have enough sponsors and as soon as you make the same or twice the salary you get, you can quit your job! And even if one door closes, another one will open and you try again. What ever you do it is not for everyone but don`t get discouraged. How do you say, “Some peoples trash is other peoples treasure”?
Could you share a specific moment or experience that has been particularly impactful or memorable during your journey with The Rebels Co.?
My journey with The Rebels Co. just begun. I think for now my most impactful moment for now is that I have made it official and send the papers to the inland revenue. (Germany like to not make it easy for people to start something small)
How do you stay motivated and focused, especially when facing setbacks or obstacles in your business?
At the moment it is slow and one day I was really discouraged and wondering myself why am I doing this, I am spending my own money (like many small business owner) on materials, website and nothing happens and then I have gotten one order. International to New York, USA and it made my hole day. Haha Also I think of the future, as being in the ambulance service is great, it`s fun, colleagues are great but you can`t do this job until you retire, also I have a small but amazing community at Threads which is really supportive to one another. Yea, that keeps me motivated 🙂
What are your long-term goals and aspirations for The Rebels Co.?
My long time goals is to help people, spread positivity and hopefully make an impact! It is actually too early to make such promises but I hope, that once I generate enough money, that I can make giveaways like money, travel, surfboard, snowboards what ever! I haven`t decided yet. In March 2024 I was at the international Ocean Film Tour and this made me think about the impact and importance of our world and soon I want to donate a percentage of products sold and give it to organisations helping the ocean, animals, environment etc.
Finally, what message or advice would you like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals looking to pursue their dreams despite challenges they may encounter?
Honestly, I probably am a bad influence to give out advise as I am a dick headed person :D(not sure if you say so in English, that’s the direct translation from my language into English) You can give me advise, I will keep it in my head but I have to try my way first. Either I make it through the wall OR I will run straight against it and hurt myself. Then I might consider your advice. But if I have to give some advice just start. Have an Idea what you want to do and how you finance everything. Then start, post on social media to get the word out, post your achievements or even failures. It is really important for others to see that not every success on social media is because you never failed. People nowadays love to see the real you and your personality. Everything will eventually work out itself 🙂
