Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebecca Wilson, Founder of Arborvida, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We live in a complex, changing world. More than ever, our society needs inspired leaders who possess the inner resources to gracefully hold the wholeness of their humanity and anchor into presence and purpose as they navigate increasingly challenging problems and uncertain times. My vision is a world where every leader embraces a sense of mindful intention and compassionate presence.

I offer coaching and facilitation to support leaders along their journeys toward personal and organizational transformation. I empower my clients to tap into and develop their own authentic self-awareness, presence, and clarity - to live with purpose and lead with intention.

Tell us about yourself

I spent much of my early life identifying with my achievement-oriented and people-pleasing tendencies. After years of pursuing goal after goal, I came to a life-changing realization. Despite all the achievements and external validation, I felt directionless, unfulfilled, and out of touch with myself. I felt a strong call to tap into a deeper sense of meaning and vitality in my life, work and being.

I began to explore yoga, mindfulness, travel, intentional living, and conscious leadership. Over time, I saw my life change and began to embody a more calm, grounding presence. These shifts rippled into my professional life, where I learned to work with greater focus, authenticity, and impact. My desire to help others bring greater intentionality into their lives and work inspired me to become a yoga teacher and coach and eventually launch Arborvida.

Once you experience inner freedom and deeper fulfillment, you can't help but want to share it with others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been gathering the courage to share something I'm so deeply passionate about with the world. Arborvida is an incredibly heart-led, personal project for me. I've felt compelled to share parts of myself I hadn't shared before as I tell my brand story. I've had to overcome many fears and unhelpful narratives about letting myself be so visible.

I think for any leader (including business owners), our capacity for impact expands as we grow as individuals. I'm more proud of my internal growth than any external accomplishments. The inner work of entrepreneurship is the truly hard stuff.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Trusting my vision. I strongly believe in my vision for the future of leadership - a world where working from a place of vitality, compassion, and a deep connection to purpose is the standard rather than the exception. Sometimes when I see the state of the world, my trust in that vision wavers, but something always brings me back to the vision. I keep finding other individuals and organizations with the same vision, and it reminds me of a shift happening in the world. The idea of conscious leadership is becoming less of an "out there" concept and resonates with a broader audience as the evidence supporting mindfulness builds.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Move toward the people who support you and believe in you. When you doubt yourself, think of each of those people and be grateful to have them in your circle.
  2. Celebrate yourself regularly. Both my husband and I are building businesses simultaneously. We love to keep a small bottle of champagne on hand to celebrate each and every little success. And YOU get to decide which successes to celebrate.
  3. Remember why you started (impact and lifestyle goals). Get clear on how you're measuring your progress against your goals. If you began your business to gain freedom and flexibility, make sure your business is actually moving you in that direction.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.arborvida.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arborvida_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawilsoncoaching/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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