Show Notes:Andrea’s links: Andrea’s personal Instagram: @vtandreaAndrea’s “side hustle” on Etsy: AlpineJoy – https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlpineJoyShorts – “Another Way” Series with @mammutnaYouTube, Climbing the Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns4fwECW0qkVimeo, Finding Strength in Fragile Places: https://vimeo.com/612191876Episode Intro: Dear listeners, happy Wednesday and welcome to another episode of the Female Guides Requested Podcast. I’m your host Ting Ting from Las Vegas. Today’s guest is Andrea Charest and she is very special. I met Andrea in 2007 at my very first WFR course on the east coast. I after all moved to the west coast wanting to climb longer objectives but thanks to the rise of social media, Andrea and I stayed connected. Right now Andrea co-owns Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School. She is an AMGA Certified Ice Instructor, Assistant Rock Guide, and Apprentice Alpine Guide. She navigates work and life as a mother, partner, guide, ally, and Mammut Ambassador.In this episode Andrea talked about how she started her guiding career in Vermont, how she found harmony between motherhood and work, and how she regained her footing after a devastating accident almost claimed her husband, Steve’s life. During her interview, Andrea expressed gratitude to the climbing community, emphasizing the immense support she’s received. Andrea is humble, and resilient, competent and professional, she loves what she is doing and she is damn good at what she is doing.Now please enjoy this episode. Things We Talked about: Motherhood – planned or unplanned? Somewhere in betweenCareer? Kid? Biological clock?It’s all part of the decision makingPregnancy versus climbing; impact on guidingExperience sharing how she managed to raise a kid and continue workingThe role of a nanny, family and friendsSteve’s accidentThe support from the climbing communityWhat Andrea and Steve learned from Steve’s accident from the perspective of a business ownerInjuries can happenHow did Andrea start her guiding careerIce versus rockThe magic of guidingThe love of the outdoorsHow’s climbing in AdirondacksAndrea’s experience sharing on her AMGA rock guide examHow Andrea learned from the “failed” attempt and moved onWhat’s the role of ego play in climbing and in an exam?Why did Andrea pursue Ice InstructorEast coast guiding, particularly the tri-state: NY, NH, VTWork life harmonyProudest momentsWhat Andrea wants listeners to take away?Climbing in New England