What does it really look like to choose a different pace of life and build success around your family instead of your calendar?

In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, Diana Cassidy-Bush sits down with Easton Lambert, owner of Noko Spa in Thomasburg, to talk about the bold decision to leave city life behind and start fresh in a rural community.

After building a successful career in aesthetics for over two decades, Easton made the leap from a commercial spa setting in Durham to launching a home-based business in the country — all while raising two young children. What began as a scary, uncertain move quickly became the best decision she and her husband ever made.

Easton shares the real fears she faced leaving behind established clients, the surprising support she received from the local community, and how her definition of success has completely shifted. From immediate business growth to deeper neighborhood connections (including neighbors offering help during a power outage), her story highlights the power of choosing alignment over ambition.

This conversation explores:

1. The emotional side of leaving the city
2. Building a thriving wellness business from home
3. The health and vibrancy of rural living
4. Raising children immersed in community and outdoor life
5. Why slowing down can actually move you forward

If you’ve ever wondered whether life beyond the city limits could offer more than just space, this episode will inspire you to reconsider what success really means.

Learn more about Noko Spa: https://www.instagram.com/nokospa/

Episode Timestamps:

[0:00] - Introduction to the Country Club Podcast

[0:55] - Meet Easton Lambert, owner of Noko Spa

[1:47] - Easton's background and decision to move (2022)

[2:34] - The scary decision to leave her established career

[3:56] - Finding their forever home in Thomasburg

[4:36] - What surprised Easton most: the people and community

[5:50] - Getting used to country life (coyotes and cows!)

[6:15] - The evolution of Noko Spa

[7:19] - Working from home as a mom entrepreneur

[7:59] - Client demographics: teens to 80s

[9:06] - Surprising difference: country clients are healthier and more active

[10:30] - How the move changed family life: slowing down

[12:02] - Kids' activities: hockey, soccer, lacrosse

[13:32] - Getting involved: Festival of Trees and community events

[14:56] - The breakfast club and becoming a PTA mom

[15:36] - The awkward city visit: losing that sense of community

[17:08] - Ice storm story: neighbors offering help

[17:29] - What would she change? She would've moved sooner

[18:33] - Redefining success: happy, healthy family life

[19:15] - Final thoughts: growth comes from choosing differently

[20:09] - Closing and thank you

Key Takeaways

1. Growth Sometimes Means Choosing Differently

Easton’s move wasn’t about stepping back from ambition — it was about redefining it. Success shifted from scaling a commercial space to building a life aligned with family, flexibility, and fulfillment.

2. Fear Often Signals Expansion

Leaving a 23-year client base and launching a business from home felt risky. But the fear was rooted in the unknown — and once she stepped into it, the outcome exceeded expectations.

3. Community Is a Game-Changer

From immediate support at her soft opening to neighbors offering food during a power outage, rural life provided something the city never did: genuine connection.

4. Rural Living Impacts Health in Real Ways

Easton noticed a surprising difference in her clientele — country residents in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are often more active, vibrant, and physically capable. Access to fresh food, outdoor movement, and a slower pace appear to make a measurable impact.

5. Entrepreneurship Can Evolve with Your Season of Life

Working from home eliminated commute time and allowed Easton to integrate motherhood and business seamlessly — proving that career growth doesn’t have to compete with family life.

6. Kids Thrive in Open Spaces

From hockey and lacrosse to summer camps and lake days, the recreational opportunities and sense of belonging have shaped her children’s experience in powerful ways.

7. Success Now Means Peace

For Easton, success is no longer defined by scale or status — it’s defined by a happy, healthy family and the ability to be present. When home life is aligned, business follows.

This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the life you’re looking for isn’t further ahead — it’s simply in a different direction.

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: info@thedcbteam.ca

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!