Name of business:
How long you have been in business for yourself?:
11 years
Business product or service:
Public Speaker, Trainer and Coach
What led you to start your business?:
While working in hospital administration I participated in and graduated from a professional coach training program. Coaching felt so natural to me and I wanted to build and leverage this skill even more. I incorporated it into my role at the hospital but also sought to transition into a role that allowed me to influence others using coaching skills even more.
During this time, I also sought more work/life balance – I wanted to spend more time with my two young boys and have a more flexible schedule. I explored many options before making the final decision and leap to leave my career in hospital administration and start my own business.
What kept/keeps you going during challenging times?:
For starters, I never look back and regret the decision I made. I am very dedicated and persistent and am not afraid to take actions that will keep me moving forward. It’s also helped to connect with like-minded professionals who share similar goals and challenges.
I established an accountability partnership with another colleague and we talk for 30 minutes every Monday morning. This partnership has been extremely helpful in keeping me motivated and moving forward.
One lesson you’ve learned during your entrepreneurial journey:
There is incredible value in being bold and constantly challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone.
One thing about your business that makes you smile.:
One thing that always makes me smile is witnessing the impact of my coaching or speaking on my clients. It is incredibly humbling to know that you have made a positive impact for others and that there’s a trickle-down effect. Even though you won’t see it, you know that impact will continue to unfold in miraculous ways.
Favorite motivational quote.:
It is impossible to choose just one since I love quotes. Here are three of my all-time favorites:
1) “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” – Japanese Proverb;
2) “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou;
3) “For things to change, first I must change.”
Favorite Chocolate:
I was doing some work in Dallas, TX and came across this incredible store called Chocolate Secrets that boasted hand-painted chocolate bon bons, ice cream, pastries, a coffee bar and a wine bar with live music. Their sea salt caramel was the best ever!
They are so amazing, I’m compelled to share the website with their bon bon flavor guide (because they will ship!) http://www.mychocolatesecrets.com/flavor-guide/. Runner-up is Vosges Naga Chocolate.
