This year marks the ten-year anniversary I left corporate, depression, drug addiction, eating disorders and anxiety behind to follow my heart and become a mental health advocate and wellness writer. Today I am living my purpose as a speaker, empowerment coach, retreat leader and book author. Last year I took my business fully location independent and traveled the world solo for eight months. It led to an extraordinary journey of what it means to truly be alive, which is what my next book, Joy Seeker: Let Go of What's Holding You Back So You Can Live the Life You Were Made For, is all about: authentic living and how we can let go of what’s holding us back.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business?
How did the idea for your business come about?
I suffered from depression and corporate burnout myself. I lived for decades with self-hate and shame so my personal experience is what fuelled my mission to be able to help others. Once I discovered the tools and inner strength to pull myself out of the darkness and live in the light I became purpose driven. I am on a mission to help guide people back to their true selves. There are a lot of distractions and fear in the world, and when we give our attention to these outside forces, we lose sight of our true authentic power. I believe we all have the power to live in harmony and peace, but it has to first start with ourselves. I help empower people to believe and trust in themselves so they can make the most of their time on earth.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
I compared myself to other coaches, speakers and authors, which always kept me feeling less than, like I was off track or behind. I kept thinking if only they would recognize me and support me, and then I would be considered a power player in the industry. I would emulate their launches and promotions because it worked for them. It never worked for me. It took me a bit to find my own unique voice, but when I did I never looked back. I realized that my audience and my message were different. I stopped comparing myself to others and my business grew exponentially. “The more you, you show, the more your life will flow.”
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I am currently reading The School Called Planet Earth by Summer Bacon
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
My parents always wanted me to be happy and taught me how to be true to myself and follow my heart. They’ve always supported my entrepreneur journey, as they are business owners themselves. But I’ve lost boyfriends and what I thought were best friends to my path. What I share in my new book Joy Seeker, is that this is actually part of the entrepreneur journey. When we start being more authentic and showing up more for passion, and ourselves we will often lose friends and even family because they don't understand or support the path we are on. What is really happening is you are shinning more and this is new for them, they are not growing at the same pace. It’s okay to let go so you can grow. Plus your true tribe cant show up until you do.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Authenticity.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
You are on your own journey. Don’t compare yourself to anyone, because they are on their own path too. Just do you.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Be yourself and do what feels good for you. Follow your joy and always let it guide you.
