Name of Business:
How long you have been in business for yourself?:
7 years
Business product or service:
Training – Coaching – Holistic Counseling. I train in conflict management, mindful communication, emotional intelligence, life-value alignment.
What led you to start your business?:
I was introduced to Life Coaching while attending a human resource event. The speaker was a life coach. I had thought of getting a social work degree but I’m always doing things the “alternative way.” When I heard her I knew that’s what I wanted to pursue. I took the instruction from the school she had gone to, CTI. However, I found I wanted more psychological training. I found HLC, Inc. in Forked River, New Jersey.
Since I had to go through my “own work” before entering the certification program I realized that it provided me with a deep understanding of myself and how I interacted with others. It also taught me how to recognize if and when I might become accessed* by a client’s issues. Over the years I have added some of my own models in order to enhance my client’s experience.
*Being accessed happens for a coach, counselor or therapist when their client has an issue or perhaps acts in a certain way that brings some issue up for the counselor. Accessed is a state of being where one is being negatively triggered and is resonating fear-based emotions such as anger, jealousy, frustration, resentment, etc.
What kept/keeps you going during challenging times?: I have always been a hopeful person. I believe in myself and know that coaching, teaching and counseling is my life calling. Knowing that every stage in life is temporary and that has also helped me through.
One lesson you’ve learned during your entrepreneurial journey:
I had the experience where several people thought I would give my services free. Of course, I have done pro-bono work, but people respect you when you have a fee-for-service mindset.
One thing about your business that makes you smile:
One thing that makes me smile is when the light bulb goes off for a client. Even if we are doing a session by phone I can tell. There is a shift in their energy. I smile when my client has closure or fulfillment.
Favorite motivational quote:
“Change is Inevitable…Growth is Optional. Why not take the option?”
Favorite chocolate:
Hmmm…Godiva, Belgium, or Snickers.
