“I am very independent.  I have a motto when I travel – I do not easily allow others to handle my luggage for me – even my husband.  My motto is that if I pack it, I carry it.  I am fiercely passionate about my daughters.  Raising my girls is the single accomplishment in life from which I derive the most satisfaction.  It is so hard to let go of my teenager – I raised her to be fiercely independent and I am very proud of who she is.  But at the same time I am dreading having to give her up to college next year.  I wish I could keep my daughters close, and yet let them spread their wings.”

Mary Kroening, Owner
Hidden Treasures Botanical Tours, L.L.C.
mary@hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com
www.hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com
573-881-6316

and Director, Orr Street Studios, director@orrstreetstudios.com

What do you think are the biggest challenges for professional women today? I think this highly varies amongst women.  My biggest challenge was my strong desire to have a successful career.  But at the same time I did not want to miss a single minute in the life of my daughters.  I have just recently learned the value of a strong circle of friends where we can share care of our children.  Having this as a career mother is huge. I have a special, wonderful circle of friends.  But I never fully valued true, deep friendship until last spring when I had to face the possibility of losing my youngest to a brain tumor. I wish I could be there for each and every mother about to face the same medical crisis.

What is something you wish you could change about your self? If I could do it over, I would not have worked when the girls were younger.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received? I was struggling in the early stages of my business and considering merging under a larger company.  Someone told me that whatever you give up, you cannot easily gain back … thus stay independent as long as possible.  I am so very glad I have weathered the storm of financial debt to stay independent.

How would you describe your leadership style? I tend to be too controlling over most situations. So as a result, I overcompensate by being passive and try to allow others be equal contributors to the overall team.

Has your career path held surprises along the way? I went to college to further my salary for my job as a naturalist in a state park.  And now I am Director at Orr Street Studios and run my own travel business, Hidden Treasures Botanical Tours.

What do you do to relax? I love to curl up with a good book.  I also love a good jog or walk.  My youngest daughter and I always try to watch sunset every night to wind down for bedtime.

What is one personal goal you haven’t yet achieved? To be financially sound enough to donate a large chunk of money each year to causes I believe in, and the time to volunteer for those causes.

What is your workplace pet peeve? When someone has so much potential – but not willing to put forth the effort to achieve their fullest potential.  I am afraid I can be placed into this category at times too.

Who do you consider a career mentor and why? My strongest mentor was the head naturalist at St. Croix State Park in Minnesota where I was a student intern.  She taught me the value of being an effective communicator in every aspect of life.  And how to read an audience and work within the expectations of a crowd.  She also taught me how to grow up and be an independent thinker and how to blaze my own trail in life by simply relying on myself.

What is your dream job? I live my dream job daily – I wake up with a smile each day, and wish the work day could have a few more hours each day.  I have never dreaded a work day.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years – personally and professionally? Professionally, in 10 years I would love to have my tours fill with less marketing effort … where people finding me by reputation alone.  Personally – I hope my youngest daughter will have beat her brain tumor and I will be attending her college graduation.  And I hope to have time to be an effective volunteer for several organizations in the town where I live.