Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Todisco, Owner of Catalyst for Change Coaching & Retreats, located in Waitsfield, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Catalyst for Change Coaching & Retreats. I'm a transformational coach and Eco-Warrior. In my one-on-one private coaching, I empower and guide women who want to reinvent their lives after a big change, such as a divorce, loss of a partner, empty nest, or trying to escape the 9-5 grind. Often, they want to move somewhere else, start a business, attract a soulmate, or transform their health through a non-toxic, earth-friendly lifestyle.
Working for over 30 years in the green living arena, I'm now creating an online group coaching & mastermind program, How to Live A Toxin-Free Lifestyle. How to Live a Toxin Free Lifestyle (HLTFL) is a three-month, online, live coaching & mastermind program for healthy lifestyle seekers who want a customized, healthy, sustainable lifestyle blueprint from a knowledgeable, trustworthy, 30+ year green living expert and transformational coach.
Tell us about yourself
I discovered fairly early on that my purpose was to serve as an agent of positive change, first, by learning and implementing new ways of thinking, tools, and practices in my own life and then by sharing that information and experience with others to help them live happier, healthier lives.
In my early teens, I became a healthy lifestyle seeker and personal growth enthusiast. Home-made whole foods, vitamins, and natural health strategies were staples in my home growing up. When I was 13 years old, I participated in a popular adult personal growth seminar that changed my way of thinking. I discovered that we are all responsible, albeit mostly unconsciously, for creating our reality--our future. At 16, I worked in a New York City health food store, which introduced me to organic food, supplements, homeopathy juice fasts, and much more.
In my early thirties, I was very involved with green living and environmental causes. I started a few environmental and green living nonprofits—and even got hired by Seventh Generation to lead one of them. After that, I started my own green living consulting business, sharing information and selling what I thought were the best green products available. It even got the attention of one of Oprah's producers.
I wanted to do more to help people make positive changes in their own lives—beyond green living. So, I got trained as a coach. I call myself a transformational coach and Eco-warrior. I receive great satisfaction from helping others live a greener, healthier lifestyle—AND helping clients achieve their big dreams and reinvent their lives, particularly women who have been through a big change. Much of this coaching work is done online.
Living on an organic farm in a popular resort town in Vermont, I also have direct access to visitors from around the world. I lead them on unique food and farm tours, personal growth retreats, and agricultural programs that teach them how to grow their own sustainable healthy food. Overall, I love sharing what I've learned with others to help them improve their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments is the first personal growth and wellness retreat I created eight years ago. The life-changing results that the participants received went beyond my wildest dreams. The other thing is evolving with the times. Coaching today is very different than it was 14 years ago when I became certified. I pride myself on staying current and learning all of the new ways to connect with people and share information.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Working alone without a team. I love working from home, but I have learned the importance of working and learning from and with others. I am always looking for ways to create a community that helps support each other on our journeys. I truly believe that the rising tide lifts all boats.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out what your "why" is. What unique gifts do you have to share with others, and why is that important for you?
- Discover what sets you apart from your competition. Strive to be your unique self.
- Look for guidance and support--but only with people that really resonate with you. Check in with your intuition. Try not to be manipulated by smooth-talking "experts." We've all been burned by investing money in someone that did not deliver on their lofty promises.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://catalystforchangecoach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.d.todisco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytodisco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytodisco/
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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